Interesting Ways Popular Events Used To Be Different

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There are a ton of events that seem to have been around forever, that have always played out in the same, traditional way. But the thing is, that's a collective cognitive myth. Celebrations and events are constantly changing, and have morphed in surprising ways, surprisingly recently.

For example:

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Entry by LAJL

The first Macy's Thanks- giving Day Parade in 1924 featured animals loaned from the Central Park Zoo, such as monkeys, elephants, and bears. PARADE CH

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At the first Super Bowl, the halftime entertainment was a marching band. SUPER BOWL CRACKED CON

The Olympics used to award medals for the arts. From 1912-1948, 151 medals were awarded for sports-themed architecture, literature, music, painting, a

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Entry by Andrea Meno

CRACKED  ON ACTIVISTS ALLIANCE HRIST OTOFET PRIDE DAY GAY LIBERATION 1970 In the first ever Pride march, the police had their backs turned to the para

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Entry by Michael Voll

In the earliest Miss America pageants, the judges were all artists. LLALABAMA ABUZONE FLORID This inclhuded, in 1923, Norman Rockwell. CRACKEIDCON

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It used to be normal for cyclists to smoke during the Tour de France.

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Entry by Chan Teik Onn

Christmas wasn't recognized as a national holiday in America until 1850. In fact, Colonial America didn't care much about Christmas at all.

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Entry by LAJL

Interesting Ways Popular Events Used To Be Different

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Entry by Andrea Meno

For centuries, people celebrated St. Patrick's Day in Ireland with church services. They started holding big parades only in the late 20th century. (T

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Entry by mwjr

CRACKEDOON The Daytona 500 was originally a beach-sic event. In February 1948 the first NASCAR-Sanctioned stock car race was held on the Old Daytona B

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Entry by LAJL

C Live pigeon shooting was a one-time Olympic event, featured at the 1900 games in Paris. Around 300 pigeons were released that day, and 21 were shot

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GRAGT The first World Cup was such a low -stakes event that it almost didn't happen. European footballers weren't paid enough that they could afford t

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Entry by Andrea Meno

Burning Man used to be held on a beach next to the Golden Gate Bridge. They moved it to the desert when the crowds got so big that the police started

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Entry by Fermosalua3

VARSITY GAMES used to have all=male cheerleading teams. CRHUN ALTHough allowed to participate since the 20s, women were uncommon on squads until the

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Entry by Gino Reyes

The First Oscar Awards Ceremony Lasted 15 Minutes. The event had 270 guests and handed out 12 awards. The 2019 ceremony was three hours and 23 minutes

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Entry by MrDrew

CRACKEDco Ancient Romans were the first civilization to have birthday parties for non-religioust figures. They even had a special cake for it! There w

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Entry by K. Haeg

The 1892 Kentucky Derby featured only 3 horses, down from 4 the year before. 28 R CRACKEDDOON NO one won the superfecta.

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Entry by DingDongKun

Until 1890, it was impossible to keep your vote a secret in US elections. US elections were hugely public events and entertained large crowds who watc

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Entry by Chan Teik Onn

Oktoberfest didn't start out as a huge beer festival in Munich. It started out as a royal wedding between Prince Ludwig and Princess Therese in 1870.

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Entry by DingDongKun

CRACK Rio Carnivals had no Samba performances until 1917. Brazil was a strict Catholic country which forbade other religious traditions, including Afr