April 4 National Days

April 4 is the 94th day of the year, leaving 271 days remaining until December 31. This date brings together a mix of national and international observances—some are officially recognized in the U.S., while others are celebrated globally.

From honoring school librarians and health-conscious habits to raising awareness about landmines, 19 national and international days are marked on April 4. Here’s what each one means, listed in alphabetical order.

National and International Days on April 4

404 Day: Launched in 2014 by the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF), 404 Day raises awareness about internet censorship in public schools and libraries. The day’s name comes from the “404 Not Found” error message that appears when web pages are blocked. EFF uses this day to highlight the consequences of overblocking due to the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA), which can prevent access to vital educational and health content.

Day of Silence / Day of (No) Silence* (Date changes): First organized in 1996 by students at the University of Virginia, this annual event encourages LGBTQ+ students and allies to take a vow of silence to protest the bullying and harassment faced in schools. Now led by GLSEN, the day includes silent protests and concludes with “Breaking the Silence” events. Over 10,000 schools across the U.S. participate each year.

International Carrot Day: Celebrated since 2003, it encourages people to share facts, recipes, and fun about carrots. The founder and country of origin are unknown, but the carrot’s popularity speaks for itself.

🥕 Other carrot-related holiday is National Carrot Cake Day in February.

International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action: Declared by the United Nations General Assembly in 2005, this day brings global attention to the dangers of landmines and other explosive remnants of war. Every hour, someone is killed or injured by these devices. The day honors the ongoing work of the mine action community and pushes for safer, mine-free environments.

Jeep 4×4 Day: Founded by the Jeep brand in 2016, this day celebrates outdoor exploration and adventure. Designed to reflect the rugged, go-anywhere spirit of Jeep vehicles, it encourages drivers to venture into nature, from muddy trails to mountain paths.

National Chicken Cordon Bleu Day: This American twist on a French-inspired dish features chicken wrapped around ham and cheese, then breaded and baked or fried. The earliest published recipe appeared in a 1964 column by Cincinnati food writer Stanley Demos, who experimented with chicken instead of veal.

National Hug a Newsperson Day: Observed since at least 1998, this day recognizes the work of journalists and reporters who bring us the news every day. Originally called National Hug a Newsman Day, the name has evolved to reflect more inclusive language while maintaining the same message of appreciation.

National Parenting Education Day* (First Friday in April): Established by the National Parenting Education Network (NPEN), this new observance will be marked for the first time on April 4, 2025. The day promotes parenting education as a way to improve family relationships and child development.

National Picky Eaters Day: Created by SeaPak, this day encourages families to celebrate small mealtime victories and share tips for expanding picky palates. It’s a lighthearted but helpful way to support parents dealing with fussy eaters.

National Ramen Day / National Ramen Noodle Day: Celebrated since 2017, this day embraces all forms of ramen—from authentic Japanese styles to budget-friendly instant noodles. The dish has a rich history that blends Chinese origins with Japanese innovation and now enjoys global popularity. Ramen varieties range from pork-based tonkotsu to soy sauce and miso broths.

National School Librarian Day: This day honors school librarians for their essential role in organizing resources, helping students with research, and fostering a love of reading. They support both traditional books and digital media, acting as a bridge between students and knowledge.

📚 Related days: National Library Week (early April), National Library Lover’s Day (February), National Library Card Sign-Up Month (September).

National Vitamin C Day: Founded by SkinCeuticals in 2019, this observance highlights the many health benefits of vitamin C. Beyond supporting immune function, research shows it may help lower blood pressure, reduce the risk of heart disease, and promote healthier skin.

National Walk Around Things Day: The origin of this day is unclear, but it offers both a literal and figurative message. It encourages people to avoid unnecessary obstacles—be it puddles, clutter, or tense situations—and can also inspire reflection on how we navigate challenges in life.

National Walk to Work Day* (First Friday in April): Started in 2004 by Prevention Magazine and later supported by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, this day promotes walking as a healthy commute. It aims to break sedentary habits and improve public health one step at a time.

Tell a Lie Day: This humorous holiday, of unknown origin, lands just a few days after April Fool’s Day and serves as a playful nod to deception. It encourages harmless fibs, like bluffing in card games or telling lighthearted jokes, while reminding us that honesty still matters most of the time.

Victims of Violence Wholly Day: Observed annually on April 4, this solemn day commemorates the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in 1968. It honors victims of racial violence and calls for unity, justice, and equality. It is one of three Emancipation Days of Respect alongside Humanitarian Day and Dream Day Quest and Jubilee.

World Corporate Health Day: Founded by the German company INSITE-Interventions, this day brings awareness to the physical and mental well-being of employees. It encourages healthier workplaces and helps employers support staff dealing with burnout, depression, or seasonal mental health challenges.

World Drummers’ Day: Started in 2013 by Christian Schages in Germany, this celebration honors drummers and percussionists across the globe. April 4, or 4/4, symbolizes the standard time signature most beginners learn. The day promotes creativity and unity through rhythm.

World Rat Day: Created in 2002 by members of the online “Ratlist” community, this day aims to reshape how people view rats. It highlights rats as intelligent, affectionate pets and advocates for better care and awareness around these misunderstood animals.