Significant Occurrences 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020

Hey there, friend! Grab your favourite drink and settle in, because we're about to take a wild ride through some of the most memorable years we've lived through. Buckle up — you might be surprised how much actually happened while you were busy binge-watching Netflix.

Let's start with 2016, shall we? Oh boy, where do we begin? Hamilton became the show everyone and their grandmother was quoting. Pokémon GO turned parks into social goldmines — remember sprinting across town for a Pikachu? Honestly, that app had us walking more than any gym membership ever could. Plus, Prince tragically left the world, reminding us to dress in purple just a little more often.

Moving into 2017 — this was the year of mega moon vibes and historic marches. The Women's March brought millions together worldwide, proving that solidarity never goes out of style. Oh, and Canada turned 150 while Prince Harry started seriously dating Meghan Markle. Not a bad year if you ask me. Meanwhile, Beyoncé bravely performed while pregnant, granting us all permission to nap guilt-free.

2018 was buzzing! The FIFA World Cup had us shouting at screens like it was a family gathering. Iceland became the cool new travel fantasy, and the #MeToo movement roared louder than ever, empowering survivors to speak their truth. And who could forget the royal wedding of Harry and Meghan? We all cried a little — don't deny it.

Then came 2019, which felt like the universe turned up the drama dial. Greta Thunberg sailed across the ocean to skip a flight for climate change — icon status activated. Apple Park's spaceship was fully operational, and we were introduced to The Lion King contemporary remake that left us emotionally ruined. Baby Simba, anyone?

Bar plot for each beach, showing the occurrence of observed beaching

And then... 2020. Cue the plot twist of a lifetime. The COVID-19 pandemic flipped our world upside down, pushing us all into the homebodies we'd secretly dreamed of becoming. Sourdough starters became pets, Zoom replaced coffee shops, and blankets earned their rightful place as our daily uniform. But through it all, communities united in the most creative ways imaginable — from balcony concerts to doorstep deliveries of kindness.

Looking back, these five extraordinary years were a masterclass in resilience, joy, and change. We laughed, we cried, we danced terribly in our kitchens, and somehow, we made it through together. Here's the beautiful truth: every year brings something worth remembering, and every chapter of our story makes the next one brighter. So smile, friend — the best pages are still being written, and you are absolutely going to love what comes next. 🌟