April 25 National Days

April 25th is the 115th day of the year (116th in leap years), with 250 days remaining until the end of 2025. A total of 21 national and international observances are celebrated today. From scientific milestones to nature-inspired days and social causes, April 25 brings together a mix of themes to celebrate.

A few of these celebrations, like World Penguin Day and National DNA Day, are tied to significant dates or natural cycles, while others like Parental Alienation Awareness Day and National Hug a Plumber Day spotlight social issues and professions.

Some observances take place on the last Friday of April every year, which in 2025 will also fall on April 25. Similar rotating date holidays include National Arbor Day, Global Youth Service Days, and National Historic Marker Day.

National and International Days on April 25

Financial Independence Awareness Day: Created in 2019, this day encourages individuals to explore the benefits and possibilities of reaching financial independence — the ability to cover all living expenses without relying on employment or others. Observers of this day promote ideas like saving early, budgeting wisely, and investing for long-term goals. It was started by those passionate about the FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early) movement and aims to empower more people with the tools and knowledge to take control of their financial futures.

Global Youth Service Days* (Last weekend in April): Spanning several days, Global Youth Service Days celebrate the power of young people to lead positive change through volunteerism and civic action. Founded in the U.S. and now celebrated in over 100 countries, the event gives youth a platform to contribute to their communities, develop leadership skills, and gain confidence. Each year, thousands of youth-led service projects take place across the globe, addressing issues like environmental protection, education, and poverty.

International Amigurumi Day: First celebrated in 2019, this day honors the Japanese art of crocheting or knitting small stuffed creatures, known as amigurumi. The word combines “ami” (knitted/crocheted) and “nuigurumi” (stuffed doll). It was started by two passionate crocheters, Marcia Scarpelli and Bianca Moraes, who saw how much joy the craft brought to makers and collectors alike. Celebrated worldwide, it’s a fun and colorful day for anyone who loves yarn, creativity, and handmade toys.

International Delegate’s Day: This United Nations holiday recognizes the role of delegates — the official representatives who negotiate and advocate for their countries at the UN. Without delegates, the UN would not function, as they serve as the primary bridge between governments and international resolutions. The day commemorates the first day of the San Francisco Conference in 1945, where delegates from 50 nations gathered to draft the UN Charter.

License Plate Day: April 25 commemorates the first state-issued license plate in the U.S., which came from New York in 1901. Before that, vehicles had no official identification, limiting drivers’ rights compared to those using horse-drawn carriages. As the automobile became more common, license plates allowed states to regulate road use, improving safety and order. Today, over 250 million vehicles in the U.S. have registered plates, each one with a unique number.

National Arbor Day* (last Friday in April): Started in Nebraska in 1872 by J. Sterling Morton, Arbor Day encourages individuals and communities to plant and care for trees. The first celebration led to over a million trees being planted. Observed across the U.S. on the last Friday of April, the day highlights the environmental, economic, and social benefits of trees — from improving air quality to supporting wildlife and beautifying neighborhoods.

🌳 Similar days include International Day of Forests on March 21.

National DNA Day: April 25 marks the date in 1953 when James Watson and Francis Crick published their paper on the double helix structure of DNA. It also commemorates the completion of the Human Genome Project in 2003. That same year, the U.S. Congress designated April 25 as National DNA Day. Since then, the National Human Genome Research Institute has led the celebration annually, promoting education about genetics, biotechnology, and genome science. It’s also referred to as World DNA Day or International DNA Day in global observances.

National East Meets West Day: Also known as Elbe Day, this date commemorates the historic meeting of American and Soviet forces on April 25, 1945, at the Elbe River near Torgau, Germany. This moment symbolized the closing of the gap between the Eastern and Western fronts during World War II and was a key step toward ending the conflict in Europe. The first contact was made by U.S. Lieutenant Albert Kotzebue and Soviet Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Gardiev. Events in Torgau and worldwide continue to honor the day’s significance.

National Hairball Awareness Day* (Last Friday in April): Founded by Dr. Blake Hawley of Hill’s Pet Nutrition, this day raises awareness about the common but sometimes serious issue of hairballs in cats. Hairballs form when cats groom themselves and ingest loose hair. While often harmless, they can lead to digestive blockages that require veterinary attention. Pet owners are encouraged to use grooming tools and dietary solutions to help manage and prevent hairballs, improving feline health and comfort.

🐈 See also our complete list of national days dedicated to cats and their owners.

National Historic Marker Day* (last Friday in April): Launched in 2021 by the William G. Pomeroy Foundation, this day celebrates the historical markers that preserve stories of local and national significance. With over 157,000 markers across the U.S., they offer tangible links to the past. Volunteers are encouraged to clean and maintain these signs, ensuring they remain legible and visible for future generations. Participants often share before-and-after photos on social media to raise awareness about historical preservation.

National Hug a Plumber Day / National Plumber’s Day: Celebrated since at least 2009, this day shines a spotlight on the skilled professionals who keep our plumbing systems functioning. From repairing burst pipes to installing complex water systems, plumbers play an essential role in modern infrastructure. Their work dates back to ancient Rome, and today, we rely on their expertise for everything from hot showers to efficient waste disposal. The day reminds us to appreciate their behind-the-scenes contributions that often go unnoticed.

National Lingerie Day: Since the early 2000s, this celebration has focused on the empowerment and self-expression that comes from wearing lingerie. While all lingerie is technically underwear, not all underwear qualifies as lingerie — the latter is typically more delicate, decorative, and sensual. The holiday was inspired by the evolution of undergarments, from restrictive corsets to comfortable and stylish designs. It celebrates the feeling of confidence and beauty that comes from wearing something special, even if it’s just for yourself.

🩲 A similar day, National Underwear Day, is celebrated on August 5 and provides an opportunity to wear your favorite undergarments.

National Mani-Pedi Day: Though the exact origins are unclear, this modern celebration promotes self-care through manicures and pedicures. More than a beauty routine, mani-pedis offer time to relax and maintain healthy nails. Over time, the day has evolved into a way to explore nail art trends and support salons and nail technicians. Whether enjoyed at home or in a spa, it’s a perfect excuse to give your hands and feet a little love.

💄 There are multiple days dedicated to beauty and beauty-professionals. Some of them are: National Lipstick Day, National Hair Day and Lash Stylists Day.

National Telephone Day: On April 25, we honor one of the most transformative inventions of the modern world — the telephone. While Alexander Graham Bell is credited with its invention, the story involves multiple inventors, including Elisha Gray and Antonio Meucci. In 1967, the installation of the 100 millionth phone line in the U.S. was commemorated with a massive conference call and the declaration of National Telephone Day. Today, with over 9.8 billion mobile phones worldwide, we celebrate a tool that has shaped how we connect.

National Zucchini Bread Day: This day encourages home bakers to whip up a loaf of moist, flavorful zucchini bread. Zucchini, originally from the Americas and later cultivated in Italy, is a versatile ingredient that adds moisture and subtle flavor to baked goods. While Native Americans once ate it raw, we now know it shines in recipes like bread, muffins, and even cakes. Zucchini bread is a delicious way to enjoy this nutrient-rich vegetable in a sweet treat.

Parental Alienation Awareness Day: Introduced in 2005 by Canadian advocate Sarvy Emo, this day brings attention to parental alienation — when one parent influences a child to reject the other. It’s recognized as a form of emotional abuse and can cause long-term harm to children and families. The day was originally observed on March 28 but was moved to April 25 to coincide with expert Dr. Richard Warshak’s appearance in Toronto. Since then, it has gained official recognition in multiple U.S. states and countries around the world.

Red Hat Society Day: Founded in 1998 and celebrated annually on April 25, this day recognizes a sisterhood of women who embrace aging with joy, color, and confidence. It all began with a red hat gift inspired by the poem “Warning” by Jenny Joseph, which sparked a movement. The Red Hat Society quickly grew into a global network that celebrates friendship, fun, and self-expression. Women wear red hats and purple attire to mark the occasion, symbolizing the freedom to be themselves at any age.

Undiagnosed Children’s Awareness Day 🇬🇧* (Last Friday in April): Led by the UK-based charity SWAN (Syndromes Without a Name), this day brings attention to children living with undiagnosed genetic conditions. Each year, approximately 6,000 children in the UK are born without a clear diagnosis, leading to uncertainty and difficulty accessing care. The campaign raises awareness, promotes medical research, and supports families through community and advocacy. Observed on the last Friday in April, it highlights the need for understanding and visibility.

World Malaria Day: Established by the World Health Assembly in 2007, this global health observance focuses on eradicating malaria — a disease that still affects millions, particularly in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. It commemorates international efforts to prevent and treat malaria and encourages ongoing investment in research, prevention, and care. The day also serves as a reminder of how global collaboration has helped reduce deaths and infection rates over the years.

World Penguin Day: Inspired by the migration of Adélie penguins, this day celebrates all 18 penguin species and raises awareness about their environmental challenges. The idea began at McMurdo Station in Antarctica in the 1970s when researchers observed the penguins’ migration north around April 25. The day has since evolved into a global celebration promoting penguin conservation, education, and appreciation. With many species now endangered or vulnerable, the message of World Penguin Day is more important than ever.

World Women’s Wellness Day* (Last Friday in April): Started by Diversity Woman Media during its 2021 virtual conference, this day highlights the importance of self-care, health, and balance in women’s lives. Through online events and ongoing initiatives like Wellness Wednesdays, it addresses topics such as mental health, nutrition, mindfulness, and sleep. Women from all backgrounds come together to share stories and support one another in navigating life’s demands while prioritizing wellness.