August 8

Calendar position and counting

In a common year August 8 leaves 145 days remaining until December 31; in a leap year it leaves 144. The date is often written as 8 August in day-month order in many countries and August 8 in month-day order in others. Astrologically, it lies within the sign of Leo in traditional Western zodiac systems.

Observances and feasts

Several recurring observances fall on or around this date:

• International Cat Day — a modern animal welfare awareness day created to celebrate and promote the well-being of domestic cats.
• Feast of St. Dominic — observed in some Christian calendars as the commemoration of the Dominican order's founder.
• Various local and national commemorations, anniversaries and cultural festivals that differ by country and community.

Historical and cultural notes

August 8 has been the date of many kinds of events across history: political announcements, artistic premieres, and births and deaths of notable figures. It is sometimes remembered for prominent 20th-century political developments and for occasions in popular culture. Because it sits in late summer in the North, it often features seasonal festivals, sporting events and travel-related milestones.

As with any calendar date, significance varies by place and tradition. For researchers, journalists and enthusiasts, August 8 provides a fixed point for anniversaries, observances and a variety of documented historical records.