History of International Loch Ness Monster Day
While tales of a nefarious beast living in the waters of Loch Ness in Scotland date back at least 1500 years, the date for this event is a bit more recent. This annual celebration is based on the first modern ‘sighting’ of the Loch Ness monster, which took place on April 15, 1933 and a story was published in the local newspaper, the Inverness Courier, a couple of weeks later, on May 2.
The story in this newspaper soon hit London and interest in the idea of this monster grew as newspaper reporters, investigators, educators, scientists and even underwater photographers were sent to explore the potential for more sightings.
This event takes place on this date because it is the anniversary of the first and most famous photograph was taken of “Nessie”, on April 21, 1934.
Over the years the media sensation included some photos depicting Nessie, which turned out to be a hoax, and the sonar readings by scientists have always been “inconclusive”. But that hasn’t stopped the diehard fans who are certain that the Loch Ness monster is real and the famous legend lives on.
International Loch Ness Monster Day offers an opportunity to embrace the mystery and enjoy the fun behind this amazing tale.