February 1, 2026, is the 32nd day of the year, with 333 days remaining, and it falls on a Sunday in the fifth week of the year.
The date highlights themes of freedom and civil rights, resilience and personal growth, and community care, alongside food-focused observances such as dark chocolate, baked Alaska, and ice cream for breakfast. It also brings attention to Texas, wildlife conservation, literacy, cybersecurity, and creative expression, blending serious awareness campaigns with playful holidays.
Below is a list of all 22 national and international days observed on February 1, each explained briefly.
National & International Days on February 1
British Yorkshire Pudding Day* (First Sunday of February) honors the traditional British version of Yorkshire pudding and was established in 2007 to give the dish its own recognition, separate from the American observance National Yorkshire Pudding Day on October 13.
Car Insurance Day draws attention to the role of insurance in protecting drivers financially and supporting road safety. The observance encourages vehicle owners to review their policies and confirm that coverage meets current legal requirements and personal circumstances. The first known automotive liability policy was purchased in 1897 by Gilbert J. Loomis.
Change Your Password Day was created in 2012 by Gizmodo. The observance responds to rising concerns about data breaches and identity theft by encouraging users to replace weak or reused passwords with strong, unique credentials and to adopt multi-factor authentication to reduce the risk of unauthorized access to personal and financial accounts.
Decorating With Candy Day encourages creative use of candy in both food and decorative projects during the stretch between Christmas and Valentine’s Day. The observance invites bakers and crafters to use gumdrops, licorice, and hard candies to add color and texture to cakes, desserts, and table decorations, highlighting food as a visual medium.
Dump Your Significant Jerk Day* (First Sunday in February) encourages people to end unhealthy relationships and put their well-being first. This day serves as a reminder to avoid toxic relationships and make space for healthier connections—just in time for Valentine’s Day.
G.I. Joe Day marks February 1, 1964, when Hasbro introduced the first 12-inch action figure at the American International Toy Fair in New York City. The observance recognizes the franchise’s cultural influence and its role in reshaping the toy industry by establishing a new action-figure category that later expanded into comics, animation, and film.
Holiday Hugs Day on February 1 refers to two separate observances with different purposes. One was created in February 2021 by Atlanta Blood Services to thank blood donors, with special emphasis on platelet donors who give regularly during and after the holiday season. The other was established in 2017 by Nancie Roahrig through her nonprofit Holiday Hugs to provide emotional support to hospitalized children and individuals experiencing isolation.
Hula in the Coola Day is a lighthearted observance encouraging people in colder regions to shake off winter blues by embracing Hawaiian hula dancing—grass skirts optional!
Imbolc is a traditional Gaelic festival marking the start of spring and is associated with Brigid, a figure linked to fertility, light, and renewal in pre-Christian tradition. In Christian practice, the same date is observed as Saint Brigid’s Day, honoring Brigid of Kildare and reflecting the blending of older seasonal customs with Christian belief.
International Face and Body Art Day emerged within the global face and body painting community to bring artists together and recognize the evolution of these practices from ancient ritual uses to modern professional art forms. The observance highlights the range of the medium, from theatrical makeup and children’s face painting to advanced full-body competition art, and encourages artists to share their work publicly, including through social media.
National Baked Alaska Day honors the elaborate dessert made of cake and ice cream sealed inside a toasted meringue shell. The dish was named in 1867 by Charles Ranhofer, head chef at Delmonico’s Restaurant in New York, to mark the United States’ acquisition of the Alaska territory from Russia.
National Dark Chocolate Day highlights cocoa history, health benefits, and ethical sourcing behind dark chocolate.
National Freedom Day commemorates February 1, 1865, when Abraham Lincoln signed the 13th Amendment, which abolished slavery in the United States. The observance was established by Richard Robert Wright Sr., a former slave, to promote reflection on freedom, equality, and justice and to recognize the legal end of slavery as a defining moment in U.S. history.
National Get Up Day honors resilience and the determination to keep going after setbacks. The observance was established in 2017 by U.S. Figure Skating as the culmination of its Get Up campaign and marks the end of National Skating Month. Inspired by the basic skating lesson of learning how to fall and rise again, the day provides a platform for sharing stories of overcoming obstacles and encourages persistence, growth, and confidence in everyday life.
National Serpent Day fosters understanding and appreciation of the world’s diverse snake species, which are often misunderstood or feared. The observance gained recognition among herpetologists and wildlife educators as a way to correct myths, explain snakes’ biological adaptations, and highlight their ecological role in controlling pest populations. Its purpose is to promote conservation of the more than 3,000 snake species worldwide and encourage informed, safe coexistence and habitat protection.
National Texas Day recognizes the history, independent spirit, and cultural identity of Texas, which was admitted as the 28th U.S. state in 1845. The observance highlights Texas’s past as an independent republic and its influence on food, music, agriculture, and regional traditions, while encouraging exploration of the state’s landmarks, notable figures, and symbols of Texan pride, separate from Texas Independence Day on March 2.
National Unclaimed Property Day raises awareness about unclaimed financial assets, including forgotten paychecks, inactive bank accounts, and uncollected insurance benefits. The observance draws attention to the scale of the issue, noting that an estimated one in seven Americans has unclaimed property waiting to be recovered.
Robinson Crusoe Day marks the influence of Robinson Crusoe by Daniel Defoe, highlighting themes of survival, self-reliance, and adaptation that shaped modern adventure and survival storytelling.
Scout Sunday* (Sunday before February 8th) is a special observance by the Boy Scouts of America that emphasizes the connection between scouting and faith. Celebrated since 1914, it encourages scouts to participate in religious services and perform acts of community service.
Shape Up With Pickles Time* (First Week of February: February 2-8, 2025) combines healthy eating and exercise, encouraging people to snack on pickles instead of unhealthy foods while staying active. Pickles are low in fat and can be part of a balanced diet.
Spunky Old Broads (S.O.B.) Day honors women over age 50 who live with confidence, independence, and energy. The observance was founded in 2002 by Gayle Carson to challenge negative stereotypes about aging and to encourage women to value their experience, pursue new interests, and remain visible and engaged. Its purpose is to promote empowerment, self-determination, and a positive view of aging through humor and bold self-expression.
World Aspergillosis Day raises awareness of aspergillosis, a fungal infection caused by Aspergillus mold, which can be life-threatening for those with weakened immune systems or lung conditions. The first observance took place in 2018.
National Days in February
February 1 | February 2 | February 3 | February 4 | February 5 | February 6 | February 7 | February 8 | February 9 | February 10 | February 11 | February 12 | February 13 | February 14 | February 15 | February 16 | February 17 | February 18 | February 19 | February 20 | February 21 | February 22 | February 23 | February 24 | February 25 | February 26 | February 27 | February 28
