December 11: What holiday is celebrated today and the key events taking place.

On Wednesday, December 11, a number of holidays are celebrated in Ukraine and around the world. Additionally, several significant events occurred on this day in the past.

December 11 is celebrated as International Tango Day in Ukraine and worldwide. This day is dedicated to honoring tango — a culture, music, dance, and lifestyle that have become an integral part of the cultural heritage of Argentina and Uruguay. The date was chosen to commemorate two iconic figures in the history of tango: Carlos Gardel (the legendary singer and composer often referred to as the "King of Tango") and Julio De Caro (an outstanding composer, conductor, and violinist who made significant contributions to the development of tango music).

On December 11, it is also World Asthma Day. This day aims to raise awareness about bronchial asthma, its prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Bronchial asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways that manifests as episodes of breathing difficulties, coughing, shortness of breath, and a feeling of tightness in the chest.

Additionally, December 11 marks International Mountain Day. This day was proclaimed by the UN in 2003 to draw attention to the importance of mountain ecosystems for the planet’s life and human well-being. International Mountain Day is a call to protect mountains, as they are vital for millions of people and the entire planet.

What is the church holiday today?

December 11 in the church calendar is the day of remembrance for Saint Daniel the Stylite. He was an Orthodox saint who lived in the 14th century. He was born in the town of Hilandar, which is now part of Bulgaria. Daniel was known for his spiritual strength and devotion to God. He founded a monastery on Mount Ai-Petri in Constantinople, where he spent most of his life. Daniel was recognized for his miraculous deeds and spiritual wisdom, attracting many followers. He passed away in 1492 and was canonized by the Orthodox Church.

Calendar of significant events for December 11

220 AD — Cao Pi forces Emperor Xian of Han to abdicate the throne of the Han dynasty;

361 AD — Flavius Claudius Julian enters Constantinople as the sole emperor of the Roman Empire;

630 AD — Muhammad leads an army of 10,000 to the walls of Mecca;

1648 AD — Rebels capture the Kyiv castle at night;

1769 AD — Blinds are patented in Great Britain;

1789 AD — The University of North Carolina is founded;

1844 AD — In Boston, dentist Horace Wells first uses nitrous oxide as an anesthetic in dentistry;

1852 AD — The oldest currently operating circus facility opens in Paris;

1894 AD — The first automobile exhibition in the world, featuring 9 companies, opens in Paris;

1924 AD — A Ukrainian party conference of production cells opens in Kharkiv;

1981 AD — London’s Big Ben stops due to the cold (at 12:27);

1991 AD — Ukraine announces the establishment of diplomatic relations with the former Soviet republics;

2003 AD — The first arthouse film distributor, "Arthouse Traffic," begins operations in Ukraine;

2013 AD — An unsuccessful attempt to disperse Euromaidan in Kyiv occurs by the Berkut and police special forces.