On a day like today! The anniversary of the beginning of Harry Potter and other historical events around the world
A small edition of 500 copies marked the beginning of a story that would reach millions of dollars. Photo: Panamericana / iStock.
On June 26, 1997, 'Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone' was published in the United Kingdom, the first book in a series that would change the landscape of young adult literature.
The novel, written by a then-unknown JK Rowling, was initially rejected by several publishers.
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However, a small edition of 500 copies marked the beginning of a story that would reach millions of copies: more than 400 million copies sold in more than 88 languages.
In 1999, the book entered The New York Times bestseller list, and in 2001, a film adaptation was released, giving rise to a franchise that has become one of the most successful of all time.
A film adaptation was released in 2001. Photo: Max / Warner Bros.
In addition to the Harry Potter anniversary, according to the Francisco José de Caldas District University, June 26th is World Rainforest Day , a day intended to raise awareness about the importance of these ecosystems for the health of the planet.
The event was established in 1999 by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), in conjunction with organizations such as the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF).
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Tropical forests play a key role in climate regulation, biodiversity conservation, and the livelihoods of millions of people , especially indigenous and rural communities that directly depend on their resources.
June 26 marks the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture, a date proclaimed in 1997 by the United Nations General Assembly.
This day seeks to pay tribute to those who have been subjected to torture around the world and reaffirm the international commitment to its complete eradication.
The June 26 election recalls the entry into force, in 1987, of the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment.
Today, this convention represents one of the key legal instruments in the fight for human rights.
This day seeks to pay tribute to those who have been subjected to torture. Photo: iStock
The day also brings together numerous births, deaths and events of historical significance:
- 1819: Juana Manso, Argentine feminist educator and journalist, is born.
- 1908: Salvador Allende, president of Chile until his overthrow in 1973, is born.
- 1942: Gilberto Gil, influential Brazilian musician, is born.
- 1964: Zeng Jinlian, recognized as the tallest woman in the world, is born.
- 1974: Augusto Pinochet formally assumes the presidency of Chile.
- 1977: Elvis Presley's last concert.
- 1993: American singer Ariana Grande is born.
- 2001: The first draft of the human genome is presented.
- 2011: River Plate is relegated for the first time in its history.
- 2015: The United States legalizes same-sex marriage nationwide.
- 2016: Inauguration of the Panama Canal expansion.
The date is also marked by international and national commemorative days, such as the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, proclaimed by the United Nations.
*This content was written with the assistance of artificial intelligence, based on publicly available information released to media outlets. It was also reviewed by a journalist and an editor.
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