April 22 National Days

April 22 is the 112th day of the year, and it brings 11 national and international observances. From global environmental efforts to niche celebrations like National Jelly Bean Day and National Beagle Day, this date is packed with meaningful, quirky, and heartfelt reasons to mark the day.

Some of these observances tie in with broader weekly or monthly events, like Earth Day and National Girl Scout Leader’s Day, while others stand on their own. If you’re curious when to celebrate your favorite treat, pet, or cause—April 22 offers plenty of ways to do just that.

April Showers Day: This day draws inspiration from the old English proverb, “April showers bring May flowers,” reminding us of nature’s rhythm and the value of seasonal rain. Established by the online greeting card company 123Greetings, April Showers Day celebrates the nourishing spring rain that helps bring the blooms of May. Though the origins are recent and the exact year unknown, the celebration captures the gentle and hopeful feeling associated with rainy spring days.

Earth Day: Founded on April 22, 1970, by U.S. Senator Gaylord Nelson, Earth Day is one of the most widely celebrated environmental observances in the world. The idea was introduced in 1969 at a UNESCO conference in San Francisco, and a United Nations proclamation followed in March 1970. The nonprofit EARTHDAY.ORG, formerly Earth Day Network, has since helped mobilize over a billion people worldwide to take part in sustainability efforts. Today, Earth Day promotes environmental awareness and action through global campaigns, clean-ups, policy efforts, and education.

Global Selfie Earth Day: Launched to recognize NASA’s Earth-observing satellites and the stunning images they provide, this day invites people to take selfies with our home planet in mind. Celebrated alongside Earth Day, it underscores the importance of environmental awareness and highlights NASA’s ongoing role in monitoring climate change and Earth’s ecosystems through satellite technology.

International Mother Earth Day: Officially recognized by the United Nations in 2009 under Resolution A/RES/63/278, this day emphasizes our interconnectedness with nature and the planet. Proposed by Bolivia and adopted by over 50 member states, the observance encourages global harmony with the Earth. Though the UN designation came decades later, it builds on Earth Day’s legacy and extends its message to include the rights of nature and collective responsibility for future generations.

National Beagle Day: Celebrated annually since 2017, National Beagle Day honors one of the most popular and recognizable dog breeds in the world. Beagles were originally bred for hunting hares, with their exceptional sense of smell and tracking instincts. Their affectionate nature and manageable size have made them a beloved choice for families and a favorite in pop culture. Though the day started online, it continues to gain popularity, with beagle lovers around the world sharing photos and stories of their pets.

National Girl Scout Leader’s Day: Established in 1982 by Girl Scouts of the U.S.A., this day recognizes the adult volunteers who shape the lives of millions of girls across the country. Celebrated near National Volunteer Week, it’s a time to honor the 750,000 adults who dedicate their time to mentoring, guiding, and empowering girls through leadership, service, and life skills. Girl Scout leaders play a critical role in fostering confidence, community involvement, and future leadership in young girls.

National IT Service Provider Day: Observed annually on April 22, this day celebrates the behind-the-scenes heroes who keep businesses running smoothly—IT professionals. Whether it’s solving tech emergencies, securing networks, or keeping systems online, IT service providers are vital to the modern economy.

🖥️ This day also complements National IT Professionals Day, which is held on the third Tuesday of September.

National Jelly Bean Day: This sweet celebration pays tribute to the bean-shaped candy with a chewy center and colorful shell. Popularized by Boston confectioner William Schrafft during the Civil War, jelly beans were once marketed as gifts for Union soldiers. While similar candies existed earlier, jelly beans became firmly associated with Easter by the 1930s due to their egg-like shape. With flavors ranging from classic fruit to wildly creative combinations, they remain a nostalgic treat enjoyed by generations.

National Narwhal Appreciation Day: First observed around 2012, this day celebrates the elusive and fascinating narwhal—a medium-sized whale found in Arctic waters. Known for their long spiral tusks (which are actually extended canine teeth), male narwhals can dive nearly 8,000 feet in search of food. Despite being listed as “least concern” by the IUCN, narwhals face serious threats from climate change and human activities. This day reminds us of their role in the Arctic ecosystem and the importance of protecting their habitat.

National Pin-up Day: Started in 2019 by Mission Tattoo in Santa Barbara, California, this day honors pin-up art. Pin-up culture gained popularity during World War II, when illustrated and photographed images of glamorous women were used to boost troop morale. Often printed on calendars or painted on aircraft, these iconic images became a lasting part of American pop culture. Today, National Pin-up Day celebrates that legacy through retro fashion, vintage photoshoots, and artistic expression.

School Bus Driver Appreciation Day* (Fourth Tuesday in April): This day honors the dedication and responsibility of school bus drivers who transport millions of students safely to and from school each day. First established in 1981, School Bus Driver Appreciation Day recognizes these essential workers for their daily commitment to student safety and punctuality. Celebrated on the fourth Tuesday in April, the day serves as a reminder to thank those who ensure our children travel securely and reliably throughout the school year.

🚌 Similar appreciation days are also observed in February and March in some states, but this April date remains widely recognized.