April 19 National Days

April 19 marks the 109th day of the year (110th in leap years), with 256 days remaining until the end of 2025. Today, we’re recognizing over 18 national and international days that cover everything from historic remembrance and scientific awareness to classic games and cultural celebrations.

National and International Days on April 19

Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia Action Day: This day raises awareness about Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia (CDH), a condition that occurs when a baby’s diaphragm fails to form completely. As a result, abdominal organs can move into the chest, affecting lung development. CDH affects thousands of newborns globally every year. David Y. Ige, the former Governor of Hawaii, established this observance to promote education, support for affected families, and medical research into treatment options.

Humorous Day: Falling within National Humor Month, Humorous Day is a reminder to find joy in the everyday. Though the exact origin of the day is unclear, its purpose is widely embraced—laughter improves mental and physical health, reduces stress, and brings people together. Initiated in spirit by Larry Wilde in 1976, the day highlights humor as an essential part of a healthy life.

Husband Appreciation Day* (Third Saturday in April): Modern family roles continue to evolve, but the value of a supportive partner remains timeless. Husband Appreciation Day encourages spouses to acknowledge the efforts, patience, and love that husbands offer daily. It’s a moment to say thank you and celebrate the men who help build strong families and relationships through their dedication.

National Amaretto Day: Celebrating the almond-flavored liqueur known for its sweet aroma and smooth taste, this day honors a drink with Italian roots. Amaretto—Italian for “a little bitter“—is made from bitter almonds or apricot kernels infused in alcohol or brandy. The Di Saronno family began producing their version in the 20th century, while the Lazzaroni family traces their recipe back to 1851. Both stories trace their heritage to Saronno, Italy, making amaretto a staple of Italian tradition and global enjoyment.

🍷 Did you know that there are countless alcohol-related days celebrated throughout the year? I have created two separate lists for you: drinking holidays and wine-themed holidays.

National Cat Lady Day: Founded by CatCon creator Susan Michals in 2017, National Cat Lady Day celebrates women who love their feline companions. It also pushes back against outdated stereotypes, portraying cat ladies as nurturing, independent, and passionate about animal welfare. The day promotes adoption, supports local shelters, and encourages the strong human-animal bond shared between women and their cats.

National Dog Parent Appreciation Day: This day recognizes the dedication of those who go above and beyond to care for their dogs. Dog parents provide food, love, medical care, training, and attention every single day. On April 19, take a moment to thank the dog parents in your life—or reflect on your own commitment to giving your pup a safe, happy life.

National Garlic Day: Garlic has flavored meals and healed ailments for over 7,000 years. Originally from Asia and now used worldwide, garlic belongs to the lily family alongside onions and leeks. It has long been praised for its medicinal properties, from boosting immunity to reducing cholesterol. Ancient beliefs also gave garlic a mystical status, thought to ward off evil spirits, witches, and even vampires.

National Hanging Out Day: Since 1995, Project Laundry List has used this day to promote air-drying clothes. Clothes dryers consume up to 10% of household energy, and line-drying offers a free, eco-friendly alternative. By encouraging outdoor drying and cold-water washing, this day supports simple changes that benefit both the environment and energy bills.

National North Dakota Day: Celebrating the 39th state to join the union, National North Dakota Day reflects on the region’s rich cultural and historical past. Home to the Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara people, the land later hosted Lewis and Clark, Theodore Roosevelt, and military outposts like Fort Abraham Lincoln. The state is now known for its natural beauty, conservation efforts, and rugged plains that shaped its unique American legacy.

National Oklahoma City Bombing Commemoration Day: On April 19, 1995, a domestic terrorist bomb attack claimed the lives of 168 people at the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building. Among the victims were 19 children. This day honors those who were lost and the survivors of one of the deadliest attacks on American soil before 9/11. Annual memorial events continue to be held in Oklahoma City and beyond.

National Poker Day: Celebrated by card players and strategy lovers alike, this day honors the popular game of poker. Though its origins are debated, with influences from the French game Poque and the Persian As-Nas, poker became a staple of American riverboats and gambling houses in the 19th century. The day, which emerged in the 2000s, celebrates poker’s long history, its mix of skill and luck, and the communities built around it.

National Primrose Day 🇬🇧: Observed in the UK, this day commemorates the death of British statesman Benjamin Disraeli on April 19, 1881. The primrose—Disraeli’s favorite flower—became a symbol of remembrance. Since the 1920s, primroses have been laid at his tomb and at his statue near Westminster Abbey each year on this date.

National Rice Ball Day: This day highlights the rice ball. Common across Asian cultures, especially Japan, rice balls are often filled or topped with flavorful ingredients like fish, meat, or vegetables. Portable and easy to customize, they’re a favorite for packed lunches, road trips, or quick snacks.

National Yahtzee Day: April 19 marks the day in 1956 when Edwin S. Lowe filed the Yahtzee trademark with the U.S. Patent Office. Since then, this dice game has become a household favorite, played across generations. Whether you’re chasing a full house or aiming for a Yahtzee, today is perfect for breaking out the dice and enjoying some friendly competition.

Poetry & The Creative Mind Day: Created in 1996 by the Academy of American Poets, this day falls during National Poetry Month and celebrates the role of poetry in shaping thought and emotion. With its power to distill meaning into just a few lines, poetry speaks directly to the heart and mind. This day encourages reflection, creativity, and the sharing of poetic works.

Refresh Your Goals Day: A perfect mid-spring reminder to revisit your personal or wellness goals. Whether it’s a healthier lifestyle, a new hobby, or a professional ambition, this day encourages us to check in, reset, and take small steps forward. It’s an invitation to recommit to the things that matter most to you.

Sylvester the Cat’s Day: First appearing in 1945’s Life with Feathers, Sylvester the Cat quickly became one of Looney Tunes’ most enduring characters. Famous for chasing Tweety Bird and exclaiming “Sufferin’ succotash!”, Sylvester’s antics continue to entertain fans of all ages. This day celebrates the character’s impact on animation and pop culture.

World Jackal Day: Launched in 2022 and first celebrated in 2023, this day brings attention to the golden jackal and other jackal species. Organized by Austria-based group Goldschakal, it highlights the ecological role of jackals and encourages better understanding of these often-overlooked canines. The date aligns with the golden jackal’s birthing season and even inspired a special stamp release in its inaugural year.