February 5 National Days

February 5 is the 36th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar, leaving 329 days until the end of the year (330 in leap years). On this day, 14 national and international celebrations take place, highlighting literacy, sports, humor, history, music, and food.

Whether it’s dipping into chocolate fondue, advocating for women in sports, celebrating Nutella, or appreciating weather forecasters, this day offers a variety of ways to learn and engage.

Let’s take a look at the national and international days observed on February 5!

Adlai Stevenson Day: This day honors Adlai E. Stevenson II, a significant figure in American politics, known for his progressive policies and diplomatic work. He served as governor of Illinois and was twice a Democratic presidential candidate. His role as the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations further cemented his legacy in global diplomacy.

Global School Play Day* (First Wednesday in February): Established in 2015 by educators concerned about the decline of unstructured play, this day emphasizes the importance of free play in children’s development. The initiative grew quickly, with millions of students worldwide now participating. It serves as a reminder that play is crucial for social, cognitive, and emotional growth.

International Clash Day* (February 5 unless the date falls on a weekend): This day celebrates the punk-rock band The Clash and its influence on music and activism. Founded by KEXP radio host John Richards in 2013, the day honors the band’s legacy of anti-racism, anti-fascism, and social justice. Cities around the world have recognized it through official proclamations.

🎶 Explore our list of music-related national days, all gathered in one place for your convenience and inspiration! 🎤🎸🎼✨

Move Hollywood and Broadway to Lebanon, P.A. Day: Created by Tom and Ruth Roy, this whimsical day imagines relocating entertainment hubs to Lebanon, Pennsylvania. The lighthearted holiday highlights the town’s unique culture and community charm. It serves as a fun way to promote local pride while playfully reimagining Lebanon as a center for the arts.

National Chocolate Fondue Day: This day celebrates the indulgent delight of chocolate fondue, a dessert variation first introduced in the 1960s by Swiss restaurateur Konrad Egli in New York. Originally made with Toblerone chocolate and cherry brandy, the dish has become a favorite for dipping fruits, marshmallows, and other treats.

National Fart Day: A humorous celebration of one of the body’s natural processes, this day encourages people to embrace laughter and let go of embarrassment around flatulence. Observed since 2008, it playfully acknowledges the science behind digestion while highlighting the social taboos surrounding it.

National Girls and Women in Sports Day* (Wednesday of the first week of February): Established in 1987 to honor female athletes and advocate for gender equality in sports. Originally created to celebrate volleyball player Flo Hyman, the day has expanded to recognize all women and girls in athletics, including the impact of Title IX in ensuring equal opportunities.

National Shower With A Friend Day: Created in 2014 by New Wave Enviro, this tongue-in-cheek day raises awareness about the benefits of showering with filtered, chlorine-free water. It also adds humor to the cold winter season, reminding people of the importance of self-care and conservation.

National Signing Day* (First Wednesday in February): This marks the first day high school seniors can officially sign letters of intent to play college football under NCAA regulations. Since its establishment in the 1980s, it has become a major televised event, with student-athletes committing to their future teams.

National Weatherperson’s Day / National Weatherman’s Day: Honors meteorologists and weather forecasters, recognizing their role in providing accurate weather predictions. It commemorates the birthday of John Jeffries, one of America’s first weather observers, who began recording weather data in the 18th century. The day acknowledges both professionals and volunteer weather watchers.

Western Monarch Day: Established in 2004 in California, this day raises awareness of the monarch butterfly’s annual migration. Monarchs travel between Canada, the U.S., and Mexico, playing a crucial role in pollination. The holiday promotes conservation efforts to protect their habitats and prevent population decline.

World Animal Reiki Day: Celebrated by animal lovers worldwide, this day highlights the benefits of Reiki healing for animals. Organized by the Shelter Animal Reiki Association, it encourages shelters and animal caregivers to offer Reiki sessions to help support animal well-being. The day was inspired by Dakota, an Australian shepherd mix who influenced the movement.

🐾 For more dogs, cats, and pets national days, visit the dedicated pages or use the search feature on our website to find exactly what you’re looking for!

World Nutella Day: Founded in 2007 by food blogger Sara Rosso, this day celebrates the beloved hazelnut-chocolate spread. Nutella originated in Italy, where hazelnuts were combined with cocoa during shortages. Fans worldwide share recipes, enjoy Nutella treats, and appreciate the spread’s history.

🍫 Did you know there are 75+ national days celebrating chocolate in all its delicious forms! 🎉🍩🍪

World Read Aloud Day* (First Wednesday in February): Supported by LitWorld, this day promotes literacy by encouraging people of all ages to read aloud. The event raises awareness of global literacy challenges and the power of storytelling. In 2018, the event partnered with Harry Potter Book Night to expand its reach.