April 14 National Days

April 14 is the 104th day of the year, and it’s packed with 14 national and international observances that span everything from seaweed and pecans to puffins and dolphins. This day encourages people to laugh out loud, explore nature, honor medical advancements, support meaningful causes, and more. Here’s what’s celebrated on April 14.

National and International Days on April 14

Children with Alopecia Day: This day raises awareness about alopecia, an autoimmune disorder that causes hair loss in children and can deeply affect their confidence and self-esteem. The condition can result in bald patches or even complete loss of scalp and body hair. The day was created by the Children’s Alopecia Project (CAP), founded by Jeff Woytovich, with the goal of shifting the focus from trying to grow hair to helping children build self-esteem and resilience. Children with Alopecia Day serves as a reminder to support these children and to break the stigma surrounding visible differences.

Dreams of Reason Feast Day: This unique observance celebrates discarded scientific theories and unfulfilled science fiction futures. While many once-promising ideas have faded from textbooks or never materialized beyond fiction, they often paved the way for breakthroughs in modern science and inspired generations of dreamers and inventors. Dreams of Reason Feast Day encourages reflection on what didn’t come to be—but also on how discarded ideas still contribute to scientific progress. The exact origins of this day remain unknown, but its purpose resonates with those who appreciate curiosity and critical thinking.

International Laverbread Day: This food day honors a traditional Welsh delicacy made from laver seaweed, known for its high mineral content and distinct briny flavor. The celebration was established in 2021 by The Pembrokeshire Beach Food Company to raise awareness about laverbread, or bara lawr, and its cultural and culinary significance in Wales. Made by cooking laver seaweed into a soft purée, laverbread is often served with bacon and cockles as part of a traditional Welsh breakfast.

International Moment of Laughter Day: Started in 1997 by humorist and psychologist Izzy Gesell, this day promotes the healing power of laughter. Gesell believed that laughter is essential for reducing stress, boosting confidence, and improving relationships. Celebrated around the world, the day encourages people to take a break from the seriousness of life to find joy in something funny, share a laugh with others, or simply laugh for no reason at all. It’s a reminder that humor is a tool for wellness and connection—one that can be accessed anytime, anywhere.

National Donate a Book Day: Celebrated annually on April 14, this day encourages readers to give back by donating new or gently used books to their local libraries. It was first announced in 2011 by the Book-of-the-Month Club in partnership with the American Library Association’s division A.L.T.A.F.F. The goal is to promote reading and support public libraries through donations that may be added to their collections or sold during fundraising events. National Donate a Book Day is a perfect opportunity to share your love of reading while supporting library programs in your community.

National Dolphin Day: This observance celebrates one of the world’s most intelligent marine mammals—dolphins. Found across the globe, dolphins are known for their complex social behaviors, vocalizations, and playful interactions with humans. National Dolphin Day draws attention to dolphin conservation efforts, encouraging people to protect ocean habitats and be mindful of environmental issues like plastic pollution and overfishing. Listed by the American Veterinary Medical Association as part of their Pet Health Awareness Events, the day emphasizes both admiration and advocacy for these remarkable creatures.

National Ex-Spouse Day: Founded in 1987 by Reverend Ronald Coleman of Kansas City, Missouri, this day promotes forgiveness, healing, and moving forward after divorce. While not all marriages end on a bitter note, many people struggle with lingering resentment. National Ex-Spouse Day encourages individuals to let go of past grievances and focus on building a positive future, especially when children are involved. Rev. Coleman even distributed humorous buttons that read, “I’m OK – You’re History” to help lighten the mood. It’s a thoughtful reminder that emotional closure can be a powerful gift to yourself.

National Gardening Day: Created by Cool Springs Press, an imprint of The Quarto Group, this day encourages people to dig in and enjoy the rewards of gardening. Whether you’re a beginner planting your first herb box or an experienced gardener expanding your vegetable plot, April 14 is the perfect time to get started. Gardening provides not only food and flowers but also physical activity, mental clarity, and a strong connection with nature. National Gardening Day is a call to action—no matter how or where you garden, just start growing.

National Look Up at the Sky Day: This reflective holiday invites us to pause, look up, and appreciate the vast beauty of the sky. It was inspired by Jack Borden, a former TV reporter who created the nonprofit For Spacious Skies to encourage people—especially children—to reconnect with the natural world above them. Observed annually on April 14, the day is about taking a moment to marvel at the clouds, birds, sunlight, and stars that we often overlook. In 1987, Massachusetts even proclaimed For Spacious Skies Day in his honor.

National Pecan Day: This day highlights a nut native to the United States and cherished in American cuisine. Pecans are not only used in classic dishes like pecan pie but also in snacks, candies, and even wood for smoking meats. Historically, Native Americans relied on pecans for food and medicinal purposes, and Thomas Jefferson and George Washington both planted pecan trees. Pecans became a commercially important crop thanks to a key innovation by an enslaved gardener named Antoine in the 1840s, who perfected the grafting technique that made large-scale cultivation possible.

National Reach as High as You Can Day: This motivational observance reminds us to chase our goals with purpose and determination. Whether it’s a personal milestone, a career ambition, or a creative dream, the day encourages reflection on what you truly want and what steps you can take to get there. It’s not about setting records or comparing yourself to others—it’s about striving to be the best version of yourself. April 14 is the perfect time to revisit your aspirations and take action to reach higher.

Pathologists’ Assistants Day: Pathologists’ Assistants (P.A.s) play a vital role in medical diagnostics, yet their work often goes unnoticed. This day, observed every April 14, recognizes their skill and contribution to pathology labs. P.A.s assist in examining specimens, performing autopsies, and preparing tissue samples for microscopic review under the supervision of board-certified pathologists. The first formal training program for P.A.s began in 1969 at Duke University. Today, these professionals help ensure accurate diagnoses and better patient care, and this observance is a chance to appreciate their dedication to medical science.

Puffin Day: Started in Iceland and now observed internationally, Puffin Day brings attention to the conservation needs of puffins—seabirds known for their colorful beaks and endearing waddle. As puffin populations decline due to habitat loss and climate change, the day promotes awareness and action to protect these birds. Celebrations range from educational programs to conservation initiatives in regions where puffins breed, including Iceland, the UK, and parts of North America.

World Chagas Disease Day: Designated by the World Health Assembly in 2019 and first observed in 2020, this day raises awareness about a neglected tropical disease that affects more than 7 million people worldwide. Named after Brazilian doctor Carlos Chagas, who diagnosed the first case in 1909, the disease is often asymptomatic but can lead to serious heart and digestive issues. Most common in Latin America, Chagas disease is now appearing in other regions due to migration. The day aims to improve diagnosis, treatment, and prevention while supporting those living with the condition.