International Dalek Remembrance Day is a holiday that commemorates the first appearance of the robotic Daleks on the science fiction television show Doctor Who on December 21, 1963. These cyborg aliens were bent on conquering the universe and exterminating all races that they deemed “inferior.”

They were Doctor Who’s most feared enemies and have become as synonymous with Doctor Who as the good doctor himself. Their mannerisms and catchphrases have even worked their way into British popular culture. This is a good day for fans of Doctor Who to re-watch episodes of the series that feature Daleks or even dress up as one themselves.

Facts About Doctor Who

Below are some facts about Doctor Who that we’ve learned during our research on International Dalek Remembrance Day. Let’s take a closer look at these fun facts before moving on with the rest of the article.

• Doctor Who premiered on the BBC on November 23, 1963.
• It was originally conceived as an educational show for children.
• Sherlock Holmes inspired the creation of The Doctor.
• The term “Time Lord” wasn’t used until the sixth season of the series.
• The Doctor’s home planet of Gallifrey isn’t mentioned until 1973.

Observing International Dalek Remembrance Day

This holiday is a good day to binge-watch Doctor Who, make Dalek-inspired desserts, or just dress up as a Dalek. It’s also a good day to introduce friends and family to Doctor Who—if they aren’t already familiar with the show. People who want to spread the word about this holiday can do so by using the hashtag #InternationalDalekRemembranceDay on their social media accounts.