February 19 National Days

February 19, 2026, is the 50th day of the year, with 315 days remaining, and it falls on a Thursday in the eighth week of the year.

From celebrating chocolate mint treats and the strength of women veterans to recognizing plagiarism awareness and the U.S. Coast Guard Reserve, this day offers plenty of opportunities to learn and reflect.

Below is a list of all 14 national and international days observed on February 19, each explained briefly.

National & International Days on February 19

Global Information Governance Day* (Third Thursday in February): Established in 2012 by Garth Landers, Tamir Sigal, and Barclay T. Blair, this day highlights the importance of managing digital and physical information responsibly. Organizations rely on proper governance to protect sensitive data, ensure compliance, and maintain security. The event promotes best practices in handling documents, emails, and digital records while encouraging transparency and accountability in business and government sectors.

📊 A similar day called Data Governance Day is also observed on November 11th.

Great American Spit Out (Thursday of Through with the Chew Week): This initiative raises awareness about the dangers of smokeless tobacco, urging users to quit for at least a day in hopes they’ll quit permanently. Launched in the early 2000s by public health advocates and supported by the U.S. Department of Defense, the event educates people about the risks of chewing tobacco, including oral cancer, gum disease, and addiction. Many schools, workplaces, and military organizations participate, offering resources to help individuals quit.

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International Tug of War Day: This holiday celebrates one of the oldest competitive games, which dates back over 3,000 years to China. Once an Olympic sport from 1900 to 1920, Tug of War remains a popular activity worldwide, with the Tug of War International Federation overseeing competitions in over 70 countries.

🤼‍♂️ Related celebration, National Tug of War Day is celebrated annually on August 27.

National Airboat Day: This day highlights the thrill and environmental benefits of airboat rides, particularly in the Florida Everglades. Created by Wild Florida Airboats in 2021, the celebration encourages people to experience eco-tours that allow safe exploration of wetlands without harming wildlife. Airboats glide over marshy waters, providing an up-close view of diverse species, including endangered animals.

National Arabian Horse Day: This celebration recognizes one of the world’s oldest and most beloved horse breeds. Known for their intelligence, endurance, and distinctive appearance, Arabian horses have a history dating back thousands of years to the Arabian Peninsula. The Arabian Horse Association of Arizona founded this day in 2021 to educate people about the breed’s versatility and historical significance.

National Chocolate Mint Day: Established by the National Confectioners Association, this day honors the classic combination of chocolate and mint in candies, desserts, and drinks. The flavor has been enjoyed for centuries, and early commercial producers like Huyler’s in New York helped popularize chocolate mint treats. Today, it’s found in everything from ice cream to cookies, including Thin Mints, introduced by Girl Scouts in 1953.

🍫 Did you know that there are 75+ national days celebrating chocolate in all its delicious forms!? 🎉🍩🍪

National Hickey Day: Established in 2023 by Sven Patzer, this playful observance gained media attention as an act of defiance and a celebration of love. While some consider hickeys embarrassing, others see them as a fun way to show affection.

National Lash Day: Founded in 2015 by House of Lashes, this day celebrates the beauty and function of eyelashes. Eyelashes not only enhance facial features but also protect the eyes from dust and moisture loss. Both real and false lashes are highlighted as a staple of fashion and self-expression.

👀 National Lash Day not to be confused with Lash Stylists’ Day in September.

National Lash Day

National Vet Girls RISE Day / National Vet Girls ROCK Day: Established in 2019 by Vet Girls RISE, this day honors the contributions of the nearly 2 million women veterans in the U.S. military. It serves as a day for female veterans to support each other, share resources, and build community, recognizing their sacrifices and service.

National Whippet Day: First celebrated in 2023, Debbie Humphreys founded this day to honor Whippets, a sleek and athletic dog breed known for reaching speeds of up to 35 mph while also being affectionate couch companions. The observance brings together Whippet owners, breeders, and rescue advocates to celebrate and support these remarkable dogs.

🐾 Discover all national days dedicated to cats, dogs, and pets! Celebrate your furry friends and their special moments all year round. 🐶🐱🎉

Prevent Plagiarism Day: Initiated in 2007 by the International Center for Academic Integrity, this observance raises awareness about academic honesty and the importance of citing sources properly. It encourages students, writers, and professionals to value originality and uphold ethical writing practices.

U.S. Coast Guard Reserve Birthday: Established on February 19, 1941, the Coast Guard Reserve plays a vital role in homeland security, disaster response, and maritime protection. During World War II, over 90% of Coast Guard personnel were reservists, performing port security, coastal patrols, and combat support. Today, the Reserve continues to serve alongside active-duty members in national defense and emergency operations.

World Anthropology Day* (Third Thursday in February): Established in 2015 by the American Anthropological Association, this day raises awareness about anthropology’s role in understanding human history, culture, and society. Schools and museums host events to educate the public about different aspects of anthropology, including archaeology, linguistics, and biological anthropology.

World Cholangiocarcinoma Day* (Third Thursday in February): This global awareness day focuses on cholangiocarcinoma, a rare but aggressive bile duct cancer. It aims to educate the public about symptoms, risk factors, and the need for early detection. Since 2023, the event has been observed to promote research and support for affected individuals.