April 20 National Days

April 20 is the 110th day of the year (111th in leap years), leaving 255 days remaining in the 2025 calendar. As spring unfolds across much of the Northern Hemisphere, this date brings a mix of celebrations—some honoring food, others raising awareness, and a few simply inviting us to have fun or reflect.

From longtime traditions to newly founded observances, April 20 features 14 national and international days, each offering something unique to recognize or enjoy.

National Days on April 20th — April 20th National Days

National and International Days on April 20

420 Day / National Marijuana Day: Celebrated globally, 420 Day began with a group of teenagers in 1971 at San Rafael High School in California, who used “420” as a code for smoking marijuana after school. One of the teens, Dave Reddix, later became a roadie for the Grateful Dead, helping spread the phrase. By 1990, Deadheads in Oakland were distributing flyers promoting April 20th at 4:20 PM as a time to light up, and High Times magazine helped popularize it further. Today, 420 Day has become a symbol of cannabis culture and a rallying point for legalization advocates around the world.

Chinese Language Day: Created by the United Nations in 2010, this day promotes multilingualism and honors one of the six official UN languages. April 20 was chosen to align with Guyu, a traditional solar term in East Asian calendars linked to Cangjie, the mythical inventor of Chinese characters. According to legend, Cangjie’s invention caused the sky to rain millet and moved the spirits. Chinese Language Day pays tribute to this heritage while celebrating linguistic and cultural diversity.

Easter* (date varies): Observed on the first Sunday after the full moon following the vernal equinox, Easter is Christianity’s most important holy day. It celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ and is observed with church services, meals, and traditions that vary by culture.

Go Fly a Kite Day* (Third Sunday in April): This lighthearted day encourages people to take to the skies with colorful kites. Falling during National Kite Month, it’s a reminder to enjoy the outdoors, connect with childhood joy, and embrace simple pleasures. Flying a kite can also be a peaceful, meditative activity. Though the origin is unclear, its annual appearance brings cheer to spring skies.

🪁 A similar day, National Kite Day, is celebrated on February 8.

International Cli-Fi Day: Founded by Dan Bloom in 2011, International Cli-Fi Day shines a spotlight on climate change fiction—stories that deal directly with environmental issues and the future of our planet. The genre raises awareness and provokes thought, often achieving what data and journalism cannot. The day aims to inspire readers, writers, and viewers to engage with global climate challenges through storytelling.

National Baked Ham with Pineapple Day* (Same day as Easter Sunday): This holiday celebrates a sweet-and-savory dish often served at Easter. The combination of ham and pineapple became popular in early 20th-century America thanks to the development of canned pineapple. Dole Pineapple Company even held a recipe contest in the 1920s, which helped popularize pineapple upside-down dishes, including ham glazes. This day highlights a beloved holiday staple and family favorite.

National Cheddar Fries Day: Founded in 2016 by Snuffer’s Restaurant and Bar, this food holiday honors French fries topped with cheddar cheese. From jalapeños and bacon to ranch and onions, cheddar fries are the canvas for countless topping combinations. The celebration encourages everyone to dig in and get creative with their loaded fry creations.

National Death Doula Day: Observed annually on April 20, this day recognizes the compassionate work of death doulas—non-medical professionals who support individuals and their families during end-of-life transitions. The day raises awareness about this growing field, emphasizing the importance of emotional, spiritual, and physical support during a deeply personal time.

National Lima Bean Respect Day: Also called “butter beans” for their creamy texture, lima beans have been cultivated for centuries, with roots in Mesoamerican and Andean civilizations. They reached Europe and the Americas through colonial trade routes. This day encourages a new appreciation for the humble legume, packed with protein, iron, and fiber.

National Look-Alike Day: This fun observance started in the 1980s when Pittsburgh reporter Jack Etzel spotted a Humphrey Bogart look-alike on the street. Inspired, he and his photographer asked others who they resembled, and the story idea stuck. The day now celebrates doppelgängers of all kinds—from celebrities to family resemblances—and the joy of looking just like someone else.

National Pineapple Upside-Down Cake Day: Dating back to the 1920s, this springtime favorite gained popularity after Dole’s pineapple recipe contest, which received over 2,500 submissions. The classic cake, made by layering pineapple rings and cherries under buttery batter, is inverted after baking to reveal its signature glazed topping. It remains a retro dessert staple.

National Volunteer Recognition Day: This day acknowledges the efforts of volunteers who contribute their time, energy, and care to help others. Whether they work with animals, assist the elderly, tutor students, or clean up local parks, volunteers play a vital role in building stronger, more compassionate communities. National Volunteer Recognition Day reminds us to express gratitude and to support those who selflessly make a difference.

Pizza Delivery Driver Appreciation Day: This observance highlights the often-overlooked efforts of pizza delivery drivers, who navigate all types of weather and traffic—and face safety risks—to bring hot meals to customers. As one of the most dangerous delivery jobs in the U.S., pizza delivery deserves special recognition. The day is a chance to tip generously, offer a thank-you, and show appreciation for their hard work.

National Pizza Days

World Orphans Day (WOC version): Observed on April 20 by the Worldwide Organization for Charity (WOC), this version of World Orphans Day brings attention to the millions of children who have lost one or both parents. The goal is to inspire communities to support orphans through education, healthcare, and emotional support. It shares a similar mission with another World Orphans Day held in November, both aiming to raise awareness and spark global action.