April 3 National Days

April 3 is the 93rd day of the year (94th in leap years), with 272 days remaining until the end of the year. This date is packed with 15 national and international observances, covering everything from food and fashion to history, technology, and the arts.

Here’s a breakdown of each day taking place on April 3.

National and International Days on April 3

American Circus Day: On April 3, 1793, the first circus in the United States opened in Philadelphia, organized by British equestrian John Bill Ricketts. Even President George Washington attended. American Circus Day honors this historic event and the evolution of the circus as a popular form of entertainment.

Don’t Go to Work Unless It’s Fun Day: This unofficial holiday encourages people to reflect on workplace happiness. While the origins of the day are unclear, it serves as a reminder to pursue fulfilling work—or at least inject more fun into your routine.

Fan Dance Day: This day celebrates the ancient Japanese fan dance tradition, which dates back to around 600 B.C. Originally used by the aristocracy to stay cool, it evolved into a graceful storytelling art form. Dancers use kimonos, fans, music, and movement to express meaning and emotion.

Fish Fingers and Custard Day: This quirky day was inspired by a 2010 episode of Doctor Who, where the Eleventh Doctor, played by Matt Smith, ate fish fingers dipped in custard. The BBC officially recognized the day in 2012 to celebrate the show’s eccentricity and fandom.

👽 For dedicated Doctor Who fans, there’s also Pretend to Be a Time Traveler Day on December 8, International Dalek Remembrance Day on December 21, Doctor Who Day on November 23 and Impossible Astronaut Day on April 23.

Independent Artist Day™: Founded in 2022 by Minted to mark their 15th anniversary, this day honors independent artists and their creative contributions. Minted, an online design marketplace, created the observance to support global independent creators and raise awareness of their role in shaping visual culture.

National Burrito Day* (First Thursday in April): This rotating observance honors the Mexican dish made with a flour tortilla filled with various ingredients. The burrito’s roots trace back to ancient Mesoamerican food traditions, but the modern burrito as we know it likely formed in northern Mexico. In Mexico City, burritos are still called tacos de harina (flour tacos).

🇲🇽 Similar holidays include National Taco Day , National Quesadilla Day, National Fajita Day, National Nachos Day, National Chimichanga Day, all offering more chances to celebrate the flavors of Mexican cuisine.

National Chocolate Mousse Day: Chocolate mousse became popular in France in the 1800s, and one of the earliest U.S. mentions was in an 1887 Brooklyn newspaper. This dessert is beloved for its smooth, airy texture and deep chocolate flavor, combining whipped cream or egg whites with melted chocolate.

➡️ Similar day: National Mousse Day (November 30)

National Find a Rainbow Day: This day encourages people to notice the natural phenomenon of rainbows. Rainbows form through the refraction and reflection of light in water droplets and are always opposite the sun in the sky. They symbolize beauty, hope, and light after storms.

🌟 Similar day: National Look Up at the Sky Day (April 14)

National Film Score Day: Founded by Jeffrey D. Kern, this observance honors film score composers and their essential role in storytelling. The day was chosen to mark the 1942 release of The Jungle Book with a soundtrack by Miklós Rózsa—the first full orchestral film score commercially released from a non-musical U.S. film.

National Inspiring Joy Day: Started by Woman’s World and First for Women magazines, this day celebrates small acts of joy and sharing positivity. It highlights stories and ideas that uplift others and promote emotional well-being in everyday life.

National Tweed Day: Some associate this day with the infamous New York politician “Boss” Tweed, born April 3, 1823. Others believe it honors the classic woolen fabric, originally handwoven in Scotland. Today, tweed is popular for its durability and style in country fashion and hunting attire.

Pony Express Day: This day commemorates the founding of the Pony Express on April 3, 1860. The short-lived but legendary mail service relied on horseback riders to carry mail across the U.S. from Missouri to California in just 10 days. Though it lasted only 18 months, it became a symbol of frontier ingenuity and endurance.

World Aquatic Animal Day: Created in 2020 by the Animal Law Clinic at Lewis & Clark Law School, this day raises awareness about the importance of aquatic animals—including fish, amphibians, marine mammals, crustaceans, and corals. It highlights environmental and legal issues affecting their survival and welfare.

World Cloud Security Day: Celebrated on April 3 each year, this observance emphasizes the need to protect data stored online. As cloud computing becomes widespread, individuals and businesses are urged to strengthen digital security and prevent cyber threats.

World Party Day / P-Day: Inspired by the 1995 novel Flight: A Quantum Fiction Novel by Vanna Bonta, this day celebrates global unity through simultaneous celebration. It was first observed in 1996 and encourages people to come together—physically or virtually—for joy, music, and connection.