December 20

Events - Society & Lifestyle

1970day.year

Koza riot: After a series of hit-and-runs and other vehicular incidents involving American service personnel, roughly 5,000 Okinawans take to the streets, clashing with American law enforcement in protest against the U.S. occupation of Okinawa.

In Okinawa, thousands of residents protested U.S. military presence, erupting into the violent Koza riot against American law enforcement.
On December 20, 1970, anger over hit-and-run accidents involving U.S. servicemen boiled over in Koza City, Okinawa. An estimated 5,000 Okinawans gathered to protest the continued American occupation of the island. Crowds clashed with military police, overturning vehicles and setting fires. The unrest reflected deep local frustrations with jurisdictional inequalities and social tensions. U.S. forces eventually regained control, but the riot intensified debates over Okinawa's future and sovereignty. This event became a landmark moment in the island's path toward reversion to Japanese administration in 1972.
1970 Koza riot American Okinawans U.S. occupation of Okinawa
1985day.year

Pope John Paul II announces the institution of World Youth Day.

Pope John Paul II established World Youth Day, creating a global celebration for young Catholics around the world.
On December 20, 1985, Pope John Paul II announced the creation of World Youth Day to unite young Catholics in faith and fellowship. The first official event was scheduled for August 1986 in Buenos Aires, Argentina. World Youth Day features catechetical sessions, cultural activities, a vigil, and a closing Mass with the Pope. It was designed to inspire spiritual renewal and encourage youth leadership within the Church. Millions have attended WYD gatherings in cities from Rome to Rio de Janeiro. The ongoing festival remains a highlight of the Catholic calendar, fostering global community and faith.
1985 Pope John Paul II World Youth Day
2004day.year

A gang of thieves steal £26.5 million worth of currency from the Donegall Square West headquarters of Northern Bank in Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom, one of the largest bank robberies in British history.

In 2004, masked robbers stole £26.5 million from Northern Bank’s Belfast headquarters, marking one of the UK’s largest bank heists.
On December 20, 2004, a group of armed men posing as police officers infiltrated Northern Bank’s headquarters in Belfast, binding staff and loading cash into duffel bags. The audacious raid resulted in the theft of approximately £26.5 million in banknotes, making it one of Britain’s biggest robberies. Authorities suspected paramilitary involvement due to the operation’s sophistication. The heist led to major investigations, redesign of banknotes, and strengthened security protocols across UK financial institutions. Despite arrests and trials, most of the stolen cash was never recovered. The Northern Bank robbery remains a high-profile case in the history of British crime.
2004 steal £26.5 million Donegall Square Northern Bank Belfast Northern Ireland bank robberies