October 12 is the 285th day of the year (286th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar, with 80 days remaining until year’s end. Falling on a Sunday in 2025, the date highlights themes of comfort food, financial awareness, and health advocacy.
Among the observances, National Pulled Pork Day celebrates a Southern culinary classic, National Savings Day encourages smart financial habits, and World Arthritis Day raises global awareness about joint health and chronic pain.
Below is a list of all 9 national and international days taking place on October 12, each with a brief explanation.
National & International Days on October 12
International Moment of Frustration Scream Day invites people to release stress through a shared, 30-second scream at noon GMT. Created by Ruth and Thomas Roy, founders of Wellcat Holidays, in collaboration with the Low-Thresholders of the Earth League, the observance promotes emotional release and humor as healthy outlets for tension. By stepping outside and letting out a collective yell, participants symbolically let go of built-up frustration—turning a simple act into a lighthearted reminder that it’s better to release stress than let it linger.
National Farmer’s Day honors the people who grow the food that sustains communities and economies. Modern farming extends far beyond traditional fields, encompassing family farms, community-supported agriculture, and sustainable methods that protect soil, water, and wildlife. The day highlights how deeply daily life depends on farmers—from the produce in stores to the ingredients in every meal—and encourages gratitude and support through local, seasonal choices.
National Freethought Day commemorates Massachusetts Governor William Phips’ 1692 decision to reject “spectral evidence” and end the Salem Witch Trials. His action restored reason over superstition and marked a turning point for justice in colonial America. Today, organizations such as The Freethought Society and the American Humanist Association celebrate the day as a tribute to logic, science, and intellectual freedom. Modern events like California Freethought Day carry this legacy forward, promoting critical inquiry, secularism, and open dialogue as essential foundations of a fair and rational society.
National Gumbo Day honors one of Louisiana’s most beloved dishes. Gumbo is a thick, flavorful stew that blends African, French, Spanish, and Native American influences—usually made with a roux, okra or filé powder for thickening, and ingredients like seafood, chicken, or sausage. Served over rice, it’s a comforting, communal meal that brings people together. The day invites everyone to enjoy a bowl of gumbo, try new variations, or support local restaurants that keep this Southern classic alive.
National Pulled Pork Day celebrates one of America’s signature barbecue traditions. Established in 2016 by Sonny’s BBQ and other industry leaders, the day honors the slow-cooking method that began with Indigenous Caribbean peoples, who developed barbacoa—a technique later introduced to the American South by Spanish explorers. Over time, it evolved into today’s pulled pork, a dish that represents Southern flavor, community gatherings, and the lasting heritage of barbecue culture.
National Savings Day, founded in 2017 by Capital One, promotes the power of small, consistent financial habits. It encourages people to set clear goals, track spending, and make saving automatic—showing that lasting security comes from steady progress rather than drastic change. The observance highlights how simple steps, like rounding up purchases or planning for big expenses, can make saving both practical and rewarding.
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National Vermont Day, founded in 2017, celebrates Vermont’s entry as the 14th state to join the Union in 1791. Known for its Green Mountains, maple syrup, and covered bridges, Vermont represents a model of community-centered living rooted in sustainability, craftsmanship, and respect for nature.
Pastor Appreciation Day / Clergy Appreciation Day* (Second Sunday in October), observed as part of Clergy Appreciation Month, honors the dedication of pastors, ministers, priests, and other spiritual leaders. Established in 1992 by Focus on the Family, the day encourages gratitude for those who provide guidance, comfort, and faith-based support to their communities. It’s a moment to recognize their daily commitment to service, compassion, and spiritual growth.
World Arthritis Day, established on October 12, 1996, by Arthritis and Rheumatism International (ARI), raises global awareness of arthritis and other rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs). These conditions are often invisible yet affect millions worldwide, limiting mobility and quality of life. The observance has grown into a major international campaign supported by organizations such as the Arthritis Foundation and EULAR, which advocate for better research, treatment access, and policy change. Each year, World Arthritis Day highlights a unifying theme—encouraging informed choices, amplifying patient voices, and promoting understanding of RMDs’ real impact on daily life.
National Days in October
October 1 | October 2 | October 3 | October 4 | October 5 | October 6 | October 7 | October 8 | October 9 | October 10 | October 11 | October 12 | October 13 | October 14 | October 15 | October 16 | October 17 | October 18 | October 19 | October 20 | October 21 | October 22 | October 23 | October 24 | October 25 | October 26 | October 27 | October 28 | October 29 | October 30 | October 31
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➡️ Complete list of all October National Days, Weeks and Months
➡️ Curious to see more national and international celebrations? We have dozens of national days lists curated for you!
