May 27 National Days

May 27 is the 147th day of the year (148th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar, leaving 218 days until the end of the year. From cellophane tape invention and musical nostalgia to skin protection and facing fear, today’s celebrations cover a wide range of themes with both historical and modern meaning.

All of today’s observances fall on May 27 every year, making it a fixed-date collection of daily recognitions.

Here’s a full overview of the 8 national and international days celebrated on May 27.

National and International Days on May 27

National Cellophane Tape Day: This day honors the invention of cellophane tape, also known as Scotch Tape, created by Richard Gurley Drew in 1930 while working at 3M. Originally intended to seal cellophane food packaging, the tape quickly found widespread use in homes and offices. Made from cellulose, it offered a transparent and versatile solution for wrapping, repairing, and organizing. Its popularity endures, and May 27 serves as a reminder of how one simple invention can stick around for nearly a century.

National Grape Day: Celebrated annually on May 27, National Grape Day highlights the long history and global popularity of grapes. With evidence of cultivation dating back over 6,000 years, grapes have been used for food, drink, trade, and even burial rituals. Today, more than 1,300 grape varieties are grown worldwide for winemaking alone. The day encourages people to enjoy grapes fresh, dried, or in juice form, and it ties in nicely with National Wine Day on May 25.

National Grape Popsicle Day: Also observed on May 27, this day commemorates Frank Epperson’s accidental invention of the Popsicle in 1905. At just 11 years old, he left a cup of flavored soda mix with a stirring stick on the porch overnight, and the freezing temperature turned it into a frozen treat. He later patented the invention and renamed it “Popsicle.” Grape remains one of the most beloved flavors, making it a perfect fit for this warm-weather celebration.

🍦 See also the full list of ice cream national days.

National Gray Day: Held annually on May 27, National Gray Day is part of National Brain Cancer Awareness Month. Organized by Voices Against Brain Cancer, the day raises awareness, honors those who have passed, and supports those affected by brain tumors. Participants are encouraged to wear gray—the official awareness color—and attend or organize events to spread knowledge and promote research.

National Sunscreen Day: Started in 2011 by the National Council on Skin Cancer Prevention, this day emphasizes year-round sun safety. It also serves as a reminder of the long journey to effective sunscreen, beginning in the 1930s with Australian chemist Milton Blake and later advancements by Swiss scientist Franz Greiter. On May 27, people are encouraged to protect their skin and raise awareness about skin cancer prevention.

Nothing to Fear Day: Inspired by Franklin D. Roosevelt’s famous line, “The only thing we have to fear is fear itself,” this day encourages people to face their fears with courage. Although its exact origin remains unclear, Nothing to Fear Day aims to promote resilience, self-confidence, and personal growth. It’s a symbolic occasion to reflect on the power of mindset and the importance of overcoming fear.

Old Time Player Piano Day: This day celebrates the vintage self-playing pianos that brought music into homes during the early 20th century. Known for their lively ragtime and jazz tunes, these instruments made music accessible to anyone, regardless of skill. Old Time Player Piano Day invites people to rediscover the charm of this mechanical marvel. It also coincides with the World Championship Old-Time Piano Playing Contest, held annually over Memorial Day weekend in Oxford, Mississippi.

World Marketing Day: Established in 2023 by the European Marketing Confederation, World Marketing Day is observed on May 27 to honor Philip Kotler, born on this day in 1931 and widely considered the “father of modern marketing.” The day recognizes the evolution of marketing from traditional practices to impact-driven strategies. Each year, a notable figure in the marketing world is honored, reflecting the discipline’s ongoing global influence.

National Days in May

May 1 | May 2 | May 3 | May 4 | May 5 | May 6 | May 7 | May 8 | May 9 | May 10 | May 11 | May 12 | May 13 | May 14| May 15 | May 16 | May 17 | May 18 | May 19 | May 20 | May 21 | May 22 | May 23 | May 24 | May 25 | May 26 | May 27 | May 28 | May 29 | May 30 | May 31