May 27

On May 27, 1874, the first group of Boers known as the Dorsland trekkers departed Pretoria under the leadership of Gert Alberts. Seeking new lands and greater autonomy, they embarked on a perilous journey through the arid Kalahari Desert, which gave the expedition its name, 'Thirstland Trek.' The small caravan faced severe water shortages, extreme heat, and challenging terrain. Along the way, they navigated through present-day Botswana and Namibia, encountering both indigenous communities and colonial forces. Despite the hardships, the trekkers established fronts in Angola and southwest Africa, leaving a lasting Boer presence in the region. Their migration highlights the broader movement of Afrikaner communities in search of independence during the late 19th century.

Linnanmäki amusement park officially opened on May 27, 1950, in Helsinki, Finland. Established by the non-profit Children’s Day Foundation, it aimed to support child welfare. The park debuted with a handful of rides, including a classic wooden roller coaster. Over the decades, Linnanmäki expanded to feature modern attractions and family entertainment. It remains a beloved cultural landmark and a popular destination for locals and tourists.

On May 27, 1967, Australians voted in a landmark referendum, achieving over 90% support for two constitutional amendments. The changes removed provisions that excluded Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples from population counts and restricted federal legislative power. This granted the national parliament authority to create laws aimed at improving the welfare of Indigenous communities. The referendum was the culmination of years of advocacy by activists and community leaders pushing for equality. It remains one of Australia's most successful and unifying democratic efforts. The results paved the way for subsequent social and legal reforms affecting Indigenous rights.