Celiac disease is an autoimmune condition that affects millions of people worldwide, and even more live with gluten sensitivities or intolerances that impact their daily lives. Raising awareness is essential—not only to support those who must follow a strict gluten-free diet but also to foster understanding among friends, families, and communities.
Because this topic is so important, I decided to create a dedicated list of Celiac and Gluten-Free Awareness Days to bring together all the key observances in one place. This way, anyone who wishes to learn more, show support, or get involved can easily find the dates that matter most.
🔍 What Is Celiac Disease?
- A chronic autoimmune disorder where the ingestion of gluten (a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye) causes damage to the small intestine.
- Symptoms include bloating, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, anemia, fatigue, and growth issues, though they vary widely among individuals.
- It affects approximately 1% of the global population, but up to 83% of Americans with celiac disease remain undiagnosed or are misdiagnosed with other conditions.
- The only current treatment is a strict, lifelong gluten-free diet.
Complete List of Celiac and Gluten-Free Awareness Days, Weeks and Months
The most important observances are Celiac Awareness Month in May and International Celiac Disease Awareness Day on May 16, when organizations worldwide come together to educate, support research, and promote understanding of gluten-free living. Alongside these, several other national and international days and weeks throughout the year highlight celiac disease, gluten intolerance, and grain-free lifestyles.
Celiac Awareness Month: May
Recognized globally, Celiac Awareness Month, observed every May, raises global understanding of celiac disease, an autoimmune disorder triggered by gluten. Throughout the month, organizations such as the Celiac Disease Foundation (founded in 1990) and Beyond Celiac (founded in 2003 by Alice Bast) lead initiatives to educate the public, support research, and advocate for better labeling and food safety.
International Celiac Disease Awareness Day: May 16
International Celiac Disease Awareness Day is observed every year on May 16 as the centerpiece of Celiac Awareness Month. On this day, celiac organizations worldwide coordinate campaigns to educate the public about the seriousness of celiac disease, advocate for improved research, and promote safe gluten-free options. Landmarks across the globe are illuminated in blue to symbolize solidarity, while events, webinars, and community initiatives bring attention to the daily challenges faced by those living with celiac disease and gluten sensitivity.
Celiac Awareness Efforts in Canada 🇨🇦
In Canada, May is recognized as Food Allergy and Celiac Awareness Month, with national campaigns led by the Canadian Celiac Association (founded in 1972). The month highlights the impact of celiac disease, promotes early diagnosis, and raises public understanding through school programs, community events, and landmark lightings across the country.
Coeliac Awareness Week in UK 🇬🇧
Coeliac Awareness Week takes place in the second full week of May (in 2026 it falls from May 11 to May 17) and is organized by Coeliac UK, a charity founded in 1968 by Elizabeth Segall and Peter Benenson. The campaign raises awareness of celiac disease, encourages early diagnosis, and educates the public about gluten-free living. Local support groups host events, fundraisers, and educational talks, while media outreach and policy engagement highlight the challenges faced by those with celiac disease. The week also emphasizes the importance of recognizing symptoms—especially in children—and promotes the need for accessible gluten-free options across the U.K.
National Celiac Disease Awareness Day (US 🇺🇸): September 13
National Celiac Disease Awareness Day is observed in the United States on September 13, chosen to honor the birthday of Dr. Samuel Gee (1839–1911), the British physician who first described celiac disease in a medical lecture in 1887 and emphasized the importance of diet in treatment. The U.S. Senate first recognized the day with a resolution in 2010, encouraging awareness, research, and support for those affected. Each year, the observance highlights the seriousness of celiac disease, promotes early diagnosis, and fosters understanding of the challenges of living gluten-free.
Gluten-Free Diet Awareness Month: November
Gluten-Free Diet Awareness Month takes place every November to shine a light on the realities of living gluten-free. It focuses on raising awareness for individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, educating the public on why a gluten-free diet is medically necessary for many. The month also highlights the daily challenges people face when navigating food choices, labeling, and dining out, while encouraging greater availability of safe and accessible gluten-free options in stores and restaurants.
National Gluten-Free Day* (Second Monday in January)
National Gluten-Free Day is celebrated in the United States on the second Monday in January each year. The observance was founded in 2014 by Cassy Joy Garcia, author and creator of Fed + Fit, to raise awareness about gluten-free living and show support for people with celiac disease, gluten intolerance, or gluten sensitivity. The day encourages understanding of the medical necessity of gluten-free diets, highlights the challenges of navigating safe food choices, and promotes inclusion by sharing gluten-free meals with family, friends, and communities.
National Grain-Free Day: February 21
National Grain-Free Day is observed annually in the United States on February 21. It was established in 2019 by Siete Family Foods, a company known for its grain-free Mexican-American products, to honor individuals and families who must avoid grains due to celiac disease, gluten intolerance, or other health conditions. The day raises awareness about the challenges of living grain-free, encourages inclusive cooking and dining, and celebrates creative alternatives that make it possible for everyone to share meals together.
Coeliac Awareness Week in Australia 🇦🇺
Australia observes Coeliac Awareness Week each year in mid-March (seems to always be on March 13-20), organized by Coeliac Australia. The campaign draws attention to the high number of undiagnosed cases—estimated at around 80%—and encourages greater awareness of symptoms, testing, and gluten-free living. Events, educational outreach, and media campaigns work together to improve detection and support for the coeliac community nationwide.
Summary of Observances
Below is a quick reference table that brings together all the major celiac and gluten-free awareness days, weeks, and months. It highlights the key dates, the organizations behind them, and when each observance was first established.
| Observance | Date | Founder / Organization |
|---|---|---|
| Celiac Awareness Month | May | Celiac Disease Foundation (1990); Beyond Celiac (2003, Alice Bast) |
| International Celiac Disease Awareness Day | May 16 | Global celiac organizations, coordinated by CDF & Beyond Celiac |
| Coeliac Awareness Week (UK) | Second full week of May | Coeliac UK (founded 1968) |
| Celiac Awareness Month (Canada) | May | Canadian Celiac Association (founded 1972) |
| Coeliac Awareness Week (Australia) | Mid-March (usually March 13–20) | Coeliac Australia |
| National Gluten-Free Day (U.S.) | Second Monday in January | Cassy Joy Garcia (Fed + Fit) |
| National Grain-Free Day (U.S.) | February 21 | Siete Family Foods |
| National Celiac Disease Awareness Day (U.S.) | September 13 | U.S. Senate resolution honoring Dr. Samuel Gee |
| Gluten-Free Diet Awareness Month (U.S.) | November | National Foundation for Celiac Awareness (now Beyond Celiac) |
Before You Go:
We have many more national days lists for you to explore.
- Food-related national days: complete list of national food days, pasta & noodles days, vegan & vegetarian days, celiac & gluten-free days, mushroom days, ice-cream days, pizza days, coffee days, chocolate days, wine days, alcohol & drinking days.
- Non-food national days: National Days Calendar 2025-2026 (check out the printable calendars in my Etsy shop), National Days for Teachers, and a wide array of special lists such as cat days, dog days, animal days, cleaning & organizing days, book days, music days, family & relationships days, national days for women, stationery days and even Harry Potter days.
- Country-specific national days: Australian national days, more coming soon.
