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 desserts 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.
National & International Days on February 19, 2026
Below is a list of all 15 national and international days observed on February 19, each explained briefly.
Global Information Governance Day
Global Information Governance Day* (Third Thursday in February) was created in 2012 to highlight the importance of managing company data responsibly. It explains why organizations need clear rules to keep information secure, organized, and in line with privacy laws. It is part of Information Governance Month and is supported by groups such as the Information Governance Initiative and the American Health Information Management Association.
📊 A similar day called Data Governance Day is observed on November 11.
Great American Spit Out
Great American Spit Out* (Thursday of National Smokeless Tobacco Awareness Week) was launched in 1990 by the American Cancer Society to encourage users of chewing tobacco and snuff to quit for at least 24 hours. The day raises awareness about the health risks of smokeless tobacco, including oral cancer and nicotine addiction, and provides information and support for those ready to take a first step toward quitting.
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International Tug of War Day
International Tug of War Day celebrates the team sport where two groups pull on opposite ends of a rope to test strength and teamwork. The game dates back to ancient civilizations such as Egypt, Greece, and China, and today it is governed by the Tug of War International Federation. It was an official Olympic event from 1900 to 1920.
🤼♂️ Related celebration, National Tug of War Day is celebrated annually on August 27.
National Airboat Day
National Airboat Day ecognizes the role of airboating in exploring wetlands that are hard to reach by regular boats. Founded in 2021 by Wild Florida Airboats, the day highlights Florida’s ecosystems and promotes airboats as a safe way to observe wildlife, including alligators, without disturbing underwater habitats.
National Arabian Horse Day
National Arabian Horse Day is promoted by the Arabian Horse Association and equestrian groups, honors the Arabian horse, a breed developed over 3,000 years ago on the Arabian Peninsula. The day highlights its distinct concave face, high tail carriage, and its reputation for beauty, endurance and intelligence.
National Chocolate Mint Day
National Chocolate Mint Day celebrates the cool and sweet combination of chocolate and mint. Promoted by the National Confectioners Association, the day encourages people to enjoy chocolate-mint treats such as Thin Mints, peppermint patties, and mint chocolate chip ice cream.
🍫 See also the complete list of 75+ national days celebrating chocolate in all its delicious forms celebrated throughout the year.
National Hickey Day
National Hickey Day is observed to celebrate love in all its forms, including self-love and affection for family and friends. It was founded in 2023 by Sven Patzer, CEO of the cosmetic brand Hickey Hack, to encourage equality, acceptance, and respect without prejudice.
National Lash Day
National Lash Day was founded in 2015 by House of Lashes to celebrate both the beauty and function of eyelashes. Lashes enhance facial features and help protect the eyes from dust and moisture loss. It is separate from Lash Stylists’ Day observed in September.
National Vet Girls RISE Day
National Vet Girls RISE Day honors nearly 2 million women veterans in the United States. Founded in 2017 by Ashley Gorbulja-Maldonado, creator of the Vet Girls RISE organization, the day raises awareness about challenges women face after military service, including access to healthcare and career support, while encouraging community and professional growth.
National Whippet Day
National Whippet Day celebrates the whippet, a fast and gentle sighthound sometimes called the poor man’s racehorse. It was founded by Debbie Humphreys of the brand Redhound for Dogs in honor of her first whippet, Bruno, and is held on his birthday. The day brings together owners and admirers worldwide and supports whippet rescue efforts through awareness and fundraising.
🐾 Discover all national days dedicated to cats, dogs, and pets! Celebrate your furry friends and their special moments all year round.
Prevent Plagiarism Day
Prevent Plagiarism Day, also known as Plagiarism Prevention Day, was established in 2007 by the International Center for Academic Integrity (ICAI), with writer Jace Shoemaker-Galloway often linked to its creation. The day raises awareness about the consequences of copying someone else’s work without credit and promotes proper citation, originality, and academic honesty.
Skate Shop Day
Skate Shop Day supports independently owned skate stores that connect local skateboarders. It was founded in 2020 by Scotty Coats and Chris Nieratko, inspired by Record Store Day, to encourage in-store shopping during the slow winter season and help small skate businesses stay strong.
U.S. Coast Guard Reserve Birthday
U.S. Coast Guard Reserve Birthday marks the 1941 creation of the Reserve under the Auxiliary and Reserve Act, which reorganized an earlier volunteer force and modeled the new Reserve on the Naval Reserve. The day honors about 7,000 reservists who serve as a trained surge force, supporting maritime security, national defense, and disaster response, guided by the motto Semper Paratus which means Always Ready.
World Anthropology Day
World Anthropology Day* (Third Thursday in February) promotes the study of humanity and shares its insights with the public. It was created in 2015 by the American Anthropological Association (AAA), the world’s largest organization for anthropologists. The day highlights how studying human behavior, evolution, and societies helps us better understand today’s global challenges.
World Cholangiocarcinoma Day
World Cholangiocarcinoma Day* (Third Thursday in February) raises awareness of cholangiocarcinoma (CCA), a rare and aggressive bile duct cancer. It was launched in 2016 by AMMF – The Cholangiocarcinoma Charity with partner organizations in the United States and Thailand to address limited research and low public understanding.
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
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