If you woke up today thinking it was just another sleepy Saturday in the middle of January, you’re kinda wrong. Honestly, January 17, 2026, has turned into a massive collision of global politics, high-speed aviation, and a surprisingly long list of reasons to drink hot rum or eat spinach.
The big question—what events is happening today—doesn't have a single answer because the world is currently pulling in ten different directions. From thousands of people marching in the chilly streets of Copenhagen to fighter jets streaking across the desert sky in the UAE, today is anything but quiet.
The Greenland Drama Moves to the Streets
Right now, the biggest headline is coming out of Denmark. Thousands of protesters are currently gathered in front of Copenhagen City Hall, and they are not happy. They’re waving Greenlandic flags and chanting "Greenland is not for sale." This all stems from the ongoing, and frankly surreal, geopolitical tension regarding the U.S. interest in acquiring Greenland.
It sounds like a plot from a 1950s Cold War novel, but it’s very real in 2026. President Trump has doubled down on the idea, citing national security, while the locals are basically saying "make America go away." You’ve got a massive march moving toward the U.S. embassy right now. It’s a messy, emotional situation where indigenous rights are clashing head-on with global real estate ambitions.
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A Sky Full of Smoke in the UAE
On the other side of the world, things look a bit more celebratory, though no less intense. It’s "Solidarity Day" in the United Arab Emirates. If you’re in Abu Dhabi or Dubai today, you’ve probably heard the roar of the Al Fursan (The Knights) aerobatics team.
They are literally painting the sky with the national colors—red, green, white, and black. It’s a nationwide sky parade that hits every single emirate. The logistics are wild. We’re talking about a two-hour helicopter display followed by high-speed fighter jets. If you're trying to get a photo at the Dubai Kite Beach, you better have your power bank ready because the "Day of Solidarity" hashtag is currently nuking everyone's battery life.
The Saturday Sports Chaos
If you're a sports fan, your remote is going to get a workout today. We’re in that weird, wonderful overlap where a dozen different seasons are all happening at once.
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- The Dakar Rally: Today is the final stretch in Saudi Arabia. This is arguably the most brutal race on Earth, and after two weeks of sand and broken gearboxes, the winners are crossing the line.
- NHL Milestones: Over in the states, the Vegas Golden Knights are hosting the Nashville Predators at T-Mobile Arena. Keep an eye on Jack Eichel and Shea Theodore—both are sitting on the edge of major career milestones tonight.
- Tennis Fever: The Adelaide International and the ASB Classic in Auckland are wrapping up their final matches today. It's the last big "warm-up" before everyone heads to Melbourne for the Australian Open tomorrow.
- College Hoops: Keep an eye on the K-State vs. Texas Tech women's game. Texas Tech is coming in undefeated (19-0), and K-State is looking to play spoiler.
Weird Holidays You Actually Have Permission to Celebrate
Okay, let's talk about the "National Day" calendar because today is weirdly specific. It’s National Use Your Gift Card Day. Seriously. If you have that $25 Starbucks or Amazon card from Christmas gathering dust in your wallet, today is the day the internet has given you permission to spend it.
But wait, there's more. It’s also Ditch New Year’s Resolutions Day.
Most of us haven't been to the gym since January 4th anyway. Today is the official "get out of jail free" card for those goals you’ve already given up on. To celebrate your failure, you're supposed to observe National Hot Buttered Rum Day.
And for the kids (or the kids at heart), it’s Kid Inventors’ Day and Popeye the Sailor Man Day. Popeye is actually turning 97 today. If you feel like eating a can of spinach and punching a clock, now is your time.
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Why Today Actually Matters
Beyond the "what events is happening today" trivia, there's a deeper current. We’re seeing a world trying to figure out its identity. Whether it's the people of Greenland fighting for their land or the UAE putting on a display of technological unity, today is about boundaries—who owns what, who belongs where, and how we celebrate staying together.
Even the "Artist's Day" being celebrated in Russia today (timed to Stanislavsky’s birthday) points to a world using culture and events to signal strength and history. It’s a lot to take in for a random Saturday.
Actionable Steps for Your Saturday:
- Check your wallet: Find that gift card and use it before you lose it. It's literally the "holiday" of the day.
- Watch the skies (virtually): If you aren't in the UAE, look up the #DayofSolidarity clips on social media; the 4K footage of the jets is usually spectacular.
- Prep for the Open: If you’re a tennis fan, clear your schedule for tonight/tomorrow. The Australian Open starts in Melbourne, and the draw looks absolutely brutal this year.
- Forgive yourself: It’s Ditch Your Resolutions Day. If you ate a donut instead of a kale salad, don't sweat it. Tomorrow is a fresh start—or just another day to enjoy the chaos.