Google doodles

[9A]

5 July 2017

Venezuela National Day 2017




On July 5, 1811, Venezuela became the first independent state in South America. Venezuelans celebrate this special day with parades, cultural shows, street gatherings, and of course fireworks!

Like its vibrant heritage of African, Spanish, and indigenous influences, Venezuela's terrain is vast. Islands and coastal plains surround the Andes to the north. Along the Orinoco River to the south lie savannas and tropical rainforests.

Today’s Doodle showcases the Morrocoy National Park in northwest Venezuela. The crystal-clear waters of the Caribbean Sea line the 79,296-acre park, and the sea and the park together nourish hundreds of bird species and ocean wildlife, including flamingos, pelicans, turtles, and dolphins.

Happy Independence Day, Venezuela!

[9A]

5 July 2021

Celebrating Maliheh Afnan



Today’s Doodle celebrates Palestinian-born artist Maliheh Afnan, who is widely regarded among the most significant Middle Eastern artists of the 20th century. In what she called “written paintings,” her artifact-style mixed media explores themes such as exile and displacement while acknowledging Middle Eastern conflicts and the influence of her cultural heritage. The Institute of Contemporary Arts in Milan featured Afnan’s 1979 piece “Wartorn” in a virtual group exhibition “The Symmetry of Fragility,” which ended on this day in 2020.

Maliheh Afnan was born in Haifa, Palestine on March 24, 1935, before her family sought refuge from war in Beirut, Lebanon in 1949. Afnan was fascinated with written language as a child and filled pages with imaginary text and numbers, developing a striking style of abstract calligraphy. She moved to the U.S. in 1956 to pursue her dream of becoming an artist.

Afnan graduated from an M.F.A. program in 1962, during which her infusion of Arabic and Persian script into assignments motivated a teacher to introduce her to American calligraphic artist Mark Tobey. Afnan cold-called Tobey, who became her mentor and facilitated her first European solo exhibition in 1971–a turning point in what grew into an over 50-year career. She returned to Beirut in 1974, but the civil war forced her to move to Paris before finally settling in London in 1997.

Today, Afnan’s collections can be found in galleries across the Middle East, in numerous European museums, and in New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Here’s to you, Maliheh Afnan! Thank you for writing a new script for future generations of artists.

[9A]

5 July 2016

Carmen Costa’s 96th Birthday


Throughout the years, the voice of Afro-Brazilian singer Carmen Costa has reverberated from radios, record players, boomboxes and more, with songs such as "Está Chegando A Hora," living on as a festival anthem. Beginning her music career in her late teens in the early 1940s, Costa went on to share the stage with some of the most respected samba and bossa nova artists and musicians of the 20th century. She also spent time touring and living in the U.S. where she appeared in film and produced a long list of hit records.

Born in Rio de Janeiro on July 5th 1920, today’s Doodle celebrates what would have been Costa’s 96th birthday.

[9A]

17 December 2021

Celebrating Carrie Best




Today’s Doodle, illustrated by Toronto, Ontario, Canada-based guest artist Alexis Eke, celebrates Canadian activist, author, journalist, publisher, and broadcaster Carrie Best and her record of influential accomplishments, including co-founding The Clarion—one of the first Nova Scotian newspapers owned and operated by Black Canadians. For her humanitarian efforts, Best was made a Member of the Order of Canada in 1974, and subsequently became an Officer of the Order of Canada on this day in 1979.

Carrie Mae Prevoe was born on March 4, 1903, in New Glasgow, Nova Scotia during a time of pronounced racial discrimination. Encouraged by her parents to take pride in her heritage, she decided from a young age to refuse racial stereotypes and immerse herself in historical and literary works written by Black Canadians and African-Americans. In 1925, she married Albert T. Best.

In 1943, Best was arrested for sitting in the “white only” section of New Glasgow’s Roseland Theatre—an act of protest against the forcible removal of several Black teens who attempted to sit there only days before. She then sued the theatre based on racial discrimination but lost the case. Her drive for equal rights was only strengthened by this event.

Best founded The Clarion in 1946 to publish news by and for the nation’s Black community. In 1952, Best established her own radio show titled “The Quiet Corner,” where she broadcast music and read poetry often relating to human rights for the next 12 years. Best was also a strong advocate for the rights of Indigenous peoples.

Best’s efforts were recognized with honorary law doctorates in 1975 and 1992. The University of King’s College in Halifax, one of the institutions that awarded Best, continues to carry on her legacy by offering outstanding Black and Indigenous Canadian students a scholarship named in her honor.

Thank you for fighting for the future of marginalized people in Canada and beyond, Carrie Best!

[9A]

24 Dec 2021

Moin Akhtar's 71st birthday



Today’s Doodle, illustrated by Lahore, Pakistan-based guest artist Hazem Asif, celebrates the 71st birthday of Pakistani entertainment icon Moin Akhtar. A champion of everyday people, Akhtar is widely regarded as one of Pakistan’s greatest comedic actors.

Moin Akhtar was born in Karachi, Pakistan on this day in 1950. He began his stage career at 16 years old and quickly became known for his masterful impersonations and side-splitting skits. After a breakout 1966 appearance on a popular Pakistani talk show, Akhtar became a household name.

Akhtar mastered several languages—English, Sindhi, Punjabi, Memoni, Pashto, Gujarati, and Bengali—and comedic delivery in each. This dedication to his wide-ranging craft fueled the steady success of a four-decade career on both stage and television. As versatile as he was funny, Akhter reached even higher levels of prestige with his performance as the woman protagonist in “Rosy,” widely regarded as one of Pakistani TV’s most successful productions.

Akhtar later joined forces with fellow entertainment icon Anwar Maqsood. Together, the pair hosted over 400 episodes of the 1995 satirical talk show “Loose Talk” and Akhtar entertained millions playing different characters. To honor his artistic contributions, Akhtar was awarded the prestigious Presidential Pride of Performance and the Sitara-e-Imtiaz, Pakistan’s third-highest civilian honor.

Here’s to the many faces of Moin Akhtar and the smiles they brought to fans around the world!

[9A]

24 December 2017

Mohammed Rafi’s 93th Birthday




In the early 1930’s, a little boy named Pheeko would wait for a traveling fakir to stop by his home village of Kotla Sultan Singh and follow him on his rounds, imitating his chants as they went along. Later, living in the cultural and film hub of Lahore, Pheeko hummed songs during work at a relative’s barber shop. Customers noticed his talent – as did his brother, who arranged for Pheeko to train under Ustad Abdul Wahid Khan in the face of immense opposition from their father.

Pheeko grew up to be Mohammed Rafi, the king of playback singing in India. Pheeko has nearly five thousand songs to his credit across a range of genres [including romantic ballads, rock and roll, and classical music] and languages [including Hindi, English, Arabic, Persian, Sinhalese, Creole, and Dutch].

The dreamy romance of ‘Chaudhvi ka Chand’ won Rafi his first Filmfare award in 1960, to be followed by five more. In 1977 he was awarded the National Award for ‘Kya Hua Tera Wada.’ He was feted by the Indian government with the Padma Shri in 1967.

Today’s Doodle by Mumbai-based illustrator Sajid Shaikh depicts Rafi as the king of playback singing in Bollywood. It shows the journeys of famous Rafi songs as they progressed from the studio, onto the silver screen and into the hearts of fans forever.

[9A]

27 Dec 2017

Marlene Dietrich’s 116th Birthday



Born Maria Magdalene Dietrich in Berlin on this day in 1901, Marlene Dietrich lit up the silver screen during Hollywood’s Golden Age.

Dietrich rocketed to international fame from the moment she appeared in her breakout role as cabaret singer Lola-Lola in Germany’s first talking picture, Der Blaue Engel [1930 and its English version, The Blue Angel. The actress crossed the Atlantic soon after its premiere, continuing to work with Blue Angel director Josef von Sternberg in a string of memorable Hollywood films, including Morocco, Shanghai Express, and The Devil Is a Woman.

But Dietrich was more than a femme fatale with an unforgettable voice. Ever the risk-taker, she turned pat notions about femininity upside down, donning a tuxedo and top hat in her part as a sultry nightclub dancer in Morocco, and wearing men’s silk suits offscreen. A U.S. citizen as of 1939, she captivated World War II troops as a USO entertainer and was awarded the U.S. Medal of Freedom and French Légion d'Honneur for her wartime work.

Dietrich’s Doodle was illustrated by artist Sasha Steinberg who captured her mid-performance, suited up in her gender-bending tux and top hat. Steinberg, who is also a drag performer under the name Sasha Velour and winner of RuPaul's Drag Race [Season 9], counts Dietrich as a major influence in creating their drag alter ego.

“She was a wild original!” says Velour. “Despite the pressures of the time, she followed her own course, especially in terms of politics and gender. As a drag queen, that's particularly inspiring to me. Plus, she just had this power to her...in every role she's mysterious and strong, brilliant. That's what I aspire to be when I step on the stage.”

Happy 116th birthday, Marlene!

[9A]

27 December 2013

Johannes Kepler's 442nd Birthday





Johannes Kepler was a German astronomer, mathematician, astrologer, natural philosopher and writer on music. He is a key figure in the 17th-century Scientific Revolution, best known for his laws of planetary motion, and his books Astronomia nova, Harmonice Mundi, and Epitome Astronomiae Copernicanae. These works also provided one of the foundations for Newton's theory of universal gravitation.

[9A]

9 January 2014

Simone de Beauvoir's 106th Birthday





Simone Lucie Ernestine Marie Bertrand de Beauvoir was a French existentialist philosopher, writer, social theorist, and feminist activist. Though she did not consider herself a philosopher, and even though she was not considered one at the time of her death, she had a significant influence on both feminist existentialism and feminist theory.

Beauvoir wrote novels, essays, biographies, autobiographies, and monographs on philosophy, politics, and social issues.

[9A]

7 July 2023

Tanabata 2023




Today’s Doodle celebrates the Japanese festival Tanabata [七夕]. On the seventh day of the seventh lunar month, dazzling fireworks crackle and echo throughout Japan’s skyline where two star-crossed lovers reunite. Legend has it the couple can only meet up in the Milky Way on this day each year. Today’s Doodle artwork is made from hand-cut paper and shows the lovers meeting framed by tanzaku and bamboo.

Below the dazzling night sky, millions of people flock to vibrant festivals in celebration of the beloved Japanese folktale. On the first day, many make wishes or tanzakus for the season ahead. These wishes are customarily written on bright paper streamers and hung from bamboo branches in homes or at public celebrations. Glowing floats decorated with dolls and ornaments parade through the heart of the events while street vendors line the sides. The most popular snacks include octopus-filled dough balls called takoyaki and okonomiyaki, mouth watering pancakes served with cabbage and mayonnaise.

Each Tanabata festival, people across Japan hope for clear skies. According to legend, the lovers can’t find one another in poor weather conditions.

Happy Tanabata to all who celebrate! May all your wishes come true.

[9A]

8 July 2020

Artemisia Gentileschi’s 427th birthday




Today’s Doodle celebrates groundbreaking Italian artist Artemisia Gentileschi on her 427th birthday. Gentileschi is best known for her depictions of powerful heroines, many of which seem to reflect the prejudice and hardship she faced in her own life. Today she is considered one of the greatest female artists of the Baroque period.

Artemisia Gentileschi was born in Rome in present-day Italy on this day in 1593. Her father was a painter and trained young Gentileschi in the dramatic style developed by the master Caravaggio. At just 17, Gentileschi produced one of her most famous works, “Susanna and the Elders” [1610], which for many years was incorrectly credited to her father.

After Gentileschi fell victim to a tragic crime in her teen years, her father brought her art teacher to trial, and though he was found guilty, Gentileschi’s reputation was unjustly tarnished in the process. Gentileschi rose above these circumstances to achieve enormous success in a field typically reserved for men.

Among her many accomplishments, in 1616, she became the first woman accepted to the esteemed Accademia del Disegno [Academy of Design] in Florence. She received patronage from the famous Medici family and even struck up a friendship with the legendary scientist Galileo.

Following centuries of relative obscurity, Gentileschi’s paintings are today celebrated around the world, and an ornate plate rests in her honor as part of Judy Chicago’s iconic work “The Dinner Party” [1979].

Buon compleanno, Artemisia Gentileschi!

[9A]

7 Jul 2008
Marc Chagall's Birthday - images used with the permission of the Artist Rights Society


Marc Chagall [born Moishe Shagal; 6 July [O.S. 24 June] 1887 – 28 March 1985] was a Russian-French artist. An early modernist, he was associated with several major artistic styles and created works in a wide range of artistic formats, including painting, drawings,

[9A]

7 July 2022

Tanabata 2022




Today’s Doodle honors Tanabata [七夕], a Japanese festival celebrating the timeless tale of two star-crossed lovers named Orihime and Hikoboshi. As legend goes, the couple can only reunite in the Milky Way on this day each year.

In this story, Orihime is a celestial princess who weaves beautiful garments for her formidable father—The Sky King. One day she meets a cowherd named Hikoboshi and they fall in love. As Orihime spends more time with her sweetheart, she stops weaving for her father. This upsets the Sky King, who sees the relationship as a distraction. Ignoring his daughter’s wishes, he banishes Hikoboshi to the other side of the galaxy.

Once a year during Tanabata a flock of magpies fly across the universe. The iridescent birds form a bridge for Hikoboshi and Orihime to cross and find each other. But poor weather conditions can prevent the magpies from reaching the end of the galaxy.

That’s why people across Japan wish for clear skies every Tanabata, so that the ill-fated lovers won't have to wait another year to meet. It is customary for people to write their wishes on a colorful strip of paper [tanzaku].

As depicted in today’s artwork, people celebrate Tanabata by enjoying the beautiful, cascading garlands that hang throughout Japan.

Happy Tanabata to all who celebrate! May your deepest wishes come true this year.

[9A]

17 January 2022

Forges' 80th birthday


Today’s Doodle celebrates Spanish cartoonist, author, television writer, and film director Antonio Fraguas de Pablo–better known by his pen name Forges–who is widely considered among the nation’s most significant graphic humorists of his era. In his signature style of simple, thick, black outlines, Forges provided the Spanish public with a satirical yet compassionate lens into some 50 years of the country’s history.

Antonio Fraguas de Pablo was born in Madrid, Spain on this day in 1942, and from a young age, he knew he wanted to become a cartoonist. At 14, he began to work as a technician for the public broadcaster Televisión Española, and while there, he published his first cartoon in the newspaper Pueblo in 1964. He continued to publish his cartoons over the following years, and in 1973, he finally left his job to realize his childhood dream of becoming a full-time cartoonist.

Forges quickly rose in popularity, filling newspaper pages with a subversive cast of cartoon characters who helped the public to process an unfolding evolution in Spanish society. Over the decades that followed, he put out many thousands of cartoons that explored everything from new technology to the discovery of the Higgs boson particle. A true creative powerhouse, Forges also directed films, wrote scripts for television comedies, published books of cartoons, and even wrote a novel.

Forges received countless accolades throughout his career, including Spain’s Gold Medal for Merit in Fine Arts in 2011.

[9A]

17 January 2013
Cecilia May Gibbs' 136th Birthday



Cecilia May Gibbs MBE [[17 January 1877 – 27 November 1969) was an Australian children's author, illustrator, and cartoonist. She is best known for her gumnut babies [[also known as "bush babies" or "bush fairies"[1]), and the book Snugglepot and Cuddlepie.

[9A]

17 January 2014

Tomás Carrasquilla's 155th Birthday



Tomás Carrasquilla Naranjo [1858 – 1940] was a Colombian writer who lived in the Antioquia region. He dedicated himself to very simple jobs: tailor, secretary of a judge, storekeeper in a mine, and worker at the Ministry of Public Works. He was an avid reader, and one of the most original Colombian literary writers, greatly influencing the younger generation of his time and later generations. Carrasquilla was little known in his time, according to Federico de Onís, a scholar of Carrasquilla's works. It was only after 1936, when he was already 78 years old, when he was awarded with the National Prize of Literature, that Carrasquilla got a national recognition. Tomás Carrasquilla Library Park is named in his honor.

[9A]

3 Feb 2014

Anniversary of the coldest temperature ever recorded in Canada





The coldest place in Canada based on average yearly temperature is Eureka, Nunavut, where the temperature averages at −19.7 °C or −3.5 °F for the year.

[9A]

17 Feb 2014

Andrew Barton "Banjo" Paterson's 150th Birthday
[born 1864]




Andrew Barton "Banjo" Paterson, [17 February 1864 – 5 February 1941] was an Australian bush poet, journalist and author. He wrote many ballads and poems about Australian life, focusing particularly on the rural and outback areas, including the district around Binalong, New South Wales, where he spent much of his childhood. Paterson's more notable poems include "Clancy of the Overflow" [1889], "The Man from Snowy River" [1890] and "Waltzing Matilda" [1895], regarded widely as Australia's unofficial national anthem.

[9A]

27 June 2023

Celebrating Martin Dibobe


Today’s Doodle, illustrated by Berlin-based guest artist Helene Baum-Owoyele, celebrates Cameroonian train driver Martin Dibobe. On this day in 1919, Dibobe and 17 other African people petitioned the German government for independence and civil rights for all people in Germany’s colonial empire.

Dibobe was born in 1876 in Cameroon, which became a German colony in 1884. The son of a Douala chief, he learned to read and write in a missionary school. In his youth, the German government ordered Dibobe and many other Africans in Berlin to join an ethnographic display designed to teach Germans about daily life in Africa and gather support for colonialism. In 1886, Dibobe and one hundred other Africans were shipped to Berlin on a steamboat.

For six months, Dibobe lived under terrible conditions and appeared as an “exhibit” of African life in Berlin’s Treptower Park. Afterward, he stayed in Germany and worked as a locksmith in a local factory before falling in love with a German woman. Although the registry office refused to document their union, they later married with the support of a clergyman.

Dibobe then earned a job at the Berlin subway system and worked his way up to become the first Black train driver in the city. Unsatisfied with his social mobility, he advocated for African rights across the empire. It’s believed that the German government sent Dibobe back to Cameroon to help build a new railway line around 1907. During this time, he shared his views on equal rights with chiefs in his native country.

After the 1919 Treaty of Versailles, Germany ceded its colonies to France and Britain. Dibobe rallied fellow advocates to appeal to Germany’s National Assembly. The Dibobe petition included 32 demands supporting equal rights for the country’s African migrants, but it was ignored by the government.

Cameroon fell under French rule and when Dibobe tried to return in 1922, they denied his entry. He then traveled to Liberia where he most likely died. Today, a plaque commemorates Martin Dibobe’s efforts at his old address in Berlin. In the face of blatant racism, Dibobe always championed African rights and paved the way for future activists.

Thanks, Martin Dibobe for serving as a role model for future advocates of Black independence.

[9A]

7 July 2011

Miroslav Krleza's 118th Birthday




For this doodle, I worked closely with a Googler in our Hungary office to learn more about Miroslav Krleza and his works. His most iconic character is the folk ballad musician, Petrica Kerempuh, who I ended up depicting in the final artwork. The style itself is based on my personal admiration of Eastern European illustration. This style has often been used to depict Kerempuh in bright, cheerful costume, in some ways to contrast the complex, multi-layered, [and sometimes darker] themes in Krleza’s exploration of Croatia’s historical experience.

Posted by Mike Dutton

[9A]

7 July 2023

Tanabata 2023




Today’s Doodle celebrates the Japanese festival Tanabata [[七夕). On the seventh day of the seventh lunar month, dazzling fireworks crackle and echo throughout Japan’s skyline where two star-crossed lovers reunite. Legend has it the couple can only meet up in the Milky Way on this day each year. Today’s Doodle artwork is made from hand-cut paper and shows the lovers meeting framed by tanzaku and bamboo.

Below the dazzling night sky, millions of people flock to vibrant festivals in celebration of the beloved Japanese folktale. On the first day, many make wishes or tanzakus for the season ahead. These wishes are customarily written on bright paper streamers and hung from bamboo branches in homes or at public celebrations. Glowing floats decorated with dolls and ornaments parade through the heart of the events while street vendors line the sides. The most popular snacks include octopus-filled dough balls called takoyaki and okonomiyaki, mouth watering pancakes served with cabbage and mayonnaise.

Each Tanabata festival, people across Japan hope for clear skies. According to legend, the lovers can’t find one another in poor weather conditions.

Happy Tanabata to all who celebrate! May all your wishes come true.

[9A]

7 July 2015

Eiji Tsuburaya’s 114th Birthday




See the interactive version here!


The lights dim. Cameras start to roll. A film crew silently watches. Suddenly! From behind a hand-built skyline, a towering beast appears! Shaking off a layer of dust, the massive foam-and-rubber monster leans back to act out an amazing roar [[the sound effect will be added in later). Then, stomping towards the camera, the giant moves closer, and closer, until…”Cut!”


Seen this film before? This live action genre, known as “Tokusatsu” [特撮] in Japanese, is unmistakable in its style, and still evident in many modern beast-based thrillers. In today’s Doodle, we spotlight one of Tokusatsu’s kings, Eiji Tsuburaya, the quiet pioneer who created Ultraman, co-created Godzilla, and brought Tokusatsu to the global cinematic mainstream. Doodler Jennifer Hom led us through the inspiration behind the interactive Doodle:

Who was Tsuburaya, and what drew you to create this tribute to him?

“Director Eiji Tsuburaya is best known for the famous characters he brought to life, like Ultraman. After many years in the ‘monster business,’ he set up his own practical effects studio, Tsuburaya Productions, which we were lucky enough to visit for this project! Having grown up as a film fan, I’ve always had a deep love for Tokusatsu, so I was eager to find a way to bring attention to Tsuburaya’s art. It’s fascinating to me how long-lasting the results of his work has been – it’s easy to see remnants of the Tokusatsu style in Guillermo del Toro’s Pacific Rim, Evangelion, and even the Power Rangers.”

[9A]

9 Jul 2015

Aiga Rasch’s 74th Birthday


Happy Birthday Aiga Rasch!

Aiga Rasch was a German illustrator, graphic designer and painter. Though her best-known work covered the youth mystery book series Die drei ??? [The Three Investigators], it doesn't take a detective to identify Aiga Rasch's signature style. In Germany, the book series gained a wide following, with Rasch's cover art propelling the books into unmistakeable icons. Her illustrations are concise and powerful, and the colorful covers impeccably translate the stories within.

From the very beginning of the Doodle, I worked with a team of German Googlers to learn more about Rasch’s work and her place in popular culture. We thought most people would recognize Rasch’s illustrations from Die drei ???, but we weren’t sure how best to present her work.

Initially, I thought showing two books could help visually link her art and her most well-known subject: Die drei ???. The illustrations are homages to her style and the relatively simple and plain "Ggle" letters are a nod to the stark simplicity of the typography used on the book covers.


As the idea began to develop, it felt a bit too far removed from Rasch’s actual illustrations. Also, I learned that Rasch and the publishers never actually depicted the three boy detectives from the books in the cover art. So we abandoned this approach.


In my next concept, I referenced Rasch's more popular illustrations for die Drei ??? without making exact copies. I wanted to provide a recognizable sense of her style without relying on the visual cue of books. In the sketch below, I noted which book covers were my inspiration. I deliberately chose ones that were mysterious and intriguing, but not too threatening or violent.




At this point, the team felt we had the right approach. From here I continued to refine the illustration and did my best to approximate Rasch’s methods for drawing and using color.



In this near final illustration, we swapped out some of the inspiration for the covers, and I replaced the first ‘G’ with a reference to Der Super-Papagei/The Stuttering Parrot and the second ‘O’ with Der Rasende Löwe/The Nervous Lion. We chose a dark background to mimic the iconic style of the books without replicating the designs literally.

Hopefully everyone who sees today's doodle is reminded of Aiga Rasch’s talent and skill in encapsulating their favorite mystery adventure in die Drei ???.

Posted by Brian Kaas, Doodler

[9A]

5 Jul 2015

Venezuela National Day 2015




Venezuela's landscape is an entrancing one. From tropical waters and the Andes in the north, to rich Amazonian forests in the south, the country’s geographic diversity is nothing less than dazzling. No wonder, then, that one of its national symbols is a stunning natural specimen, a microcosm of Venezuela’s kaleidoscopic coloring: the araguaney. Indigenous to the country, this tree’s leaves explode into shades of gold, similar to the bold yellow hue striped across the Venezuelan flag.

With today’s Doodle, we celebrate the nature, culture and people that call Venezuela home on this Cinco de Julio, Venezuela’s day of independence.

[9A]

6 Jun 2022

Sweden National Day 2022



Today’s Doodle, illustrated by Stockholm-based guest-artist Johan Gaussens, celebrates Sweden National Day, or Sveriges Nationaldag in Swedish. Allemansrätten—a national policy granting the public right to roam through nature—is a prime example of Sweden’s rich cultural and natural legacy.

Sweden is home to breathtaking beauty and Allemansrätten allows Swedes to explore almost anywhere in the country, whether they’re driving, camping, skiing or even picking berries. Stockholm’s Archipelago is perfect for a summer boat trip and The High Coast, or Höga Kusten in Swedish, is a popular destination for hiking.

Some may celebrate Sweden’s National Day by taking a walk through the scenic beauty of the Swedish countryside, like the scene depicted in today’s artwork. Other celebrations include marching bands and local folk band performances along with the waving of the blue and yellow Swedish flag. A big famous celebration is also the annual ceremony at Stockholm’s Skansen open-air museum where the Swedish royal family usually gather to honor the day.

Happy National Day, Sweden!

[9A]

6 June 2014

Honinbo Shusaku's 185th Birthday



Today in Japan and other countries, we’re marking the 185th birthday of Honinbo Shusaku, widely considered to be one of the greatest players of the ancient Chinese board game Go. Shusaku rose to prominence during Go’s golden age in the 19th century and is known for his perfection of the Shusaku opening, which is depicted in our doodle.

[9A]

11 June 2010

World Cup 2010 Opening Day

,

The FIFA World Cup, often simply called the World Cup, is an international association football competition between the senior men's national teams of the members of the Fédération Internationale de Football Association [FIFA], the sport's global governing body. The tournament has been held every four years since the inaugural tournament in 1930, with the exception of 1942 and 1946 due to the Second World War. The reigning champions are Argentina, who won their third title at the 2022 tournament.

[9A]

30 April 2019

Last day of the Heisei Period





Today’s Doodle honors the end of an era in Japan—literally—as the sun sets on the Heisei period, whose name translates to “achieving peace.” The nation’s 247th gengō, or era name, began with the ascension of Emperor Akihito in January 8, 1989, and comes to an end as the emperor steps down to make way for his eldest son, Crown Prince Naruhito.

The tradition of naming eras dates back to 645 A.D. when Japan’s Emperor Kōtoku took the throne, ushering in a series of reforms to bring about a fair system of government. To emphasize what he hoped would be a fresh start for Japan he adapted the Chinese practice of giving his era a name. Emperor Kōtoku chose Taika meaning “great change.”

Historically, era names have often been inspired by classical Confucian texts and debated by high-ranking officials of the imperial court in a time-honored process of deliberation known as nanchin. Specifically, the gengō aims to express a vision for the future and speaks to the hopes and dreams of the Japanese people.

[9A]

4 May 2019

Eddie Aikau’s 73rd Birthday




Today’s Doodle celebrates Eddie Aikau, big wave surfer, lifeguard, and enduring symbol of Hawaiian heritage. Born on the island of Maui on this day in 1946, Eddie moved to Oahu with his family in 1959 and went on to become the first lifeguard hired by Honolulu officials to work on the North Shore of the island.

Not a single life was lost while he served as a lifeguard at Waimea Bay, making some 500 rescues without the assistance of a jet ski or any modern equipment. Eddie was famous for making rescues even in surf that reached 30 feet high. His fearlessness went on to inspire the slogan “Eddie would go.”

Hailing from a surfing family, Eddie was one of the first native Hawaiians to win the prestigious Duke Kahanamoku Invitational Surfing Championship in 1977, just four years after his older brother Clyde, who was the very first. Aside from his distinguished surfing career, Eddie found other ways to represent the culture of his native island. In 1978, Eddie joined the crew of the Hokule'a, a historically accurate double-hulled canoe retracing the ancient Polynesian migration route to Hawaii. The vessel sprung a leak and capsized in rough waters. Eddie was last seen heroically paddling off on his surfboard towards the nearest island to seek help for the crew, who were later rescued by the U.S. Coast Guard.

Today, Eddie’s legacy lives on through the Eddie Aikau Foundation as well as the prestigious Eddie Aikau Invitational, which has seen some of big-wave surfing’s greatest names competing with maximum respect for the authenticity of surf culture.

Here’s to you, Eddie.

As a nod to Hawaiian culture, today's Doodle was carved out of wood—with a laser!
The frames were then organized digitally to create the animated GIF.

Check out some of the behind-the-scenes below!



Laser engraving



Laser cutting

The finished wood carving!





First draft of the wood carving animated GIF

[9A]

4 May 2015

Bartolomeo Cristofori’s 360th Birthday




You may have never heard of Bartolomeo Cristofori, but you definitely know his invention. Cristofori was an Italian musical instrument maker credited with inventing the pianoforte, or: the piano. One of his biggest innovations was creating a hammer mechanism that struck the strings on a keyboard to create sound. The use of a hammer made it possible to produce softer or louder sounds depending upon how light or hard a player pressed on the keys. In fact, that’s how Cristofori’s new instrument got its name -- in Italian, piano means soft, while forte means loud. Being able to change the volume was a major breakthrough. And that’s exactly what Doodler Leon Hong wanted to highlight in this interactive Doodle. We talked to Hong to get the inside scoop on how this musical Doodle came to be.

Though the piano is one of the most popular instruments, the name Bartolomeo Cristofori isn’t widely known. How did you first learn of him?

The topic was first suggested by the Google team in Italy. I was also astonished I had never heard of him given that he'd had such a large impact on music. We're always trying to find topics that are educational, fun, and surprising – Cristofori is an ideal topic. Hopefully after the doodle, people will think of Cristofori everytime they see a piano.

What music is playing in the doodle ? How did you go about recording it?

The melody is from Johann Sebastian Bach's Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring. It was important to me to have a piece that was from the same time period as Cristofori's life. In addition, I was also looking for a memorable tune composed of notes with all the same duration so it would fit nicely with the animations. The timing and loudness had to be precise and consistent so I plotted the notes using software and rendered the sound files with a virtual piano instrument.

You can check out Cristoforo’s original pianos at the Metropolitan Museum of Art on Google Cultural Institute or at the museum in New York City, at the Museo Strumenti Musicali in Rome, and at the Musikinstrumenten-Museum of Leipzig University in Germany.

[9A]

9 July 2023

Argentina Independence Day 2023





Today’s Doodle celebrates Argentina's Independence Day, or 9 de julio. On this day in 1816, the Congress of Tucumán declared its freedom from Spain. Today’s Doodle artwork features Casa de Tucumáan where the declaration was signed.

Many cities throughout the country have a street named in independence day’s honor. Buenos Aires hosts the most popular parades on Avenida 9 de Julio, the widest avenue in the world. People gather for parades and concerts, and enjoy national dishes. Vendors line the street to sell dishes like fried pastries called pastelitos and locro – a thick stew with white corn, sweet potatoes, and squash.

Today, many Argentines wave their sky-blue and white national flag, with a central golden sun. The sun references the beginning of the independence revolution in May 1810, when it's believed the sun shined through the clouds.

Happy Independence Day, Argentina!

[9A]

9 Jul 2023

Emma Reyes's 104th Birthday




Today’s Doodle celebrates Colombian artist, painter, storyteller, and writer Emma Reyes. On this day in 1919, Reyes was born in Bogotá, Colombia.

Despite growing up facing poverty and neglect, Reyes achieved great success in her life. She lived with her sister, mother, and another young boy in a single room until her mother abandoned the family and five-year-old Emma Reyes. A convent took in the Reyes sisters, but life didn’t get easier — the girls were kept illiterate, and Reyes reported doing embroidery, tailoring, and laundry for 10 hours a day. After spending about 15 years here, she stole the keys to the convent door and escaped into the world.

She traveled and lived in many different places — Buenos Aires, Montevideo, Jerusalem, Washington, Rome, Paris — creating art as she explored the world. In the 1940s, she spent a lot of time in Paris and Buenos Aires, learning from painter André Lhote. Reyes started to gain attention in 1947 after participating in an international art contest in Argentina. She spent time in Mexico in the 1950s, studying with muralist Diego Rivera, and spent the ’60s between Israel and Italy. The painter eventually settled in France, where she was praised for her works depicting her culture and became known as “mama grande” to other Latin American artists. Her subject matter was intentionally simple, often featuring people, fruits, vegetables, flowers, and human-animal hybrids.

Many people who knew Reyes told her she should write a book and tell the stories of her childhood. She claimed she couldn’t because it was hard to organize her thoughts, and she never received formal language education. Historian Germán Arciniegas found a solution by asking Reyes to write letters about her childhood to him. Between 1969 and 1997, Reyes wrote 23 letters that make up The Book of Emma Reyes. She didn’t want spelling and grammar mistakes in the memoir corrected because she was proud of them; every error was a reminder of the childhood she survived. Reyes herself edited the book, but it was published in 2012 after she passed away, so she didn’t get to see it become a worldwide success with glowing reviews.

Happy birthday Emma Reyes, thank you for sharing your stories and creations with the world.

[9A]

8 July 2014

World Cup 2014 #54

[9A]

25 October 2019

Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti’s 119th Birthday






“As for the charges against me, I am unconcerned,” said Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, the Nigerian educator and activist who fearlessly campaigned for women’s rights and the liberation of Africa from colonial rule. Today’s Doodle, illustrated by Nigerian-Italian guest artist Diana Ejaita, celebrates a formidable leader who founded what many refer to as one of the most important social movements of the twentieth century.​

Born on this day in 1900 in Abeokuta, the current capital of Nigeria’s Ogun state, the former Frances Abigail Olufunmilayo Thomas grew up witnessing Great Britain consolidating control over Nigeria. As the grandchild of a slave, she became one of the first girls to enroll in Abeokuta Grammar School, before traveling to Cheshire in England to continue her education. By the time she returned home, she’d dropped her birth names and preferred to speak Yoruba.

In 1932, Ransome-Kuti established the Abeokuta Ladies Club [ALC], fostering unity between educated women and poor market workers and setting up the first adult education programs for Nigerian women. Renamed the Abeokuta Women’s Union in 1946, the organization boasted a membership of some 20,000 and pushed for healthcare, social services, and economic opportunity. Imprisoned in 1947 for protesting against unfair treatment towards women, Ransome-Kuti and her followers also led the charge to abdicate a corrupt local leader.

A trailblazer in many ways, Ransome-Kuti was also the first Nigerian woman to drive a car. She was also the only woman in Nigeria’s 1947 delegation to London, which lodged a protest and set the nation on the path toward self-government. As one of the few women elected to Nigeria’s house of chiefs, she was recognized for her advocacy work on behalf of women's rights and education, and revered as the “Lioness of Lisabi” and the “Mother of Africa.”

Her daughter—Dolupo—and three sons—Beko, Olikoye, and Fela—likewise became leaders in education, healthcare, and music, continuing their mother’s legacy of activism and advocacy.

[9A]

27 Oct 2021

Otto Wichterle's 108th birthday





Are you one of the estimated 140 million people around the world who wears contact lenses? Whether your answer is yes or no, the story of the Czech chemist who invented the soft contact lens—Otto Wichterle—might give you some fresh insight. Today’s Doodle celebrates Wichterle’s life and legacy on his 108th birthday.

Otto Wichterle was born on this day in 1913 in Prostĕjov, the Czech Republic [then, Austria-Hungary]. As a lover of science from his youth, Wichterle went on to earn his doctorate in organic chemistry in 1936 from the Prague Institute of Chemical Technology [ICT]. He taught as a professor at his alma mater during the 1950s while developing an absorbent and transparent gel for eye implants.

Political turmoil pushed Wichterle out of the ICT, leading him to continue refining his hydrogel development at home. In 1961, Wichterle [a glasses wearer himself] produced the first soft contact lenses with a DIY apparatus made of a child’s erector set, a bicycle light battery, a phonograph motor, and homemade glass tubing and molds. As the inventor of countless patents and a lifelong researcher, Wichterle was elected the first President of the Academy of the Czech Republic following the country’s establishment in 1993.

While Wichterle is most well-known as the inventor of contact lenses, his innovations also laid the foundation for state-of-the-art medical technologies such as “smart” biomaterials, which are used to restore human connective tissues, and bio-recognizable polymers, which have inspired a new standard for drug administration.

Happy birthday, Otto Wichterle—thanks for helping the world see eye to eye!

[9A]

Jun 9, 2016

Elizabeth Garrett Anderson’s 180th birthday




Born 180 years ago today, Elizabeth Garrett Anderson was the first woman to qualify as a physician and surgeon in Britain. She had a penchant for “firsts,” snagging many more during her illustrious career. She co-founded the first hospital staffed by women, and became the first dean of a British medical school. She even broke barriers across borders as France’s first female doctor.

Her accomplishments were gained through struggle and tenacity. When she was barred from medical school, she studied privately through tutors. Though the system prevented women from obtaining a medical degree, Garrett Anderson found a loophole and passed her medical exam with the highest marks.

As Britain’s first female doctor, Garrett Anderson was a fearless advocate for the care and advancement of women. Today’s doodle memorializes the infrastructure she set up to usher other women into the profession, as well as her devotion to the poor women and children she treated at her clinic.

After a long and successful career, Garrett Anderson broke one more barrier: becoming Britain’s first female mayor in 1908.

[9A]

May 14, 2018

Celebrating Strawberry Season







Today’s Doodle celebrates Germany’s sweetest time of year: Erdbeersaison, or strawberry season!

Beginning anywhere from early to mid-May, the season is one of the first signs of summer. It’s also the only time Germans can feast on fresh local strawberries all year. Luckily, the fruit is ripe with possibilities: it’s added to jams, cakes, fruit salads, and milkshakes and can be found across the country in farmers’ markets, fruit stands, and even Berlin’s underground station.

Strawberries aren’t the only food that produces a frenzy around this time of year. Seasonal eating is a way of life in Germany, with Spargelzeit, or asparagus season, topping the shopping list of beloved fruits and veggies.

In today’s Doodle, guest artist Barbara Dziadosz depicts some of the many ways locals savor this season’s fruit, from strawberry picking to picnicking.

Wishing you a berry happy Erdbeersaison, Germany!

[9A]

Jul 8, 2019

Celebrating Women's World Cup 2019 Champions: the United States of America





Congratulations to the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup champions: The United States!

Over the past month, players from the women's national teams of 24 countries competed for top rank across nine cities in France. Today, the games culminated at the Parc Olympique Lyonnais in Décines-Charpieu, a suburb of Lyon, France, where the United States Women’s National Team has won to become the 2019 Women’s World Cup champions!

This year's Doodle series celebrated the rich cultures and talent of all 24 participating countries by featuring guest artists hailing from each nation. We hope you've enjoyed all 24 Doodles throughout the games, each capturing the local excitement of the World Cup competition as well as what soccer means to the guest artist personally.

Today's Doodle celebrating the big win is a unique creation by our US-based guest artist Roxie Vizcarra. Read more about the Doodle below.

Cheers to all the talented players around the world. See you next time!

[9A]

July 8, 2007

National Aborigines & Islander Day Observance Committee Week





NAIDOC Week is an Australian observance lasting from the first Sunday in July until the following Sunday. The acronym NAIDOC stands for National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee. It has its roots in the 1938 Day of Mourning, becoming a week-long event in 1975.

NAIDOC Week celebrates the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The week is celebrated not just in the Indigenous Australian communities but also in increasing numbers of government agencies, schools, local councils and workplaces.

[9A]

November 13, 2021

Celebrating Fairy Bread



Today’s Doodle celebrates Fairy bread, a nostalgic childhood treat popular in Australia and New Zealand, on the birthday of Scottish author Robert Louis Stevenson, whom linguistic scholars believe first coined the term in his 1885 poem “Fairy Bread” in “A Child’s Garden of Verses.” Traditional Fairy bread unifies three simple ingredients—triangularly sliced white bread slathered in butter and topped with rainbow sprinkles [known colloquially as “hundreds and thousands”]. But its origin story isn’t as simple as its recipe.

Although some believe the tasty treat might have been inspired by hagelslag—Dutch toast covered in chocolate sprinkles—both Australia and New Zealand claim to have originally invented Fairy bread all on their own. New Zealanders have brightened confections with rainbow sprinkles for over a century, but a 1929 article published in a Tasmanian newspaper claims to be the first to reference Fairy bread with the ingredients it's known for today.

While the country of origin [and who can make it the best] remains a friendly point of contention between the neighboring nations, Aussies and Kiwis alike can agree that this treat is a staple of children’s birthday celebrations that satisfies not just the sweet tooth but also the mature nostalgic palate. If you decide to whip up some Fairy bread of your own, keep in mind that to many, removing the crust means you’ve removed the dish's authenticity.

Here’s to Fairy bread—a tasty treat that’s as easy as one, two, three!

[9A]

Nov 13, 2010

Robert Louis Stevenson's 160th Birthday







Robert Louis Stevenson [born Robert Lewis Balfour Stevenson; 13 November 1850 – 3 December 1894] was a Scottish novelist, essayist, poet and travel writer. He is best known for works such as Treasure Island, Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, Kidnapped and A Child's Garden of Verses.

[9A]

9 July 2021

Argentina Independence Day 2021



Today’s Doodle celebrates Argentina’s Independence Day. On this day in 1816, a group of regional leaders assembled in the city of Tucumán to proclaim the South American nation’s freedom.

If you plan on celebrating Independence Day in true Argentinian fashion, get ready for a day full of huge portions of traditional food and drink. Authentic feasting for today’s festivities isn’t complete without “locro,” a robust stew consisting of beans, corn, squash, potato, and varieties of meat. Traditionally served piping hot, locro is a perfect meal for keeping celebrants warm, as Independence Day falls in the midst of the Southern Hemisphere’s winter.

The go-to Argentinian beverage is “mate,” a caffeine-rich tea depicted brewing in the Doodle artwork. Approximately 98% of the nation’s citizens keep this caffeine-rich tea stocked at home, and it's estimated that most Argentines consume close to 14 pounds annually!

Happy Independence Day, Argentina!

[9A]

9 July 2017

Argentina National Day 2017




Happy National Day Argentina! On this day, 201 years ago, thirty three congressmen gathered in Tucuman, Argentina and declared it to be finally independent of Spain. To celebrate Argentina’s national day this year, we’re diving into the musical instruments and traditions that are dear to its people.

One of these is the milonga, a local event where couples gather to dance tango all over Argentina. If you were to walk past one, you may hear the deep bellow of a bandoneon, the accordion-like instrument stretching between the fingers of the gentleman in today’s doodle. The instrument was brought over by German immigrants to Argentina in the 19th century and is essential to tango dancing. The bandoneon and the tango reflect the rich cultural heritage of Argentina, with deep European and African influences respectively. Tango may not be an easy dance for all to master, but nearly all Argentinians will agree on the importance of keeping this tradition alive.

Illustrated by guest artist, Liniers

[9A]

9 July 2018

Carlota Jaramillo’s 114th Birthday




Today’s Doodle celebrates the 114th birthday of Ecuadorian singer and guitarist María Isabel Carlota Jaramillo, whose powerful renditions of traditional tango and pasillo standards keep the spirit of Ecuador’s people alive.

Born in 1904 in Calacalí, a rural parish north of Quito, Jaramillo was taught to play guitar by her uncle. Although her mother encouraged her to focus on her studies, Carolta entered an amateur singing contest with her sister Inés. There, the girls' talent attracted the attention of Rafael Ramos Albuja, who invited them to join his musical theater company.

Jaramillo embarked on a solo career in 1935, specializing in songs full of beauty and heartbreak. She broadcasted hypnotic performances on Radio Quito three times a week, and released numerous popular recordings starting with “Honda Pena” in 1938. While her musical accomplishments may not have translated into an opulent lifestyle, she continues to be heralded in Ecuador as “La Reina de la Canción Nacional,” or Queen of the nation’s music to this day.

Happy 114th birthday, Carlota Jaramillo!

[9A]

8 Jul 2018

Celebrating Shirley [Mum Shirl] Smith



Today marks the start of NAIDOC week, a time when Australia recognizes the culture of Aborigines and Torres Strait Islanders. In keeping with this year’s theme, “Because of Her, We Can!” guest artist Cheryl Moggs, a proud descendant of the Bigambul people of Goondiwindi, created this Doodle celebrating the vibrant spirit of “Mum Shirl.”

Colleen Shirley Perry Smith was born on November 22, 1921, in Erambie Mission, an Aboriginal community in New South Wales. Diagnosed with epilepsy at an early age, Shirl dedicated her life to community activism that resulted in social reform for Aboriginal Australians and other minority communities throughout the country.

After her brother Laurie was arrested, Shirl began visiting Sydney’s Long Bay Correctional Complex to check on him and other Aboriginal inmates. When guards asked how she was related to the prisoners she wanted to visit, she’d say she was their “mum”—and a legend was born. Her work was not limited to prisons, however; Shirl was a founding member of the Aboriginal Children’s Service, the Aboriginal Housing Company, the Aboriginal Medical Service, the Aboriginal Tent Embassy, and the Aboriginal Legal Service.

Mum Shirl resided in Sydney for the majority of her life, often travelling to educate Australians on issues affecting Aboriginal communities. Revered for her humanitarian work, this captivating speaker was recognized as a National Living Treasure by Australia’s National Trust in 1998. “Many people have told me they think I’m an exception,” she wrote in her autobiography. “I’m not… There are many fine Aboriginal people who, with half a chance, would be doing what I am now doing.” Thanks to her, many more have.

Guest art by Cheryl Moggs.

[9A]

14 July 2017

Bastille Day 2017


When Louis XVI asked a French duke if the storming of Bastille was a revolt on the evening of 14 July 1789, the duke replied by saying, "No, sire, a revolution."

The revolutionary cornerstones of “liberté, égalité, fraternité” color the minds of many today as we celebrate the 228th anniversary of Bastille Day [[“La Fête Nationale”) in France and across the world.

In addition to celebratory outdoor picnics and fireworks, the day is customarily marked with Bals des Pompiers, or Fireman’s Balls. For artist Louis Thomas, the holiday represents more than just fireworks. He was inspired to depict a symbol of culture and resilience — the French cafe terrace — where people gather.

Europe’s largest military parade marches down the Champs-Elysees from the Arc de Triomphe to the Place de la Concorde today, displaying France’s rich history, national unity, diversity and pride. Whether you choose to celebrate with a festive outing or a moment of reflection, today’s Google Doodle wishes Bon anniversaire to France

[9A]

11 October 2022

Celebrating Tito Puente!




In honor of U.S. Hispanic Heritage Month, we celebrate the life and legacy of American “Nuyorican” musician and internationally-renowned entertainer, Tito Puente. Today’s animated video Doodle is illustrated by New York-based Puerto Rican artist, Carlos Aponte. A multi-talented artist of Puerto Rican descent, Puente was a percussionist, composer, songwriter, recording artist, and bandleader. With a career spanning five decades, he is often referred to as “El Rey de los Timbales” and “The King of Latin music.” On this day in 2021, the Tito Puente Monument was unveiled in East Harlem, New York City.



[Be sure to catch The Behind the Doodle video above. Excellent!!]

Puente was born on April 20, 1923 at Harlem Hospital Center in New York City’s Spanish Harlem. He was surrounded by Puerto Rican, Cuban, and big band music growing up, and showed significant musical talent from an early age. He started his career as a drummer in his early teens and found his big break playing for Federico Pagani’s Happy Boys and Machito’s Orchestra. He served in the Navy during World War II, playing alto saxophone as the ship’s bandleader—along with over ten other instruments. He continued his studies at the Juilliard School of Music after the war.

He started his own band, the Tito Puente Orchestra, in 1948 and quickly earned a reputation for his performances that encouraged audiences to get on the dance floor. Puente was known for his awe-inspiring skills on the timbales [or timpani/kettledrums], as well as for the way he combined big band instrumentation and jazz harmonies with Afro-Cuban music. He recorded an astounding 118+ albums and is credited on dozens more—more than any other timbales bandleader to date. This journey began with Ran Kan Kan, his first professional track recording and the soundtrack of today’s Doodle.

Beyond the mambo movement, Puente experimented across other genres of Latin music such as the Boogaloo, Pachanga, and eventually Salsa. He was considered a musical pioneer for his creativity and experimentation, and is widely credited for popularizing Latin music in the United States. In 1969, he was awarded the key to New York City.

Besides the musical merits he received throughout his career, Puente was also deeply dedicated to creating opportunities for the Latin community. In 1979, he introduced a scholarship fund that supported promising, young Latin percussionists for over 20 years.

Puente’s success, presence, and musicality is widely known and respected to this day. After his passing, many waited in line for days to say their goodbyes. He was posthumously recognized at the first-ever Latin Grammy Awards, and the Harlem street where he grew up — E. 110th Street — was renamed Tito Puente Way to honor his life and legacy.

“...Goza con los timbales…” Here's to you, Tito!

[9A]

14 July 2021

Bastille Day 2021




Today’s Doodle celebrates Bastille Day, also known in France as July 14th or National Day. On this day in 1789, the Parisian populace toppled a medieval fortress known as the Bastille, transforming this stone tower from a symbol of historical injustice into a beacon of liberty, equality, and fraternity.

Widely regarded as a major catalyst of the French Revolution, the storming of the Bastille represents the birth of a modern nation. This momentous event incited nation-wide solidarity, and to celebrate its first birthday, national officials organized a 10,000 person ceremony coined the “Festival of the Federation.” Another milestone anniversary which is now commemorated each Bastille Day, this patriotic soirée culminated in a revelatory feast, complete with song and dance.

The 230-year tradition of celebrating these definitive moments in history lives on throughout the international French community. Celebrations around the world host music and dance performances highlighting regional Francophone culture, alongside fireworks, parades, and spreads of staple French dishes!

Vive le 14 Juillet! Long live July 14th!

Check out some Behind-the-Scenes photos for
today’s embroidery artwork by Doodler, Hélène Leroux

[9A]

12 Jul 2021

UEFA Euro 2020 Winner [Italy]




Congratulations to the 2020 Euro Cup champions: Italy!

Over the past month, athletes from the national teams of 24 countries competed for top rank across eleven host cities in Europe. Today’s Doodle celebrates the winners of this emotional tournament, Italy, who will return home as Euro Cup champions.

Cheers to all of Europe’s talented players. See you next time!

[9A]

12 July 2022

Celebrating the deepest photo of the universe ever taken!




A picture is worth a thousand worlds. Today’s Doodle celebrates the deepest infrared photo of the universe ever taken by NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope—also known as the JWST or Webb—a scientific phenomenon and one of the biggest engineering feats of humanity. It is the largest, most powerful, and most complex infrared telescope to ever be put into space—and the largest international space endeavor in history! Today, six months since take off, NASA released Webb’s first operational images unveiling new depths and worlds.

The JWST is named after NASA’s second administrator, James E. Webb, who led the Apollo missions that landed the first humans on the moon. The telescope was launched from the Guiana Space Center in Kourou, French Guiana on December 25, 2021 and took a month to reach its orbit at 1.5 million kilometers [940,000 miles] from Earth. The launch was made possible through the collaboration between NASA, the European Space Agency [ESA] and the Canadian Space Agency [CSA].

Thanks to images from the JWST, astronomers will now have the opportunity to study every phase of cosmic history, which spans a massive 13.5 billion years, and the mysteries beyond our galaxy. NASA aims to explore the early universe, multiple galaxies over time, the star life cycle and other worlds with Webb. The JWST will even be able to observe light from galaxies that formed 400 millions years after the big bang, and detect oxygen and organic molecules on other planets.

Long throughout history, humans have wondered, “How did we get here?” and “Are we alone in the universe?” The JWST will allow us to explore these questions and distant worlds that orbit other stars and study our solar system extensively, producing the sharpest infrared images ever taken by a space telescope. It will open the doors to more scientific breakthroughs in the future, shining a new light on space, time, and celestial bodies we’ve yet to discover.

Today’s Doodle features the deepest infrared photo of the universe ever taken as well as other initial images from the JWST. Explore them below!

An image of Deep Field—the deepest infrared photo of the universe ever taken!Star-Forming regionThe Carina Nebula is one of the largest and brightest nebulae in the sky, located approximately 7,600 light-years away in the southern constellation Carina. Nebulae are stellar nurseries where stars form. The Carina Nebula is home to many massive stars, several times larger than the Sun.Stephan's QuintetAbout 290 million light-years away, Stephan’s Quintet is located in the constellation Pegasus. It is notable for being the first compact galaxy group ever discovered in 1877. Four of the five galaxies within the quintet are locked in a cosmic dance of repeated close encounters.Stellar DeathThe Southern Ring, or “Eight-Burst” nebula, is a planetary nebula – an expanding cloud of gas, surrounding a dying star. It is nearly half a light-year in diameter and is located approximately 2,000 light years away from Earth.

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Today NASA released the deepest-ever infrared photo of the universe, taken by the James Webb Space Telescope. Explore the image and discover more about this feat of engineering on Google Arts & Culture.