October 29

On October 29, 1621, the City of London staged a spectacular pageant to commemorate Edward Barkham’s assumption of office as Lord Mayor. The elaborate festivities featured ornate floats, allegorical scenes, and richly costumed participants drawn from the city’s livery companies. Barges adorned with colorful decorations sailed along the Thames, delighting onlookers on both banks. Musicians, actors, and acrobats performed in the streets, creating a carnival atmosphere. The event highlighted the city’s wealth, civic pride, and the enduring tradition of the Lord Mayor’s Show. It became an iconic example of early modern urban pageantry in England.

Amid revelations of mass atrocities, prominent religious and political leaders convened in London on October 29, 1942. They publicly denounced the Nazi regime's systematic persecution and murder of European Jews. Speakers urged the British government to expand refugee assistance and press the Allies to intervene. Press coverage of the meeting helped raise public awareness about the scale of the Holocaust. This gathering marked one of the first high-profile calls for international action to protect Jewish communities.

In October 2015, the Chinese government announced the end of the one-child policy, which had been in place since 1979. The policy was introduced to curb rapid population growth but led to unintended social and economic issues, including an aging population and gender imbalances. Under the new two-child policy, all married couples could legally have two children, aiming to rebalance demographics and support economic development. The decision was part of broader reforms by the Communist Party to adapt to changing social needs. Birth rates saw a modest increase following the policy shift, though long-term demographic effects remained to be seen. Experts debated whether cultural and economic factors might limit families’ willingness to have more children despite the relaxed rules.