February 15 National Days

February 15 is the 46th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar, leaving 319 days until the end of the year (320 in leap years). On this day, 19 national and international celebrations take place, recognizing history, science, health, conservation, and love.

From honoring Susan B. Anthony’s fight for women’s rights to raising awareness for childhood cancer, celebrating hippos, and enjoying gumdrops, this day offers a range of ways to engage and reflect.

Let’s take a look at the national and international days observed on February 15!

National and International Days on February 15

Annoy Squidward Day: Inspired by an episode of SpongeBob SquarePants, this unofficial holiday celebrates the grumpy character Squidward. In the show, a calendar marks February 15 as “Annoy Squidward Day,” leading fans to embrace the fun. While it started as a joke, the day has grown into a humorous way for SpongeBob fans to celebrate their favorite grumpy cashier.

European Perioperative Nurses Day 🇪🇺: This day honors perioperative nurses who work behind the scenes to ensure safe and efficient surgeries. Established by the European Operating Room Nurses Association (EORNA), it raises awareness of the crucial role these professionals play in patient care, promoting education and best practices across Europe.

International Angelman Day: Recognized since 2013, this day spreads awareness about Angelman syndrome, a rare neuro-genetic disorder that affects motor skills, speech, and development. It aims to improve understanding, support research, and help those affected by the condition. Angelman syndrome affects approximately 1 in 15,000 people worldwide.

International Childhood Cancer Day: This day raises awareness about childhood cancer and honors children and families affected by the disease. Established by Childhood Cancer International, it highlights the importance of research, early diagnosis, and better treatment options. Every year, more than 400,000 children worldwide are diagnosed with cancer.

Love Reset Day: Created in 2018 by relationship coach Carla Lynne Hall, this day provides an opportunity for self-reflection after Valentine’s Day. Many people reassess their relationships or focus on self-love. It encourages individuals to reflect on their emotional well-being and make positive choices in their love lives.

Make Mine Chocolate Campaign* (February 15 – April 20, 2025): Launched in 2002 by the Columbus House Rabbit Society, this campaign educates people about the responsibilities of owning a pet rabbit. It encourages families to opt for chocolate or stuffed rabbits instead of live ones as Easter gifts, preventing impulsive pet purchases and abandonment.

National Black Girl Magic Day: Founded in 2019 by Shacoua Thomas, this day celebrates the achievements, strength, and resilience of Black women. Inspired by the Black Girl Magic movement, it highlights the cultural, social, and professional contributions of Black women and serves as a reminder to uplift and empower future generations.

National Flag of Canada Day 🇨🇦: This day marks the anniversary of Canada officially adopting the red and white maple leaf flag in 1965. Recognized as a national symbol of unity and pride, the flag represents Canadian values of democracy, inclusion, and equity. The day has been celebrated annually since 1996.

National Gumdrop Day: This sweet celebration recognizes the chewy, colorful candy that has been enjoyed for generations. Gumdrops, made with gelatin and sugar, are a popular treat, often used to decorate gingerbread houses and baked goods. The day has been observed since at least 2004.

National I Want Butterscotch Day: A relatively recent celebration, this day encourages people to enjoy the rich, caramelized flavor of butterscotch in candies, desserts, and sauces. Butterscotch, first made in England in the early 1800s, remains a beloved treat worldwide.

National Red Sock Day* (Third Saturday in February): This awareness day promotes education about Peripheral Artery Disease (P.A.D.), a condition that affects circulation in the legs and can lead to serious health issues. Wearing red socks symbolizes good circulation and encourages early diagnosis and treatment to prevent amputations.

National Wisconsin Day: Established in 2017, this day honors Wisconsin, the 30th state to join the Union in 1848. Known as “The Badger State,” Wisconsin has a rich history of mining, agriculture, and industry. It celebrates the state’s unique culture, natural resources, and contributions to the nation.

Remember the Maine Day: This day commemorates the U.S.S. Maine, which exploded in Havana Harbor on February 15, 1898, killing 266 sailors. The event became a rallying cry for the Spanish-American War, shaping U.S. history. The phrase “Remember the Maine!” symbolized national unity and military action.

Singles Awareness Day / Singles Appreciation Day: Celebrated as an alternative to Valentine’s Day, this day reminds people that being single is not something to be ashamed of. It encourages self-love, independence, and appreciation for the benefits of single life. It has been recognized since at least 1999.

St. Skeletor’s Day: British comedian Richard Herring created this humorous holiday in 1998 as an anti-Valentine’s Day celebration. Named after the He-Man villain Skeletor, the day encourages singles to embrace their independence and reject the commercialization of romance.

Support an Independent Pub Day 🇬🇧* (Date varies): This campaign, started by CityStack and London Pub Explorer, encourages people to visit and support independently owned pubs. It was created in response to declining numbers of independent pubs in the UK, emphasizing their cultural and social importance.

🍹 Curious about all the alcohol and drinking-related national days? We’ve crafted a special list just for you—cheers to celebrating in style! 🥂🎉

Susan B. Anthony Day: This day honors Susan B. Anthony, a leader in the women’s suffrage movement, born on February 15, 1820. Her work helped pave the way for the 19th Amendment, granting women the right to vote. Many U.S. states recognize this day to celebrate her legacy and contributions to gender equality.

World Hippo Day: Celebrated since 2015, this day highlights the importance of hippos in the ecosystem and raises awareness about their conservation. Hippos, native to Africa, are the third-largest land mammals and face threats from habitat loss and poaching.

World Pangolin Day* (Third Saturday in February): Launched in 2012, this global awareness day advocates for pangolin conservation. Pangolins are heavily trafficked mammals due to demand for their scales and meat. The event encourages efforts to protect these unique creatures from extinction.

These 19 national and international days celebrated on February 15 recognize history, conservation, health, and culture. Whether it’s celebrating Canada’s flag, honoring Susan B. Anthony, or raising awareness about endangered species, this day offers meaningful ways to learn and engage.