May 29, 2026, is the 149th day of the year, with 216 days remaining, and it falls on a Friday — the last Friday of May — in the twenty-first week of the year.
With 16 national and international days on the calendar, May 29 is anchored by the 73rd anniversary of Hillary and Norgay’s Everest summit, the UN’s tribute to its peacekeepers, and World Digestive Health Day. It also marks the restoration of Charles II to the English throne in 1660 — Oak Apple Day — and the moment in 1953 that changed exploration forever. Biscuits, composting, tiger nuts, a paperclip, a pillow on a fridge, and a sleeping snail round out one of the more eclectic Fridays of the year.
National Days on May 29
All national & international days celebrated today
16 celebrations on this dayInternational Everest Day
May 29 marks the anniversary of the first confirmed summit of Mount Everest — by Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay on May 29, 1953. Nepal observes this date as a national celebration of the achievement. In 2026 it marks the 73rd anniversary of one of the most consequential moments in exploration history, and recognises the Sherpa communities whose knowledge and labour made it possible.
International Day of UN Peacekeepers
Established by the UN General Assembly in 2002, the International Day of UN Peacekeepers on May 29 pays tribute to the men and women who have served and continue to serve in UN peacekeeping operations worldwide — and honours those who have lost their lives in the cause of peace. Over one million personnel have served in UN peacekeeping missions since 1948.
World Digestive Health Day
Established by the World Gastroenterology Organisation in 2004, World Digestive Health Day on May 29 raises awareness of digestive diseases and disorders — which affect over 40% of the global population at any given time and include conditions from irritable bowel syndrome and inflammatory bowel disease to liver disease and colorectal cancer. Each year focuses on a specific theme condition.
National Biscuit Day
Britain’s relationship with the biscuit — a word derived from the Latin bis coctus, meaning “twice cooked” — is one of the world’s great food love affairs. From the Hobnob to the Digestive, the Jaffa Cake to the Bourbon, biscuits are consumed at a rate of around 98 per person per year in the UK. National Biscuit Day celebrates this crispy, dunked, endlessly contested confection.
Here’s every observance celebrated on May 29, 2026.
National & International Days on May 29
Here’s a full overview of the 14 national and international days recognized on May 29.
European Neighbors’ Day
European Neighbors’ Day* (Last Friday in May) was first celebrated in 1999 by Atanase Périfan in Paris to help neighbors connect in cities where people often feel isolated. What started as a local gathering quickly grew into an international movement. By 2004, other European countries joined in, and now millions participate each year. From small coffee chats to block parties, the day promotes community spirit and simple acts of kindness among neighbors.
International Day of UN Peacekeepers
International Day of UN Peacekeepers honors the dedication and sacrifice of all personnel involved in United Nations peacekeeping operations. It was officially established by UN General Assembly Resolution 57/129 in 2002, following a proposal by the Ukrainian Peacekeepers Association and the Government of Ukraine. The date—May 29—marks the anniversary of the UN’s first peacekeeping mission, the United Nations Truce Supervision Organization (UNTSO), launched in 1948. First observed in 2003, this day is a tribute to the more than 115,000 peacekeepers serving in complex missions around the world.
International Everest Day
International Everest Day commemorates the historic first successful summit of Mount Everest by Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay in 1953. Both Nepal and New Zealand recognize this day to celebrate their national heroes and encourage mountaineering, environmental awareness, and tourism. Everest Day remains a source of pride and inspiration for climbers and conservationists alike.
Learn About Composting Day
Learn About Composting Day encourages people to discover or improve their composting habits. Composting reduces landfill waste, enriches soil, and cuts greenhouse gas emissions. It’s part of a broader environmental movement that includes related observances like Earth Day (April 22) and International Compost Awareness Week (first full week in May).
National 529 Day
National 529 Day was established in 2021 by the College Savings Foundation to remind families about the benefits of 529 college savings plans. These state-sponsored accounts help save for higher education costs, with tax-free earnings and withdrawals for qualified expenses. The date—5/29—serves as an easy mnemonic to promote long-term planning for future students.
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National Alligator Awareness Day
National Alligator Awareness Day was founded by Wild Florida Safari Park in 2021 to highlight the importance of alligators to Florida’s ecosystem. Alligators are native to all 67 counties in the state and have become symbols of local biodiversity and tourism. The day also promotes responsible wildlife interaction and education.
National Biscuit Day
National Biscuit Day celebrates biscuits in all their forms—from classic British-style digestives to traditional Southern American biscuits. Home bakers and food lovers often take this opportunity to share recipes, enjoy biscuit-based meals, or experiment with flavors. It shares culinary territory with National Buttermilk Biscuit Day, observed on May 14.
National Coq Au Vin Day
National Coq Au Vin Day is dedicated to the French dish coq au vin, a traditional recipe of chicken braised in wine with mushrooms, lardons, and garlic. While similar recipes date back to the 19th century, the modern version became popular in the early 20th century. The day encourages home cooks to try this rustic meal and perhaps revisit National Wine Day on May 25 for pairing ideas.
National Heat Awareness Day
National Heat Awareness Day* (Last Friday in May) was created by OSHA and the National Weather Service to emphasize the risks of extreme heat, especially for outdoor workers. It aims to reduce heat-related illnesses and deaths by promoting safety practices like hydration, shade, and rest. The observance encourages employers and the public to take heat seriously, especially as climate change increases the frequency of dangerous heat events.
National Hydroxyapatite Day
National Hydroxyapatite Day was launched by RiseWell Toothpaste to promote hydroxyapatite—a natural calcium phosphate found in bones and teeth—as a safe alternative to fluoride in dental care. Observed every May 29, it raises awareness about advancements in oral health and supports cleaner ingredient trends in personal care products.
National Paperclip Day
National Paperclip Day honors this simple yet essential office tool. The first U.S. patent for a bent wire paperclip was issued to Samuel B. Fay in 1867, originally intended to attach tickets to fabric. The familiar “Gem” paperclip, likely manufactured in Britain in the 1870s, became the standard. Beyond its function, the paperclip gained symbolic power during World War II as Norwegians wore them in silent protest against Nazi occupation. Inspired by this, middle school students in Whitwell, Tennessee, launched the Paper Clip Project in the late 1990s and collected over 30 million paperclips to honor Holocaust victims. The project later became a permanent memorial.
📎 For more stationery related national days, please visit our dedicated list.
National Snail Day
National Snail Day celebrates snails and their quiet but important role in ecosystems. Snails help decompose plant material, enrich soil, and serve as a food source for other animals. Fossil records show they’ve existed for about 500 million years, dating back to the late Cambrian period. Observed on May 29, National Snail Day invites appreciation for these ancient creatures, sometimes spotlighted again on National Escargot Day (May 24).
Oak Apple Day
Oak Apple Day / Royal Oak Day was first observed in 1660 to mark the restoration of the British monarchy and the return of Charles II to London on his 30th birthday. The date was declared a public holiday under the Observance of 29th May Act 1660, later repealed in 1859. Although no longer a national holiday, some regions in the UK and Ireland still commemorate it. The “oak apple” refers to the oak tree Charles hid in after the Battle of Worcester in 1651, a symbol of loyalty to the crown.
Put a Pillow on Your Fridge Day
Put a Pillow on Your Fridge Day has roots in an old superstition that placing a piece of fabric in the larder would bring prosperity. In modern times, the tradition has evolved into placing a pillow on top of the refrigerator. The day, observed on May 29, thought to bring luck and abundance to the household.
World Digestive Health Day
World Digestive Health Day was established in 2004 by the World Gastroenterology Organisation. It promotes education and awareness around digestive diseases and healthy practices. The date was chosen to align with the founding of the WGO on May 29, 1958. Each year focuses on a different theme, ranging from gut microbiota to prevention strategies, offering resources for patients and professionals alike.
World Tiger Nut Day
World Tiger Nut Day was founded in 2019 by the Tiger Nut Company to celebrate the ancient, nutrient-rich tuber known as the tiger nut (Cyperus esculentus). Cultivated for thousands of years in Africa, the Middle East, and parts of Europe, tiger nuts are used to make beverages like horchata de chufa and are praised for their high fiber content and sustainable farming. The day also supports eco-conscious farming and celebrates the cultural heritage of tiger nut–growing regions.
