February 1 National Days

February 1 is the 32nd day of the year in the Gregorian calendar, leaving 333 days until the end of the year (334 in leap years). On this day, 23 national and international celebrations take place, recognizing history, culture, fun traditions, and important awareness campaigns. Whether you’re indulging in dark chocolate, celebrating Texas history, or learning about aspergillosis awareness, today has something for everyone!

Let’s explore the national and international days celebrated on this date!

Car Insurance Day: Reminds drivers to review and update their car insurance policies while appreciating the financial protection they provide. The first known automotive liability policy was purchased in 1897 by Gilbert J. Loomis.

Change Your Password Day: Created in 2012 by Matt Buchanan at Gizmodo, this day promotes cybersecurity by encouraging people to update their passwords and adopt stronger security measures.

Decorating With Candy Day: Encourages creativity by using candy to decorate food, art projects, and more, bridging the festive gap between Christmas and Valentine’s Day.

G.I. Joe Day: Celebrates the iconic action figure first introduced by Hasbro in 1964. As the first “action figure,” G.I. Joe revolutionized the toy industry and inspired cartoons, comics, and movies.

Holiday Hugs Day: Organized by Atlanta Blood Services, this day thanks blood donors for their generosity during the holiday season, particularly those who donate platelets regularly.

Hula in the Coola Day: A lighthearted observance encouraging people in colder regions to shake off winter blues by embracing Hawaiian hula dancing—grass skirts optional!

Ice Cream for Breakfast Day* (First Saturday in February): A fun excuse to enjoy ice cream in the morning! Created in the 1960s by Florence Rappaport in New York as a way to entertain her children during a winter storm.

🍦 Discover the complete list of ice cream-related national days and months all gathered on one page for your convenience! 🎉🍨

Imbolc: A traditional Gaelic festival marking the beginning of spring, honoring Brigid, the goddess of fertility and renewal. It is also observed as Saint Brigid’s Day in Christian tradition.

International Face and Body Art Day: Recognizes the artistic value of face and body painting while celebrating cultural and creative expressions worldwide.

International Pisco Sour Day* (First Saturday in February): Celebrates Peru’s national cocktail made with pisco, lemon juice, egg white, and bitters. Officially recognized in 2003, it honors the legacy of bartender Victor Vaughen Morris, who popularized the drink in Lima.

🍹 Curious about all the alcohol and drinking-related national days? We’ve created a special list for you—cheers to celebrating in style! 🥂🎉

Lung Leavin’ Day* (First Saturday in February): Founded by Heather Von St. James in 2005 after surviving mesothelioma, this day symbolizes overcoming fear and embracing life. It raises awareness about mesothelioma and the importance of resilience.

National Baked Alaska Day: Recognizes the elaborate dessert made of ice cream, sponge cake, and meringue, first named Baked Alaska by Chef Charles Ranhofer at Delmonico’s in New York in 1867.

National Dark Chocolate Day: Celebrates the bittersweet chocolate made with higher cocoa content. Often touted as the healthier chocolate option, it’s enjoyed worldwide for its deep flavor and antioxidants.

🍫 Did you know Bittersweet Chocolate has its own dedicated national day? Plus, there are 75+ national days celebrating chocolate in all its delicious forms! 🎉🍩🍪

National Freedom Day: Celebrates the signing of the 13th Amendment by Abraham Lincoln on February 1, 1865, which outlawed slavery in the U.S. Major Richard Robert Wright, Sr., a former slave, established this observance to promote equality and justice.

National Get Up Day: Encourages perseverance and resilience. Founded in 2017 by U.S. Figure Skating, it marks the end of National Skating Month and inspires people to overcome challenges in all aspects of life.

National Play Outside Day* (First Saturday of Every Month): Encourages outdoor activities for all ages, promoting health, exercise, and fresh air.

National Serpent Day: Recognizes snakes and their significance in different cultures, from medicine and mythology to conservation efforts. With over 3,000 species worldwide, this day raises awareness about these often-misunderstood reptiles.

National Texas Day: Recognizes the Lone Star State’s history, independence, and cultural influence as the 28th state in the U.S.

National Unclaimed Property Day: Raises awareness about unclaimed financial assets, such as forgotten paychecks or uncollected insurance benefits. An estimated 1 in 7 Americans has unclaimed property waiting to be collected.

Robinson Crusoe Day: Honors Daniel Defoe’s classic novel Robinson Crusoe, first published in 1719. The story, inspired by real-life castaway Alexander Selkirk, has captivated readers for centuries.

Spunky Old Broads (S.O.B.) Day: Founded in 2002 by Dr. Gayle Carson, this day celebrates confident, independent women over 50 who embrace life with no regrets.

Take Your Child to the Library Day* (First Saturday in February): Established in 2011 to promote literacy and encourage families to explore their local libraries through special events and activities.

📚 Did you know there are dozens of bookish national days and months to celebrate your love for reading all year long? 🎉 If you’re looking for cute reading trackers for kids, I’m sharing them for free on DigitalHygge—grab yours and make reading even more fun! 📖✨

World Aspergillosis Day: Raises awareness of aspergillosis, a fungal infection caused by Aspergillus mold, which can be life-threatening for those with weakened immune systems or lung conditions. The first observance took place in 2018.