On March 31, Eiffel Tower Day is observed to commemorate the inauguration anniversary of the Eiffel Tower. This iconic structure, which was unveiled to the world on this date in 1889, has withstood the test of time and remains one of the most remarkable marvels of the world. The Eiffel Tower, which stands at 308 meters, dominates the city of Paris and represents the triumph of modern engineering and western civilization.
Eiffel Tower Day is celebrated by millions of people because it honours one of the most recognisable landmarks in the world. People from Calcutta to California gather to celebrate this architectural masterpiece.
The background of Eiffel Tower Day
In commemoration of the completion of a century since the French Revolution, the French government organised an international exhibition to showcase the industrial progress of the 19th century. A design competition was conducted in the heart of Paris, and more than a hundred artists submitted their concepts.
Among the contributors was Gustave Eiffel, who proposed a more than 1,000-foot-tall open-lattice iron structure. With an impressive resume that included the Statue of Liberty, he was able to persuade the Centennial Committee that this inconceivable feat was achievable. He was awarded the contract for constructing the tower in 1887.
He began working on the project on January 28, 1887, despite years of skepticism, criticism, and even protests. Two years, two months, and five days later, he presented the monument to the French government for exhibition. The remainder is now past.
Although it was not his intention, Gustave’s vision revitalised the streets of Paris and transformed it into the city of love we know today. According to his own words, he intended the tower to represent the “great scientific movement of the eighteenth century and the Revolution of 1789.”
Today, the tower is located in the centre of Europe and receives millions of visitors annually. Since the year 2000, the golden splendour of the structure has been complemented by 20,000 6W bulbs that flash on and off for five minutes every evening. On March 31, we honour the genius and his priceless contribution to the world.
5 REMARQUABLE FACTS ABOUT THE EIFFEL TOWER
Prior to the Eiffel Tower’s design, the world had never witnessed a structure of its height.
The Eiffel Tower is commonly referred to as “La Dame de Fer,” or “The Iron Lady.”
Hitler intended to demolish the Eiffel Tower following the 1944 Nazi occupation of France, but the Military Governor of Paris disobeyed his orders.
On the first floor of the Eiffel Tower is a functioning post office; you can send mail to any part of the world, and the recipient will receive a special stamp.
At the First Battle of the Marne, one of the tower’s affixed transmitters obstructed German communications, a crucial factor in the Allies’ victory.
EIFFEL TOWER DAY DATES
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | March 31 | Friday |
| 2024 | March 31 | Sunday |
| 2025 | March 31 | Monday |
| 2026 | March 31 | Tuesday |
| 2027 | March 31 | Wednesday |
