February 14 National Days

February 14 is the 45th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar, leaving 320 days until the end of the year (321 in leap years). While this day is most commonly associated with Valentine’s Day, it is also a day filled with 21 celebrations and observances that recognize literacy, health, kindness, history, and self-love.

Beyond the romance, February 14 highlights organ donation awareness, heart health, bicycle commuting, book giving, and even the invention of the Ferris wheel. Whether it’s spreading love through acts of generosity, advocating for literacy, or celebrating individual independence, this day offers something for everyone.

Let’s take a look at the national and international days observed on February 14!

National and International Days on February 14

Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Day: This day raises awareness of congenital heart defects (CHD), a condition affecting nearly 1 in 100 newborns worldwide. CHD can range from mild to life-threatening, and early detection is key. The observance encourages education, support for affected families, and advancements in medical research to improve treatment and survival rates.

Gold Heart Day: Established in 1991 by Variety International, this day promotes kindness and generosity, symbolized by gold heart-shaped pins. Funds raised support children in need by providing essential medical care, wheelchairs, and educational resources. Over the years, millions have benefited from the compassion and fundraising efforts of this global initiative.

Have a Heart Day 🇨🇦: Founded in 2012 by the First Nations Child & Family Caring Society of Canada, this day advocates for equal opportunities for First Nations children. It highlights the disparities in education, healthcare, and social services, urging government action. Children and youth participate by sending letters to officials, raising awareness, and calling for change.

International Book Giving Day: Encouraging literacy and access to books, this global initiative began in 2012. Founded by book blogger Amy Broadmoore and her son, it promotes gifting books to children in need. Today, it is observed in over 47 countries, with individuals and organizations donating books to libraries, schools, and shelters.

📚 There are many more national days dedicated to books and reading throughout the year—because reading is fundamental! Explore them all in one list! 🎉📖✨

International Winter Bike to Work Day* (Second Friday in February): This global event promotes bicycle commuting in colder climates. Cyclists brave the winter weather to highlight the benefits of biking for health, the environment, and urban mobility. Advocacy groups provide resources and encourage participation, making cycling a year-round transportation option.

League of Women Voters Day: Founded in 1920, this observance honors the contributions of the League of Women Voters in promoting democracy, voter education, and civic engagement. Created after the passage of the 19th Amendment, the League continues to advocate for voter rights and fair elections across the United States.

National Black Literacy Day: Established in 2021 by bookstore owner D.L. Mullen, this day aims to improve literacy rates in Black communities. It encourages reading, writing, and book donations while addressing literacy challenges. The observance aligns with Black History Month and celebrates the power of education in shaping futures.

National Call in Single Day: This lighthearted holiday offers singles a chance to take the day off and celebrate themselves. Created in response to Valentine’s Day, it promotes self-care, personal joy, and doing things that bring happiness without societal pressure. Singles can treat themselves to a special day of relaxation, fun, or adventure.

National Condom Day: This observance raises awareness about safe sex practices, STI prevention, and sexual health. Originating in the late 1980s, it encourages open conversations about sexual wellness. The day is part of Condom Week and Condom Month, aligning with ongoing public health efforts. 💞 A similar global event, International Condom Day, takes place on February 13.

National Cream-Filled Chocolates Day: On this day, millions of cream-filled chocolates are enjoyed, often in heart-shaped boxes for Valentine’s Day.

🍫 For even more chocolate-themed national days, be sure to check out our dedicated list and celebrate chocolate all year long! 🎉🍩🍪

National Ferris Wheel Day: Honoring George Washington Gale Ferris Jr., the inventor of the Ferris wheel, this day recognizes his engineering marvel. His creation debuted at the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago, rivaling the Eiffel Tower as an architectural wonder. Ferris wheels remain iconic amusement park attractions worldwide.

National Impotence Day: This day raises awareness about erectile dysfunction (ED), its causes, and available treatments. Established in the early 2000s, it aims to reduce stigma, encourage medical consultations, and highlight lifestyle factors that impact men’s health. The timing on Valentine’s Day emphasizes the importance of addressing sexual health openly.

National Library Lover’s Day: Originating in Australia in 2006, this day celebrates the joy of reading and the value of libraries. It encourages people to visit their local libraries, check out books, and appreciate the wealth of knowledge these institutions offer. The observance has spread worldwide, promoting literacy and learning.

National Organ Donor Day / National Donor Day: First observed in 1998, this day promotes organ, tissue, marrow, platelet, and blood donation. It raises awareness about the life-saving impact of donations, with over 120,000 people in the U.S. currently waiting for transplants. Blood drives and donor registration events are common activities.

No One Eats Alone Day* (Friday of the 2nd full week in February): Created in 2012 by the nonprofit Beyond Differences, this day combats social isolation in schools. Students are encouraged to reach out, sit with new classmates, and foster inclusion. The initiative has grown nationwide, reaching millions of students.

Pet Theft Awareness Day: Launched in 1988 by Last Chance for Animals, this day educates pet owners on protecting their pets from theft. Each year, nearly 2 million pets are stolen in the U.S., often for resale or illegal activities. The observance promotes microchipping, secure fencing, and awareness of pet theft risks.

Quirkyalone Day: Established in 2003 by author Sasha Cagen, this celebration embraces individuality and the joys of being single. It’s not an anti-Valentine’s Day but rather an alternative that honors self-love, meaningful friendships, and personal happiness. Events worldwide promote embracing life fully—single or not.

Read to Your Child Day: This day encourages parents and caregivers to read aloud to children, fostering literacy, imagination, and emotional bonding. Studies show that regular reading boosts vocabulary, cognitive skills, and a lifelong love of books. The observance highlights the lasting impact of shared reading moments.

Valentine’s Day: A day dedicated to love and affection, often marked by the exchange of cards, flowers, and gifts between loved ones. Its origins date back to ancient Rome, where it evolved from the festival of Lupercalia, a fertility celebration held on February 15. The day was later associated with Saint Valentine, a Roman priest who, according to legend, performed secret marriages for soldiers. By the Middle Ages, it became linked to courtly love, and by the 18th century, the tradition of exchanging handwritten notes and tokens of affection was widespread. Today, Valentine’s Day is celebrated worldwide, with romantic gestures, special dinners, and expressions of love extending beyond couples to friendships and family members.

World Bonobo Day: Established in 2017 by the Bonobo Conservation Initiative, this day raises awareness about bonobos, our closest relatives in the animal kingdom. These peaceful primates, found only in the Congo Basin, face threats from habitat loss and poaching. Conservation efforts aim to protect them and their ecosystems.

World Sound Healing Day: Created in 2003 by sound healer Jonathan Goldman, this day explores the benefits of sound therapy for personal and global healing. Participants use their voices, instruments, or recorded sounds to generate positive energy. The event promotes peace, wellness, and the transformative power of sound.

These 21 national and international days celebrated on February 14 showcase a wide range of topics—from love and literacy to health and conservation. Whether it’s giving a book, advocating for heart health, embracing self-love, or honoring a historic invention, this day provides many meaningful ways to celebrate beyond Valentine’s Day.