Ballpoint Pen Day
June 10, Tuesday
History of the holiday
On June 10, 1943, Hungarian brothers László and György Bíró received a patent for their invention in Argentina. László, a journalist by profession, aimed to create a pen that wouldn’t smudge and didn’t require constant refilling. Together with his chemist brother, they developed a mechanism with a rotating ball and viscous ink that allowed for smooth and clean writing. Their invention quickly gained recognition, especially in aviation, where traditional fountain pens often leaked at high altitudes.
Interesting facts
* The first ballpoint pen was patented by American John Loud in 1888, but his version was intended for writing on leather and wood and did not become widely used.
* In Argentina, ballpoint pens are still called "birome" — a combination of the names Bíró and their partner Meyne.
* Today, ballpoint pens are the most commonly used writing instruments in the world, with billions sold each year.
How the holiday is celebrated
On this day, people might:
* Remember the history of the ballpoint pen and its impact on daily life.
* Try writing a letter or note by hand using a ballpoint pen.
* Visit exhibitions or events dedicated to the history of writing and stationery.