September 30 National Days

September 30 is the 273rd day of the year (274th in leap years), with 92 days remaining until the end of the year.

National Days on September 30th — September 30 National Days

On this date we celebrate food observances like stroopwafels, mulled cider, and chewing gum, while also marking global efforts such as International Translation Day and International Podcast Day. At the same time, awareness days highlight important issues from animal welfare to mental well-being, reminding us that even the simplest traditions can share the calendar with vital global conversations.

Below is a list of the 14 national and international days celebrated on September 30th, with explanations for each one.

National and International Days on September 30

Dog Separation Anxiety Awareness Day is observed on September 30 to educate pet owners about one of the most common behavioral challenges dogs face—distress when left alone. The day was founded by trainer and separation anxiety specialist Jo Sellers, inspired by her own dog Reba’s struggles. Its purpose is to help owners recognize that behaviors like barking, pacing, or destructiveness are signs of anxiety, not misbehavior. The observance promotes understanding, compassion, and the use of science-based training methods to support affected dogs. By raising awareness, the day encourages owners to seek proper guidance and improve both their dog’s well-being and the bond they share.

National Days for Dog Lovers 2025

International Blasphemy Day promotes freedom of expression and to challenge laws that restrict criticism of religion. The day was introduced in 2009 by the Center for Inquiry (CFI), coinciding with the anniversary of the 2005 publication of satirical cartoons of the Prophet Muhammad in the Danish newspaper Jyllands-Posten. The cartoons sparked worldwide protests and intense debate about the limits of free speech and religious sensitivity. By marking this date, the observance seeks to encourage open discussion, defend the right to question or criticize beliefs, and raise awareness of the risks faced by people in countries where blasphemy is punishable by law.

International Podcast Day celebrates podcasting’s role in transforming how people share ideas and connect with one another. The observance was first introduced in 2014 by Steve Lee as National Podcast Day, timed to honor the 10th anniversary of the first podcasts released in 2004. Enthusiastic participation from countries such as the UK and Australia soon led to its rebranding as an international event. Podcasts have revolutionized modern media by making knowledge, entertainment, and personal stories accessible to anyone with an internet connection, bypassing traditional broadcasting barriers. The day highlights podcasting’s power to democratize information, give voice to underrepresented communities, and foster learning across cultures.

International Thunderbirds Day celebrates the anniversary of the groundbreaking British television series Thunderbirds, which first aired in 1965 with the episode Trapped in the Sky. The day was launched in 2017 by ITV Studios as a tribute to the show’s legacy and its revival through modern adaptations like Thunderbirds Are Go. Over the years, the celebration has expanded from UK cinema screenings to global events, with fan-driven projects by Century 21 Films and audio adventures from Anderson Entertainment keeping the spirit alive.

International Translation Day honors the vital role translators and interpreters play in connecting people across languages and cultures. The date was chosen to mark the feast of Saint Jerome, who died on September 30, 420 AD and is remembered for translating the Bible into Latin—the Vulgate—a work that shaped Western Christianity. The International Federation of Translators (FIT) began promoting the observance in 1953 and officially adopted the date in 1991, with the United Nations granting recognition in 2017. The day draws attention to the way language professionals foster peace, cooperation, and development in a globalized world, while also highlighting the challenges of ensuring accuracy, cultural nuance, and respect in communication.

National AI at Work Day, founded by LinkedIn and first observed on September 30, 2025, highlights the growing role of artificial intelligence in the workplace and encourages its responsible use. The observance addresses the reality that while AI is already reshaping industries, many professionals feel unprepared to adapt—LinkedIn’s own research shows that over 40% of workers feel overwhelmed by the pace of adoption. To bridge this gap, the day promotes learning opportunities, expert guidance, and peer-led communities that make AI practical and approachable for everyone, not just tech specialists. By reframing AI as a tool for growth and innovation rather than anxiety, the day empowers employees, leaders, and businesses of all sizes to build confidence and unlock new opportunities in a rapidly evolving professional landscape.

National Chewing Gum Day recognizes a habit that stretches from ancient traditions to modern candy aisles. People have chewed gum-like substances for thousands of years—archaeologists even discovered a 5,000-year-old piece of birch tar in Finland, while the Maya and Aztecs used chicle, a natural latex, for the same purpose. The commercial gum industry began in the United States in 1848, when John B. Curtis sold spruce resin gum, and it expanded rapidly in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, especially through William Wrigley Jr.’s marketing campaigns. Though the observance doesn’t have a single founder, it offers a lighthearted moment to appreciate how chewing gum evolved from ancient materials into a global pastime.

National Chewing Gum Day

National Extra Virgin Olive Oil Day celebrates one of the world’s oldest and most valued foods. The International Olive Council (IOC) launched the first celebration in 2019, choosing this date to highlight olive oil’s long history, health benefits, and global importance. Used for thousands of years in the Mediterranean, olive oil has served not only as food but also as fuel for lamps, a base for medicines, and a key ingredient in cosmetics. In ancient Greece, it was considered sacred to the goddess Athena, while the Romans made it central to daily life and trade. Today, extra virgin olive oil remains prized for its flavor, versatility in cooking, and well-documented health benefits, from supporting heart health to reducing inflammation.

National Hot Mulled Cider Day honors the cozy tradition of warming apple cider with spices. While the holiday itself is a modern creation, the practice of mulling drinks dates back to the Roman Empire, where wine was often simmered with herbs and spices. In medieval England, mulled cider became tied to wassailing—festive rituals that toasted the apple harvest and wished health to orchards. The custom crossed to colonial America, where cider was a staple beverage. Today, mulled cider is typically made by heating apple cider with cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and citrus, creating a comforting drink especially popular in autumn. The observance celebrates both the long history of spiced beverages and the seasonal joy of gathering around a warm cup.

National Love People Day encourages kindness, service, and unconditional love for others. The day was started in 2017 by Lifeline Church in Illinois, led by Pastors Reggie and London Royal. Its purpose is to remind people that love can cross all boundaries—whether through helping neighbors, volunteering, or simple acts of kindness. The observance highlights that every person has value and that showing love without expecting anything in return can strengthen communities and create a more compassionate world.

National Mud Pack Day highlights the long tradition of using mud and clay for skin care. People have turned to natural mud treatments since ancient times, valuing their ability to cleanse, soothe, and refresh the skin. Today, mud masks remain popular for absorbing excess oil, unclogging pores, and providing gentle exfoliation. While the holiday itself has no clear founder, it offers a lighthearted opportunity to celebrate natural beauty rituals.

National Pet Tricks Day was created in 2021 by dog trainer Joe Nutkins to celebrate the fun and connection that comes from teaching pets new skills. The day encourages owners to spend quality time with their animals, whether by practicing simple tricks like “shake” or more advanced activities like agility weaving. Teaching tricks stimulates pets mentally, strengthens the human–animal bond, and provides joyful moments of shared accomplishment. While still a relatively new and informal observance, it highlights the creativity and intelligence of pets of all kinds, from dogs and cats to birds, rabbits, and beyond.

National Pet Days and Veterinary Awareness Days 2025

National Puppy Mill Survivor Day honors dogs rescued from puppy mills and to raise awareness about the suffering caused by large-scale commercial breeding facilities. The day was created in 2021 by the animal welfare group Bailing Out Benji, which works to expose the realities of the puppy mill industry. Unlike National Puppy Mill Awareness Day (Third Saturday in September), which focuses on ending the practice, this observance highlights the resilience of individual dogs who have survived such conditions. People mark the day by sharing survivor stories on social media with the hashtag #NationalPuppyMillSurvivorDay, supporting rescues, and spreading educational resources. The day serves both as a celebration of second chances and as a reminder of the ongoing need for adoption and reform.

World Stroopwafel Day honors the famous Dutch “syrup waffle.” The stroopwafel was first made in Gouda in the late 1700s or early 1800s, when bakers used leftover crumbs and sweet syrup to create a cheap but tasty treat for the working class. At first known as the “poor man’s cookie,” it became more refined with the use of waffle irons and, by the 20th century, was being mass-produced in Gouda. Today, stroopwafels are enjoyed around the world, often placed on top of a hot drink so the syrup inside becomes soft and gooey.