Google doodles

[9A]

20 November 2014
Corita Kent's 96th Birthday






American nun and artist Corita Kent said it best with her quote, “To understand is to stand under which is to look up to which is a good way to understand.” Kent gained popularity in the 1960s and 1970s with her artwork that featured messages of love and peace. Today, we mark her 96th birthday.

[9A]

18 Nov 2011
Morocco Independence Day




[Featured ...]

Zellīj is a style of mosaic tilework made from individually hand-chiseled tile pieces set into a plaster base. The pieces were typically of different colours and fitted together to form elaborate geometric motifs, such as radiating star patterns.This form of Islamic art is one of the main characteristics of Moroccan architecture and medieval Moorish architecture. Zellij became a standard decorative element along lower walls, in fountains and pools, and for the paving of floors. It is found commonly in historic buildings throughout the region, as well as in modern buildings making use of traditional designs such as the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca which adds a new color palette with traditional designs

[9A]

17 Nov 2014
25th Anniversary of the Velvet Revolution





Today, our homepage in the Czech Republic and Slovakia honors the 25th anniversary of the Velvet Revolution. The jingling of keys, depicted in our doodle, became a symbol of support for the demonstration and signified the unlocking of closed doors. This peaceful movement led to Czechoslovakia’s transition from communism to a parliamentary republic.

[9A]

17 November 2011
Lola Mora's 145th Birthday






Dolores Candelaria Mora Vega de Hernandez accomplished many things in her lifetime and in widely varying roles. She was an urban planner, researcher, and pioneer in mining within Argentina. She contributed heavily to the rail layout project of the Northern Trans-Andean Railway, or Huaytiquina. But perhaps she is best known for her work as a painter and sculptor. Many of her pieces can be viewed publicly throughout the country, including the Mermaid's Fountain [Fuente de las Nereidas] in Costanera Sur in Buenos Aires, and her grand bas-relief monument, depicting the signing of Argentina's Declaration of Independence, which can be seen at the Historial House of Tucuman.

Based on her life's work, I wanted to depict Lola Mora sculpting herself out of bas-relief bronze –our way of recognizing her important contributions and devotion to her country.

[9A]

11 Nov 2011
Magusto 2011






"Magusto" is a Portuguese tradition celebrated by all generations: from grandparents, to moms and dads, and little children. On this day, people come together to eat chestnuts, drink new wine and mingle with friends and family. The event tends to happen around a bonfire, with the younger generation energetically jumping over it [editor's note: kids, don't try this at home, but if you must, ask your parents first]!

We all have great memories of coming to school on this day with a bag of chestnuts, learning how to prepare them and, of course, ending the afternoon eating them together

Happy Magusto to All!

doodle by Mike Dutton. post by Monica Bagagem

[9A]

21 June 2016
Father's Day 2016 [MENA]

[MENA is an English-language acronym referring to the Middle East and North Africa. ]

[9A]

12 March 2018
Sir William Henry Perkin’s 180th Birthday





Born in England on March 12th, 1838, chemist Sir William Henry Perkin accidentally discovered “mauveine,” the first synthetic dye.

As an 18-year-old laboratory assistant, Perkin was cleaning out dark muck from a beaker after a failed experiment, when he noticed that the substance left a vivid purple stain when diluted with alcohol. Following his discovery, he focused on the patenting, manufacturing, and commercialization of this purple dye, which he named “mauveine.”

Perkin's timing was remarkable as the textile industry was at a high. Purple clothing was very much in style, but prohibitively expensive for most, not to mention quick to fade. Perkin’s strong and inexpensively produced mauveine finally made this once-exclusive color readily accessible, igniting a violet fashion frenzy - as seen in today’s Doodle by UK-based illustrator Sonny Ross. Even Queen Victoria herself wore a mauveine-dyed gown to the Royal Exhibition of 1862!

Wealthy and successful from his stint in manufacturing, Perkin eventually returned to laboratory research. He was even knighted in 1906, on the 50th anniversary of his serendipitous discovery.

[9A]

6 Mar 2018
Gabriel García Márquez’s 91st Birthday






Deep in the Amazonian jungle, through the lush green canopy and multi-hued vibrance of the hot and humid rainforest, look carefully and you might catch a glimpse of a city of mirrors; a city separated from the world by an expanse of water and yet reflecting everything in and about it; a city that is home to the Buendia family and the site of strange otherworldly happenings. Here, little fish made of pure gold dazzle the eye; large yellow butterflies flit through the flowers; a train chugs along once in a blue moon; and the only visitors are the all-knowing, mysterious gypsies who come bearing strange tales.

Depicted in today's Doodle is this magical city of Macondo, brought to life by the Colombian author, journalist, and Nobel laureate Gabriel García Márquez [affectionately known as Gabo throughout Latin America] in his book, One Hundred Years of Solitude.

Born in Aracataca, Colombia, Gabo is considered one of the most significant authors of the 20th century. In his long literary career, he penned over 25 books, transporting readers into a world of magical realism where they find themselves in the lush, humid tropics — moldering into solitude or being slowly consumed by the throes of passion.

Gabo’s keen sense of political activism and courage also allowed him to author a number of non-fictional works that eloquently document the times that he lived in, News of a Kidnapping being among the most famous of these.

For all this and more, we celebrate the 91st birthday of a cultural icon whose star continues to shine brightly over the literary and journalistic worlds of Latin America and beyond.

[9A]

2 Mar 2018
Holi 2018





Red, yellow, blue, and green are a few of our favorite colors all year round, but today we’re putting them front and center for an extra special reason.

It’s time for Holi — the age-old festive ritual marking the end of winter, the coming of spring, and symbolically, the triumph of good over evil. Family and friends come together to feast, dance, and laugh together while dousing each other with colored powder and water.

Today’s Guest Doodle by Amrita Marino depicts dhol players amongst a cloud of color. These traditional drummers move from house to house, adding a peppy, musical touch to the day's festivities. The four main powder colors carry with them a piece of symbolism. Red signifies love and fertility; yellow is the color of turmeric, a natural remedy; blue represents the beloved Krishna; green symbolizes spring and new beginnings.

Whether you choose one favorite color or many, here’s wishing everyone a happy Holi!

[9A]

1 Mar 2018
St. David's Day 2018





March 1st is celebrated in the UK as St. David’s Day [[Dewi Sant), named after the patron saint of Wales. The musical country earned the title “Land of Song” through its rich history of choral singing, dating all the way back to the 19th century.

Today’s Doodle was created by Sander Berg, an illustrator from Sweden who now makes his home in Wales. It features a woman in historic Welsh dress—now traditionally worn on St. David’s Day—plays the Welsh National Anthem on a Welsh Triple Harp. The harpist plays in front of Mt. Snowdon, the highest mountain in Wales, and is surrounded by Cenhinen Pedr [St. Peter’s Leek], also known as the daffodil. As one of the first signs of spring, the cheerful flowers are an important symbol on Welsh National Day, and can be seen popping up in fields and on lapels throughout the country.

Wales boasts several well-known musical institutions, including The Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, the Welsh National Opera, the BBC National Orchestra and Chorus of Wales, and a myriad of Welsh Male Voice Choirs. Eisteddfod, an eight-day festival of literature, music, and performance, is a common way for Welsh communities around the world to honor their patron saint and celebrate their musical heritage.

Dydd Gŵyl Dewi Hapus! Happy St. David’s Day!

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1 Mar 2018
Bosnia & Herzegovina Independence Day 2018





On this day in 1992, the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina drafted a referendum which would form an independent and secular nation of equal citizens. The referendum was later accepted by Parliament and recognized by the international community, and three years later in 1995, Independence Day was observed for the first time.

Known locally as Dan nezavisnosti, this public holiday is marked by parades, cultural pageants, and speeches. Family and friends celebrate the warmer weather with get-togethers and picnics, culminating in an evening of fireworks and concerts.

Today’s Doodle depicts the national flag with its colors of white, blue, and yellow symbolizing peace and neutrality, as well as this proud nation’s deep and enduring relationship with Europe.
Happy Independence Day, Bosnia & Herzegovina!

[9A]

1 Mar 2013
Ramón Gómez Cornet's 115th Birthday




Ramón Gómez Cornet was an Argentine painter. He was one of the forerunners of the modern Argentine painting.

[9A]

1 March 2009
Vasaloppet 2009




Vasaloppet [Swedish for 'the Vasa-race'] is an annual long distance cross-country ski race held on the first Sunday of March. The 90 km [56 mi] course starts in the village of Sälen and ends in the town of Mora in northwestern Dalarna, Sweden. It is the oldest cross-country ski race in the world, as well as the one with the highest number of participants.

The race was inspired by a notable journey King Gustav Vasa made from Mora to Sälen when he was fleeing from Christian II's soldiers during the winter of 1520–1521. According to legend, he fled on skis. The modern competition started in 1922 and it has been a part of the Worldloppet events since 1979.

[9A]

2 March 2012
János Arany's 195th birthday




János Arany was a Hungarian poet, writer, translator and journalist. He is often said to be the "Shakespeare of ballads" – he wrote more than 102 ballads that have been translated into over 50 languages, as well as the Toldi trilogy.

[9A]

5 Mar 2012
Heitor Vila Lobos' 125th Birthday





Heitor Villa-Lobos was a Brazilian composer, conductor, cellist, and classical guitarist described as "the single most significant creative figure in 20th-century Brazilian art music". Villa-Lobos has become the best-known South American composer of all time. A prolific composer, he wrote numerous orchestral, chamber, instrumental and vocal works, totaling over 2000 works by his death in 1959. His music was influenced by both Brazilian folk music and by stylistic elements from the European classical tradition, as exemplified by his Bachianas Brasileiras [Brazilian Bachian-pieces] and his Chôros. His Etudes for classical guitar [1929] were dedicated to Andrés Segovia, while his 5 Preludes [1940] were dedicated to his spouse Arminda Neves d'Almeida, a.k.a. "Mindinha". Both are important works in the classical guitar repertory.

[9A]

7 Mar 2012
Alessandro Manzoni's 227th Birthday




Alessandro Francesco Tommaso Antonio Manzoni was an Italian poet, novelist and philosopher. He is famous for the novel The Betrothed, generally ranked among the masterpieces of world literature. The novel is also a symbol of the Italian Risorgimento, both for its patriotic message and because it was a fundamental milestone in the development of the modern, unified Italian language. Manzoni also contributed to the stabilization of the modern Italian language and helped to ensure linguistic unity throughout Italy. He was an influential proponent of Liberal Catholicism in Italy. His work and thinking has often been contrasted with that of his younger contemporary Giacomo Leopardi by critics.

[9A]

12 Mar 2012
Chinese Arbor Day 2012

[9A]

12 March 2013
Evert Taube's 123rd Birthday





Axel Evert Taube was a Swedish author, artist, composer and singer. He is widely regarded as one of Sweden's most respected musicians and the foremost troubadour of the Swedish ballad tradition in the 20th century.

[9A]

15 Mar 2013
Hungary National Day 2013

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21 Mar 2013
Persian New Year 2013

[9A]

21 Mar 2013
Rafael Bordalo Pinheiro's 167th Birthday






Rafael Bordalo Pinheiro was a Portuguese artist known for his illustration, caricatures, sculpture, and ceramics designs. Bordalo Pinheiro created the popular cartoon character Zé Povinho [1875)] and is considered the first Portuguese comics creator.

[9A]

25 Mar 2013
Adalbert Czerny's 150th Birthday






Adalbert Czerny was an Austrian pediatrician and is considered co-founder of modern pediatrics. Several children's diseases were named after him.

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25 March 2011
400th Birthday of Evliya Çelebi





Derviş Mehmed Zillî, known as Evliya Çelebi, was an Ottoman explorer who travelled through the territory of the Ottoman Empire and neighboring lands over a period of forty years, recording his commentary in a travelogue called the Seyâhatnâme ["Book of Travel"]. The name Çelebi is an honorific title meaning "gentleman" or "man of God" .

[9A]

10 January 2020
Vicente Huidobro's 127th Birthday

“Let's leave the old once and for all...In literature, I like everything that is innovation. Everything that is original.”

–Vicente Huidobro, Pasando y Pasando: crónicas y Comentarios [1914]

Today’s Doodle, illustrated by London-based guest artist Luisa Rivera, celebrates avant-garde Chilean poet and writer Vicente Huidobro on his 127th birthday. Widely known as the “father of the Creacionismo [Creationism] literary movement,” Huidobro refused to be confined by literary orthodoxy. Instead, he used the written word to push the limits of creativity.

Vicente García-Huidobro Fernández was born in 1893 in Santiago, Chile. He became a poet like his mother, first published at the early age of 12, and went on to study literature at the University of Chile.
Gradually, he began to feel confined by traditional poetic standards, and in 1914 he rejected them in his manifesto, Non Serviam [“I Will Not Serve”].

Huidobro moved to Paris to collaborate with surrealist poets Guillaume Apollinaire and Pierre Reverdy on the literary magazine they founded, Nord-sud [North-South]. In Paris, he invented Creacionismo, the idea that poets should create their own imaginary worlds instead of writing about nature in traditional styles with traditional language. Poemas árticos [“Arctic Poems,” 1918] and Saisons Choisies [“Chosen Seasons,” 1921] are some examples, but the 1931 long-form poem Altazor is Huidobro’s definitive Creacionismo work.

His well-known lines from his poem Arte Poetica [Poetic Art], “Let the verse be like a key / That opens a thousand doors,” represents his style and inspired today’s Doodle art, which infuses different images that appear in his poetry.

Huidobro wrote over 40 books, including plays, novels, manifestos, and poetry. He constantly encouraged literary experimentation and influenced many Latin American poets who succeeded him.

¡Feliz cumpleaños, Vicente Huidobro!

[9A]

10 January 2014
Annette von Droste-Hülshoff's 217th Birthday





Baroness Anna Elisabeth Franziska Adolphine Wilhelmine Louise Maria von Droste zu Hülshoff,known as Annette von Droste-Hülshoff , was a 19th-century German poet, novelist, and composer of Classical music. She was also the author of the novella Die Judenbuche.

[9A]

14 March 2019
Dr. Matilde Montoya’s 160th Birthday






Today’s Doodle celebrates Dr. Matilde Montoya, who overcame numerous obstacles to become the first female physician in Mexico. Petitioning the Mexican president and other government officials to open doors to the National Medical School, she blazed a trail for other women to follow in her footsteps.

Born in Mexico City on this day in 1859, Dr. Montoya was a bright child encouraged by her mother to pursue her education. With the help of private tutors, she completed her primary education and passed the test to become an elementary school teacher by age 13. Enrolling in the School for Obstetrics and Midwifery, she began working in a hospital as a teenager. Earning her degree by age 16, she worked at Maternity House, which specialized in attending to “hidden births” of single mothers.

Pursuing her dream of a medical degree, the young midwife applied to the Escuela de Medicina de México, but was denied admission because the official rules referred to alumnos [male students] and not alumnas [female students]. Undeterred, Dr. Montoya wrote to Mexican President General Porfirio Díaz for help, who ultimately supported her application. Once officially accepted, she went on to request that the House of Representatives update the rules of the School of Medicine to allow for the admission of future female applicants. Even after being accepted into the program however, she was ridiculed by some students who described her as an "impudent and dangerous woman" for trying to become a doctor.

Despite the obstacles she faced, Dr. Montoya achieved her medical degree in 1887. President Díaz and his wife attended the ceremony to congratulate her on becoming a doctor of surgery and obstetrics.

Dr. Montoya went on to practice for decades, providing care to patients from all walks of life regardless of their ability to pay, and co-founded the Mexican Medical Association.
¡Feliz cumpleaños, Dra. Matilde Montoya!

[9A]

17 October 2019
100th Anniversary of Metro de Madrid






On this day in 1919, King Alfonso XIII inaugurated the Metro de Madrid, a new transportation system for Spain’s capital city. The Metro’s distinctive diamond-shaped logo was created by acclaimed Spanish architect Antonio Palacios, who also designed the entrances, corridors, and platforms of some of the early stations. Today’s animated Doodle celebrates the centenary of Madrid’s Metro, now the sixth-longest underground railroad in the world with some 294 kilometers [about 183 miles] of track.

The Metro has come a long way during its first century of operation. On opening day, the route covered a mere 3.48 kilometers [about 2.16 miles], taking 10 minutes to travel 8 stops from Cuatro Caminos to Sol. That first day, just over 56,000 passengers rode what was then called the North-South Line.

Now, close to 2.3 million riders take the Metro every day. Serving over 300 stations, the train remains one of the most efficient ways to move around Madrid.

In honor of the Metro’s 100th birthday, the Regional Government of Madrid has installed an educational exhibition throughout the original route, now called the ‘Centenary Line.’ Period photographs will highlight the Metro’s history, and a new vinyl-wrapped train evoking the first train will run along the rails.

Chamartín Station will host a permanent exhibition of vintage trains, and while Palacios’ original entrance to the Metro de la Red de San Luis was dismantled and donated to the architect’s hometown of Porriño, a replica of the striking design will recapture its former glory.

[9A]

3 April 2020
Lola Álvarez Bravo’s 117th Birthday





Today’s Doodle celebrates one of Mexico’s first professional female photographers, Lola Álvarez Bravo, on her 117th birthday. Known for her portraits of public figures, as well as street photography chronicling decades of Mexican life, she is considered one of the country’s pioneers of modernist photography.

Born Dolores Martinez de Anda in Jalisco, Mexico, on this day in 1903, the future photographer moved to Mexico City as a child. It was from her neighbor, Manuel Bravo, that she first learned the basics of photography, including developing photos in the darkroom. The pair married in 1925, and both went on to achieve enormous acclaim for their work.

Álvarez Bravo became a central figure in Mexico’s post-revolution cultural renaissance, and among her most internationally-renowned photographs were those taken in the mid-1940s of her friend, and one of the country’s most iconic artists, the painter Frida Kahlo. Through her photojournalistic lens, Álvarez Bravo captured scenes of everyday Mexican life, from local traditions to outdoor barbershops, portraying the depth and breadth of the country’s culture across a career spanning more than half a century.

In 1981, Álvarez Bravo’s home state of Jalisco awarded her a medal of distinction for her contribution to the arts, and four years later, a plaque was installed in her honor in Guadalajara’s historic Degollada Theater.


¡Feliz cumpleaños, Lola Álvarez Bravo! Thank you for capturing Mexico from the ground up.

[9A]

28 Mar 2020
Wubbo Ockels’ 74th birthday







Today’s Doodle celebrates the 74th birthday of Dutch astronaut, physicist, and professor Dr. Wubbo Ockels, the Netherlands’ first citizen in space. A champion of sustainable energy renowned for his positive outlook on life, Dr. Ockel’s contributions to science and space exploration were truly out of this world.

Born on this day in 1946 in Almelo, Netherlands, Wubbo Johannes Ockels went on to pursue a doctorate in physics and mathematics from the University of Groningen. Taking a break from his research on nuclear energy, he stumbled across an advertisement from the European Space Agency looking for candidates to go to space, and the rest is history. In 1978, the ESA selected Ockels and two others to begin astronaut training as part of an ambitious series of missions utilizing Spacelab, the agency’s manned research module.

On October 30th, 1985, Dr. Ockels launched into space aboard the Challenger space shuttle as a scientific research specialist, the eight-person crew becoming the largest ever to do so aboard the same craft. In honor of the Netherlands, he carried onboard a large bag of gouda cheese. After logging 168 hours in space, a dizzying 110 orbits of Earth, and over 75 scientific experiments, the crew returned safely home.

After that, Dr. Ockels never made it back to space, but his unique experience of the world’s beauty revealed the vulnerability of our planet. Instilled with the profound notion that humankind has no spare home, he used his newfound fame as an astronaut to promote sustainability back on Earth. In 2003, he became a full-time aerospace engineering professor, with a focus on developing alternative sources of energy.

Thank you, Dr. Wubbo Ockels, for defying gravity to create a better future for us all! ​

[9A]

27 Mar 2020
Celebrating the Marinière






Today’s animated Doodle celebrates the iconic French blue-and-white-striped shirt, the marinière [French for “sailor shirt”]. On this day in 1858, the French Navy decreed this versatile undergarment part of the official uniform of its sailors, marking the genesis of the top’s storied journey into closets around the world.

Knit tightly from wool in order to guard seafarers against the harsh elements of their maritime environment, the marinière’s initial function is well-known. However, the significance of the sweater’s striped design is still up for debate. Some stories say the horizontal stripes were designed to make it easier to spot sailors who fell overboard, while other accounts claim that each stripe was meant to represent one of Napoleon’s naval victories over the British. Regardless of its history, there is no denying that the marinière has since transformed into an unmistakable statement of style.

In the late 19th century, the marinière began its migration from navy decks to city streets with the help of French writer Sidonie-Gabrielle Colette. Frequently spotted at masked balls in Paris wearing the now-iconic striped shirt, Colette boldly broke conventional gender stereotypes and helped to pave the way for modern womenswear.

By the 1920s, bohemians, intellectuals, and fashionistas of the French Riviera had adopted the marinière, further cementing the jersey’s evolution from a staple of nautical life to a symbol of artistic chic.

From artists to movie stars, the marinière has earned countless iconic endorsements over the decades, respected and seen today as a timeless classic the world over.

[9A]

26 Mar 2020
Bangladesh Independence Day 2020






Home to the Sundarbans [the world’s largest mangrove forest], as well as Cox’s Bazar [the world’s longest stretch of beach], the People’s Republic of Bangladesh celebrates its independence today.
An autonomous republic, the nation formerly known as East Pakistan, became Bangladesh 49 years ago. The country then adopted the Shapla or water lily, depicted in the Doodle artwork, as its national emblem and flower.

In honor of the country’s freedom, the Bangladeshi flag proudly flies atop many of its buildings. Featuring a red disk against a green backdrop, the flag of Bangladesh represents the sun rising across the nation’s abundant flora and natural beauty.

[9A]

24 Mar 2020
Celebrating Banh Mi







Today’s Doodle celebrates the savory and satisfying Vietnamese street-food sandwich known as bánh mì, a smorgasbord of flavors that represents a true melting pot of cultures and ingredients alike. On this day in 2011, bánh mì was admitted into the Oxford English Dictionary.

Some accounts posit bánh mì’s humble beginnings in the late 1950s street stalls of Saigon’s noisy alleys, but an official origin story is yet to be verified. What is universally accepted about bánh mi’s history: its French inspiration, the staple baguette sandwich.

A traditional bánh mì consists of crispy and airy bread packed with a meat of choice [such as pork pâté, giò lụa, Vietnamese cold cuts, or meatballs], sweet, crunchy veggies and herbs [pickled radishes, carrots, and cilantro], a spread of mayonnaise or margarine, and savory soy sauce, finally topped with chili sauce or peppers. Voilà! By replacing European flavors with Vietnamese ingredients, a tangy and sweet while simultaneously spicy and salty takeaway food was born.

In current times, one can find countless spin-offs of the sandwich in street stands, markets, and restaurants across the world, from New York, to Seoul, to Saigon. Koreans often enjoy bánh mì’s stuffed with their signature bulgogi [barbeque beef] and kimchi. In the U.S., many popular recipes have traded the baguette with a brioche bun to create a miniaturized version: bánh mì sliders.

No matter the variation, you can relish the taste of cultures coming together!

[9A]

24 March 2016
William Morris’ 182nd birthday







It's nearly impossible to sum up William Morris' contributions to British design, arts, and aesthetics. A true prodigy, Morris dove deeply into each of his many interests, leaving us a rich legacy in multiple fields.

Starting with graphic art, Morris' detailed drawings paved the way for modern surface design. His intricate patterns flow across pages, walls, and fabric with a seamless effect. But Morris didn't stop there — he believed that quality production was the essence of great craftsmanship: from patterning to type design to furniture to bookbinding.

A relentless creative, Morris played with patterns in words as well. In 1856, he founded the Oxford and Cambridge Magazine, writing and publishing many of his early poems there. He lectured publicly on socialism, art, architecture, and founded or held titles in multiple artists groups, such as the Hammersmith Socialist Society and the Art Workers Guild.

Morris, along with other figures in the Arts and Crafts Movement, believed the success of a society was based on providing useful and meaningful work. By focusing on the end-to-end production of goods by passionate artisans instead of machines, he built a powerful political case for worker's rights. His advocacy left an indelible mark on British culture in the face of rapid industrialization.

In many ways, Morris' life's work is reflected in his prints: a lush journey through interrelated pursuits. To highlight his iconic style, Doodler Lydia Nichols recreated five different Morris designs. Each appears randomly as the page is refreshed. May these designs honour the distinct and varied ways in which Morris' point of view shaped our world. For more, check out the William Morris Gallery.


All five William Morris inspired Doodles

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24 Mar 2016
Klavdiya Shulzhenko’s 110th birthday







In July 1942, the city of Leningrad was under siege. The front, manned by hardscrabble soldiers, was bleak and brutal. But one bright voice emerged, bringing hope and harmony to the blockade. Actress and singer Klavdiya Shulzhenko co-founded a jazz band and volunteered her talents to the Red Army as they defended Leningrad. She became legendary in the trenches, singing hundreds of times as the siege went on. And at her 500th wartime performance in 1942, she was awarded the Order of the Red Star — the rarest of honors for a Soviet artist.

We pay tribute to Shulzhenko on what would have been her 110th birthday with a Doodle by Jennifer Hom representing “The Blue Headscarf.” This song, a much-loved tribute to Soviet wartime duty, was her masterpiece, and Jennifer’s art captures the reassurance and optimism in its lyrics. Happy Birthday to Klavdiya Shulzhenko whose soaring melodies inspired a nation.

[9A]

24 March 2010
44th Anniversary of the First Israeli TV Broadcast




Television in Israel refers to television broadcasting services in the State of Israel, inaugurated on March 24, 1966. Initially, there was one state-owned channel, operated jointly by the Israel Broadcasting Authority and the Israeli Educational Television.

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14 Mar 2010
Felix Rodriguez de la Fuente's Birthday




Félix Samuel Rodríguez de la Fuente was a Spanish naturalist and broadcaster. He is best known for the highly successful and influential TV series, El Hombre y la Tierra [1974–1980]. A graduate in medicine and self-taught in biology, he was a multifaceted charismatic figure whose influence has endured despite the passing years.

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7 Mar 2010
Alessandro Manzoni's Birthday







Alessandro Francesco Tommaso Antonio Manzoni was an Italian poet, novelist and philosopher. He is famous for the novel The Betrothed [1827], generally ranked among the masterpieces of world literature.The novel is also a symbol of the Italian Risorgimento, both for its patriotic message and because it was a fundamental milestone in the development of the modern, unified Italian language. Manzoni also contributed to the stabilization of the modern Italian language and helped to ensure linguistic unity throughout Italy. He was an influential proponent of Liberal Catholicism in Italy.

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1 Mar 2010
St David's Day 2010

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1 March 2008
Mărţişor 2008






Mărțișor is a celebration at the beginning of spring, on March the 1st in Romania, Moldova, and all territories inhabited by Romanians.

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1 Feb 2008
Carnival 2008

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5 March 2017
Samia Gamal’s 93rd Birthday







A child of 1920s Egypt, Samia Gamal went on to become a celebrated film actress, renowned for her belly dancing talents. Best known for Raqs Sharqi [Oriental dancing], she took inspiration from all styles of dance, from ballet to ballroom.

After establishing herself, it wasn’t too long before her talents were recognised and she was starring in films in her home country and abroad.

By the late 1940’s she was a huge star and was named “National Dancer of Egypt.” She continued to appear in numerous films into the ‘60s — an era that saw the star stepping out in New York and performing her fusion of Latin-style belly dancing.

On what would be her 93rd birthday, we celebrate Samia Gamal, an Egyptian icon whose talents are admired as much today by aspiring dancers and film fans as they were in the height of her fame.

[9A]

12 Mar 2017
Holi Festival 2017 [Nepal]







Today, the Google letters are taking on a fresh set of colors in honor of the Holi festival. Coinciding with the arrival of spring, the vibrant celebration looks a lot like the Doodle: people run around happily covering each other in a rainbow of powdery hues.

Amid the cloud of red, blue, yellow, green, and everything in between, festival-goers can often be found laughing, singing, and dancing in the streets. The joyous event, which takes place in Nepal and other countries around the world, traditionally marks the triumph of good over evil. It also gives family and friends a chance to simply come together, enjoying a spirited “Festival of Colors” that undoubtedly lives up to its name.

[9A]

15 Mar 2017
140th Anniversary of the First Cricket Test Match







The first officially-recognized test cricket match took place 140 years ago today. It was a contest between the established English side and the newly-formed Australian team. Australia won the first match, but England won the second match to draw the series 1:1. The rivalry between the English and Australian teams, forged on the field, endures to this day.

Today’s Doodle hits the deck with a lighthearted rendering that captures the spirit of sportsmanship and the inaugural test match. Mustachioed and musclebound, the batsmen, bowlers and opposition fielders spring into action, never losing sight of the red ball.

[9A]

6 Mar 2017
37th Anniversary of Komodo National Park

How much do you know about Komodo dragons?

Today’s Doodle celebrates the 37th anniversary of Komodo National Park with an interactive quiz to test your knowledge about Its main, reptilian inhabitant: the Komodo dragon!

Komodo National Park in Indonesia sits at the center of an archipelago and consists mainly of 3 volcanic islands. The landscape is unlike any other, ranging from dry savanna conditions to lush forests, all surrounded by white-sand beaches and bright blue water.

Although Komodo National Park was created to protect the life of the 5700 Komodo dragons who call it home, the park's scope has now expanded to other native wildlife. In addition to the Timor deer, which is the main source of food for the Komodo dragon, the islands are also the habitat for 72 species of birds, such as the yellow-crested cockatoo. Thousands of fish species swim in the surrounding waters, as well as sea turtles, dolphins, and whales.

Despite the plethora of native wildlife, Komodo dragons are still what the park is best known for. Thanks to National Parks like Komodo, wildlife can continue to thrive largely uninterrupted by human interference.

Here's to the Komodo dragon and Komodo National Park's 37th year!

BONUS! Did you also know?



Like sharks, Komodo dragon teeth are replaceable



Komodo dragons have flexible skulls



Komodo dragons are related to snakes


Thanks for playing!

Team Komodo

Art	Engineering	Production
Alyssa Winans	Jonathan Shneier	My-Linh Le
Diana Tran	Mark Ivey
Kevin Laughlin

[9A]

23 Mar 2017
Hassan Fathy’s 117th birthday






Today's Doodle celebrates Hassan Fathy, an Egyptian architect known for pioneering new methods, respecting tradition, and valuing all walks of life. Fathy is known to be a poet, musician, and inventor, but he spent his life's work in architecture, after training in Cairo.

At the beginning of his career, Fathy focused on teaching architecture to others, but soon began to take on architectural projects of his own. He was convinced that Egypt could look to its past to create a valuable future. He researched ancient methods of building, and began working with traditional materials like mud and earth. He made use of traditional structures as well, relying on archways for strong support and malqaf, or windcatchers, which take in natural ventilation through open windows and direct air throughout a home.

Beyond preserving Egypt's architectural legacy, Fathy trusted in the power of community to look after itself. He trained community members to create their own materials from scratch and build their own structures, so that they would be able to sustain their homes long after Fathy was gone. In this way, he was invested in more than building homes - he was building communities. For his ambitious New Gourna project in Luxor, he built diverse homes with the understanding that different families would have different needs. He also built a theater, school, market, and mosque, since a community is based on more than houses. His work in Egypt and beyond inspired others all over the world to find innovative ways to respect their local traditions and resources.

Today’s Doodle honors Fathy’s legacy on what would have been his 117th birthday. In the Doodle, see if you can find the traditional adobe process, a woman planting shrubs, geese and cows, and Hassan Fathy himself shaking hands with a member of his community!

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26 March 2018
Julie Victoire Daubié's 194th Birthday





Today’s Doodle celebrates Julie-Victoire Daubié: journalist, activist, and the first woman to obtain a bachelor's degree in France.

When Daubié was born, in 1824, the law didn't explicitly ban women from getting college degrees, but prevailing cultural norms and a lack of resources made it almost impossible. With her brother’s help, she studied Latin, Greek, history, geography, and German, and was eventually able to become a governess. Her frustrations with sexism and inequality motivated her to write the essay "The Poor Women of the 19th century", and its success propelled Daubié to register for and gain admittance to the Baccalauréat in Letters.

Daubié went on to fight for women's rights throughout the rest of her life. Today we celebrate her courage and perseverance in the face of adversity.

Bonne Fête, Julie Victoire Daubié!

[9A]

31 Mar 2018
Anandi Gopal Joshi’s 153rd Birthday





In 1886, a young doctor stepped off a ship from America, eager to take up the role of physician in charge of the female ward at Kolhapur’s Albert Edward Hospital. Not only was she India’s first female doctor, but she was only 19 years old at the time. Her name was Anandi Gopal Joshi, and her story is one of courage and perseverance.

Joshi was married at the age of nine, as was the custom in 19th century India. Her husband encouraged her to continue her education and her interest in medicine. At sixteen, battling ill-health but determined to succeed, Joshi set sail for America. She earned her medical degree from the Women’s Medical College of Pennsylvania [now known as Drexel University College of Medicine] and returned to India with dreams of opening a medical college for women.

Joshi’s young life was tragically cut short when she died of tuberculosis before her 22nd birthday. However, her legacy and the path she paved for generations of women continues today. Interestingly, even a crater on Venus is named after her!

Today’s Doodle is created by Bangalore-based artist Kashmira Sarode who imagines Joshi celebrating her degree.

[9A]

3 Apr 2018
John Harrison’s 325th Birthday






It’s been said that necessity is the mother of invention, and without a doubt, British horologist John Harrison brought that age-old proverb to life.

Born on this day in 1693, in Foulby, Yorkshire, England, Harrison was a self-educated clockmaker and carpenter who came to the rescue of countless sailors by creating the first marine chronometer to calculate longitude at sea.

Seeking to remedy naval disasters, the British government created the Board of Longitude in 1714, which offered a reward of £20,000 to anyone who could devise a navigational instrument that could find the longitude within 30 miles of a sea voyage.

Harrison took on the challenge. He set to work on his chronometer in 1728 and completed it in 1735, following up this feat with three watches that were even smaller and more on the money than his first.
Harrison’s extraordinary invention brought him much acclaim. Thanks to him, seamen could determine not only gauge latitude but longitude, making their excursions far safer.

Our colorful Doodle shows the inventor hard at work, surrounded by the tools of his trade. Today, time is on his side.

Happy 325th birthday, John Harrison!

[9A]

24 June 2017
2017 World Taekwondo Championships Muju




Integrity, perseverance, self-control, and indomitable spirit — all of these are on display at the 2017 World Taekwondo Championships in Muju, South Korea. Oh, and some pretty impressive knee strikes and reverse round kicks!

The World Taekwondo Championships have taken place every other year since 1973. Outside of the Olympics, they’re the most prestigious event for those who practice the sport — in fact, the seven days feature more competitors from a greater number of nations than does the four-day Olympic event. Many talented athletes will make names for themselves at the championships this year, and their careers will be carefully followed by taekwondo enthusiasts as the Tokyo 2020 Olympics approach.

Though taekwondo is an intensely physical sport, its philosophical roots center on the building of a more peaceful society. By cultivating a foundation of respect, humility, and control in the individual, practitioners of taekwondo aim to inspire this sense of responsibility and spirituality in others through their actions and teachings.

Today’s Doodle was created with community and diversity in mind. Who will emerge victorious in this year’s Worlds? We can’t wait to find out!

[9A]

30 Jun 2017
Celebrating Victor Hugo





Today we celebrate world-renowned poet, statesman, and human rights activist Victor Hugo. The final chapter of his epic novel Les Misérables was published on this date in 1862.

Before he turned 30, Hugo was already an established poet, dramatist, artist, and novelist. Today's Doodle depicts some of his best-known works, including Notre Dame de Paris [The Hunchback of Notre-Dame] [1831] and the poetry collection Les Contemplations [1856]. Between those milestones, Hugo began his legendary novel Les Misérables, about social injustice, redemption, and revolution.

By the time Les Misérables was published in 1862, Hugo had been exiled almost 10 years for his political views. During that time, he produced three poetry collections, plus numerous books about social and economic disparity, including Les Travailleurs de la Mer [Toilers of the Sea] and L’Homme Qui Rit [The Man Who Laughs]. Hugo later founded the Association Litteraire et Artistique Internationale to support artists’ rights.

Hugo appeared on a French banknote and is honored with streets, parks, hiking trails, and statues in most large French cities, as well as in Guernsey, where he lived in exile. Today's Doodle is a fitting addition to the long list of tributes to the venerable Victor Hugo.

Explore the life and works of Victor Hugo by visiting Google Arts & Culture.