February 13 National Days

February 13 is the 44th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar, leaving 321 days until the end of the year (322 in leap years). On this day, 17 national and international celebrations take place, focusing on love, food, history, media, and friendship.

Whether it’s celebrating Galentine’s Day with friends, enjoying a plate of tortellini, tuning in to World Radio Day, or raising awareness for important causes, February 13 offers many ways to engage and reflect.

Let’s take a look at the national and international days observed on February 13!

National and International Days on February 13

Black Love Day: Founded in 1993 by Ayo Handy-Kendi, Black Love Day celebrates love and unity within the Black community. This spiritual holiday encourages practicing five key tenets: love for the Creator, self, family, the Black community, and the Black race. It also promotes peace and atonement, offering a time to support Black-owned businesses, reflect on historical struggles, and uplift the Black community.

Desperation Day: Coined by the character Barney Stinson from How I Met Your Mother, Desperation Day humorously acknowledges the last-minute search for a Valentine’s Day date. Over time, the concept has become a lighthearted way for singles to embrace their independence and enjoy social gatherings, rather than feeling pressured by Valentine’s Day expectations.

Digital Learning Day* (Date Varies): Established in 2012 by the Alliance for Excellent Education, this day promotes the integration of modern technology into classrooms. It encourages innovative teaching methods, ensuring students worldwide have access to digital tools that enhance learning experiences and engagement.

Employee Legal Awareness Day 🇦🇺: Australian lawyer Paul Brennan founded this day to emphasize the importance of workplace legal education. Employees are encouraged to learn about their rights, company policies, and legal responsibilities, reducing the risk of legal issues in the workplace.

Galentine’s Day: Originating from the TV show Parks and Recreation in 2010, Galentine’s Day is a celebration of female friendship. Taking place the day before Valentine’s Day, this unofficial holiday has gained popularity, with women hosting gatherings to honor their friendships, support one another, and enjoy time together.

Get a Different Name Day: A playful and imaginative day encouraging people to experiment with new names for fun. It allows individuals to step outside their usual identities, embrace creativity, and see themselves from a different perspective, even if just for a day.

📅 A similar occasion, National Name Yourself Day, is celebrated every year on April 9th, giving everyone a fun chance to reinvent their name for a day! 🎉✨

Giving Hearts Day* (Second Thursday in February): Launched in 2008 by the Dakota Medical Foundation and the Impact Foundation, Giving Hearts Day is one of the longest-running charitable giving events in the U.S. This 24-hour fundraising event encourages people to donate to their favorite charities, linking generosity to the season of love.

International Condom Day: Established by the AIDS Healthcare Foundation in 2009, this day promotes safe sex and sexual health awareness. Positioned just before Valentine’s Day, its message—“put it on”—encourages responsibility, education, and the prevention of sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

International Natural Day: Founded in 2011 by Sanah Jivani, this day promotes self-acceptance and confidence. Inspired by her personal journey with alopecia, Jivani created this day to encourage people, especially young individuals, to embrace their natural beauty and overcome self-doubt.

Kiss Day: Part of the Valentine’s Week celebration, Kiss Day reminds couples that any day is a good day to share a kiss. It highlights the importance of affection and connection, adding to the anticipation leading up to Valentine’s Day.

National Apology Day 🇦🇺: Observed in Australia, this day marks the 2008 national apology made by Prime Minister Kevin Rudd to the Stolen Generations—Indigenous children forcibly removed from their families. It serves as a time for reflection, healing, and acknowledging historical injustices.

National Break Up With Your Carrier Day: Created by T-Mobile in 2019, this day encourages consumers to evaluate their mobile service providers and switch to better options if dissatisfied. The timing—just before Valentine’s Day—symbolizes the idea of ending a frustrating “relationship” with a carrier that no longer meets their needs.

National Cheddar Day: Established by Tillamook in 2019 to celebrate its 110th anniversary, this day honors cheddar cheese’s rich history and popularity. Originating in Cheddar, England, cheddar remains one of the most widely consumed cheeses worldwide, known for its bold flavor.

National Crab Rangoon Day: Created in 2009 by a group of friends in Boston, this day celebrates the deep-fried appetizer made of wonton wrappers filled with cream cheese and crab meat. It offers a fun and delicious alternative to traditional Valentine’s festivities.

National Tortellini Day: Recognizing one of Italy’s most beloved stuffed pastas, this day celebrates tortellini—a dish that originated in Bologna. Traditionally filled with ham, white meat, and Parmesan cheese, tortellini has a long-standing culinary tradition, even inspiring The Learned Order of the Tortellini, a group dedicated to its preservation.

National Wingman Day: Originating from a U.S. Air Force initiative in 2004, this day celebrates the concept of having a “wingman” in life. A wingman is a supportive friend who stands by your side, offers encouragement, and helps you navigate social situations or challenges.

World Radio Day: Proclaimed by UNESCO in 2011 and later endorsed by the UN, World Radio Day highlights radio’s enduring role in communication, education, and culture. Celebrated on February 13, it honors the impact of radio in bringing communities together, promoting freedom of expression, and providing essential information worldwide.

These 18 national and international days observed on February 13 celebrate friendship, food, self-love, history, and awareness. Whether it’s enjoying a plate of tortellini, learning about the impact of radio, supporting charitable causes, or embracing self-confidence, this day offers a wide range of meaningful celebrations.