International Waterfall Day
About International Waterfall Day
When is International Waterfall Day? This holiday is always celebrated on June 16
Today is International Waterfall Day, a June 16 holiday. Pity the person who lives in arid and desert regions. They miss out on the beautiful and plentiful waterfalls that are found all over the world. From water falling a few inches to a foot or more over rocks in a babbling brook, to the thundering cascade of Niagara Falls, people all over the world are absolutely enthralled by waterfalls. The power and sound of the crashing water thrill and amaze onlookers. Each waterfall is unique and beautiful in its own way. Each waterfall has its own character, and no two are quite alike.
Waterfalls put on a show all year long, as the water is crashing and cascading over and down the rocks of the falls at a rapid rate. Waterfall displays are at their best in the spring, when melting snow and spring rains flood the rivers and streams that feed them. Some small waterfalls dry up completely during summer droughts. A temporarily dry waterfall may be of interest, but it does not captivate us as it does when water is rushing over a cliff in a vivid and sheer vertical drop, sending up an endless shower of mist at the bottom of the falls.
Throughout history, humans have been drawn to settle near water and waterfalls. The inescapable lure is understandable. In addition to providing water to drink and bathe, the water provides fishing for both food and sport. Waterfalls are an endless supply of environmentally green energy. They powered sawmills and flour mills long before electricity was invented. The power of the rushing water turns hydroelectric generators, producing clean energy. Waterfalls attract throngs of tourists and a revenue stream from tourism.
The Largest Waterfalls in the World
Determining the largest waterfall in the world is dependent upon what your criteria is. The tallest waterfall in the world is Angel Falls in Venezuela. This waterfall plunges down 3,212 feet to the bottom. If you are looking to see the widest waterfall in the world, you need to travel to the Mekong River in Southeast Asia. Bordering Laos and Cambodia, the Mekong River cascades down Khone Falls, in an amazing 35,376-foot-wide display. Another measure of size is how much water goes over the falls. Inga Falls on the Congo River in Africa takes the crown for the largest volume of water. Over 11 million gallons of water flow over Inga Falls each second. In contrast, Niagara Falls is 2,200 feet wide, and 167 feet tall, and 150,000 gallons of water per second flows over it.
How to Celebrate and Participate in International Waterfall Day
It is simple and oh-so-enjoyable to participate in International Waterfall Day.
- Plan your trip to a waterfall and make a day of it. See more than one, if you can. Some waterfalls are located in the middle of a town or city, with easy access for viewing.
- Are you ready for a physical challenge? Reaching many waterfalls requires short or long hikes and involves climbing up and down wooded trails. For many waterfall enthusiasts, a challenging trek from the top to the bottom of the falls and back is just the experience they seek.
- Plan a picnic lunch at the falls. Enjoy the water cascading over the falls as you eat.
.PS Don’t forget to take plenty of pictures of your fun-filled and memorable day.
Thoughts for Today
God give me the serenity to accept the things I can not change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.
History and Origin of International Waterfall Day
This special holiday was created in 2020 by Bob Matthews from Rochester, NY. Matthews said he and his wife love to check out waterfalls, big and small, wherever they go. If getting to a waterfall requires a hike, all the better. Matthews also says “I’ve never seen a waterfall I didn’t like.”
The creation of this special day was long overdue. In researching this holiday, it was amazing that no one had ever before created a day to celebrate and enjoy waterfalls. There are waterfalls all over the world, so this is truly an international day.
More June 16 Holidays
Here are more June 16 holidays we are sure you will enjoy:
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