What Is 28 october

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: October 28 is the 28th day of the 10th month in the Gregorian calendar, marking the 301st day of the year (302nd in leap years). Notable events include the 1922 March on Rome, when Benito Mussolini rose to power in Italy.

Key Facts

October 28 is the 301st day of the year in the Gregorian calendar, with 64 days remaining.
On October 28, 1922, Benito Mussolini began his March on Rome, leading to his appointment as Prime Minister.
The Feast of St. Simon and St. Jude is celebrated by the Catholic Church on October 28 each year.
In 1918, Czechoslovakia declared independence from Austria-Hungary on October 28.
The first episode of 'The Colbert Report' aired on October 28, 2005.

Overview

October 28 holds historical significance across multiple domains, including politics, religion, and entertainment. As the 301st day of the year, it falls in the final quarter of the calendar and often marks seasonal transitions in the Northern Hemisphere.

This date has witnessed pivotal moments in global history, such as national independence declarations and major political shifts. Its recurrence in different years underscores its role in shaping modern geopolitical and cultural landscapes.

March on Rome (1922): On October 28, 1922, Benito Mussolini ordered approximately 30,000 Fascist supporters to march on Rome, pressuring King Victor Emmanuel III to appoint him Prime Minister.
Czechoslovak Independence (1918): After the collapse of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, Czechoslovakia formally declared independence on October 28, 1918, establishing a new democratic republic in Central Europe.
Religious Observance: The Catholic Church commemorates the Feast of Saints Simon and Jude, two apostles, every October 28, with special masses and liturgical readings.
Pop Culture Milestone: The satirical news program The Colbert Report premiered on Comedy Central on October 28, 2005, launching Stephen Colbert’s influential media career.
Technological Event: On October 28, 1980, CNN launched as the first 24-hour cable news network, revolutionizing how global audiences consumed news.

Historical and Cultural Events

October 28 has been a catalyst for political change, religious observance, and technological advancement throughout the 20th and 21st centuries. Each event on this date reflects broader societal shifts and enduring legacies.

1918: Czechoslovak Independence: The creation of Czechoslovakia on October 28, 1918, followed the dissolution of the Austro-Hungarian Empire and was led by Tomáš Garrigue Masaryk, establishing a democratic state in Central Europe.
1922: Rise of Fascism: Mussolini’s March on Rome began on October 28, 1922, resulting in the collapse of liberal government and the beginning of two decades of authoritarian rule in Italy.
1940: Greek Resistance: On October 28, 1940, Greece rejected Italy’s ultimatum during WWII, marking Ohi Day and symbolizing national resistance against Axis powers.
1980: CNN Launch: Ted Turner launched CNN on October 28, 1980, broadcasting from Atlanta with a $25 million investment, transforming real-time news delivery worldwide.
2005: Colbert Report Debut: Stephen Colbert’s satirical news show premiered on October 28, 2005, blending political commentary with comedy and influencing public discourse for nearly a decade.
2016: SpaceX Rocket Explosion: A Falcon 9 rocket exploded during a pre-launch test on September 1, 2016, but the incident review was publicly released on October 28, 2016, detailing the cause as a helium tank failure.

Comparison at a Glance

Key events on October 28 across different years illustrate the diversity of its historical impact:

Year	Event	Significance
1918	Czechoslovakia declares independence	End of Habsburg rule; emergence of a new Central European nation
1922	March on Rome begins	Mussolini’s ascent to power marks the start of Italian Fascism
1940	Greece rejects Italian ultimatum	Start of Greek resistance in WWII; celebrated as Ohi Day
1980	Launch of CNN	First 24-hour news network, changing global media consumption
2005	Debut of The Colbert Report	Influential political satire show that shaped late-night TV

The table highlights how October 28 has served as a turning point across different eras and regions. From national sovereignty to media innovation, these events reflect the date’s broad historical footprint and enduring relevance in shaping modern society.

Why It Matters

Understanding October 28’s historical weight helps contextualize major political movements, cultural milestones, and technological breakthroughs. Its recurring significance underscores how single dates can encapsulate transformative moments.

Symbol of Resistance: In Greece, October 28 is a national holiday known as Ohi Day, commemorating the 1940 refusal to surrender to Italy during WWII.
Democratic Foundations: Czechoslovakia’s independence on October 28, 1918, laid the groundwork for modern Czech and Slovak republics after the Velvet Divorce in 1993.
Media Evolution: CNN’s launch on October 28, 1980, introduced continuous news coverage, influencing public awareness during crises like the Gulf War.
Cultural Influence: The Colbert Report, debuting October 28, 2005, popularized political satire and boosted voter engagement, especially among younger audiences.
Religious Continuity: The Feast of Saints Simon and Jude on October 28 maintains a centuries-old Catholic tradition honoring early Christian missionaries.
Lessons in Power: Mussolini’s rise on October 28, 1922, serves as a cautionary tale about the fragility of democracy in times of political instability.

October 28 remains a date of reflection, celebration, and caution across nations and generations. Its legacy endures through national holidays, media milestones, and historical memory.