February 2, 2026, is the 33rd day of the year, with 332 days remaining, and it falls on a Monday in the sixth week of the year.
On this day, 20 national and international celebrations take place, recognizing history, culture, traditions, and important awareness campaigns. From Groundhog Day predictions to ukulele music celebrations, this date offers something for everyone to appreciate!
Below is a list of all 20 national and international days observed on February 2, each explained briefly.
National & International Days on February 2
2FA Day / Second Factor Day highlights the importance of Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) in securing online accounts. Established in 2022, it reminds people to strengthen their passwords and add extra layers of protection to prevent cyber threats.
Ayn Rand Day honors the birthday of Ayn Rand (1905–1982), the author of The Fountainhead and Atlas Shrugged. She developed Objectivism, a philosophy that promotes rational self-interest, individualism, and capitalism. Her books continue to influence political and economic discussions.
California Kiwifruit Day recognizes kiwifruit and its role in California’s agriculture. Although native to China, kiwis were introduced to the United States in the 1960s and became widely cultivated in California, which produces most of the kiwis grown in the U.S. The day was established in 2008.
Groundhog Day is a well-known tradition in the United States and Canada, where a groundhog predicts whether there will be six more weeks of winter or an early spring. The most famous event takes place in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, with Punxsutawney Phil being the most well-known weather-predicting groundhog.
Groundhog Job Shadow Day connects students with professionals to give them hands-on experience in different careers. This initiative helps young people explore job opportunities and understand how school subjects apply to real-world professions, preparing them for future employment.
Lung Leavin’ Day was founded by Heather Von St. James on February 2, 2006, the date she underwent surgery to remove her left lung to treat mesothelioma caused by asbestos exposure. The day supports awareness and fundraising for the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation.
Marmot Day is officially recognized in Alaska, this day replaces Groundhog Day in the state and celebrates marmots, a group of large rodents related to groundhogs and squirrels. Since 2009, Alaskans have used this day to honor their local wildlife and traditions.
National Brown Dog Day was established in 2021 to raise awareness about brown-coated dogs, which are often overlooked in animal shelters. It encourages adoption and appreciation of dogs of all colors, especially those with brown fur.
🐾 For more dogs, cats, and pets national days, visit the dedicated pages or use the search feature on our website to find exactly what you’re looking for! 🐶🐱✨
National Catchers Day was founded in 2019 by Xan Barksdale to celebrate catchers in baseball and softball and recognize their essential role behind home plate. Catchers are known for their quick reflexes, strategic thinking, and leadership on the field.
National Heavenly Hash Day recognizes a sweet treat made with marshmallows, chocolate, nuts, and sometimes fruit. It can be served as a cake, ice cream, or pudding, depending on the recipe.
🍴 Have you checked out our National Food Days Calendar yet? Discover all the delicious food-related celebrations happening throughout the year! 🎉🍔🍓
National Hedgehog Day celebrates hedgehogs, small spiky mammals known for their unique defense mechanism of rolling into a ball. This day raises awareness about hedgehogs as pets and highlights their role in nature, where they help control insect populations.
National River Day highlights the importance of rivers and their role in the environment. Rivers provide fresh water, support wildlife, and have been essential to human civilization for thousands of years.
National Sickie Day 🇬🇧* (First Monday in February) recognized in the United Kingdom, this is the most common day for workers to call in sick. Coined in 2011 by a legal firm, it highlights how the winter blues and job dissatisfaction contribute to high absenteeism.
National Sled Dog Day honors sled dogs, the hardworking canines that have helped people in Arctic regions travel across snow and ice for centuries. The day acknowledges their strength, endurance, and contribution to history, especially in Alaska and Canada.
National Tater Tot Day celebrates tater tots, the crispy potato bites first made in 1953 by the Grigg brothers, founders of Ore-Ida. Originally created to reduce food waste, these fried potato bites have become a beloved snack across the United States.
🥔 This day is not to be confused with National Tater Day on March 31st, which celebrates all types of potatoes in all their delicious forms! 🍟✨
National Ukulele Day, also known as World Ukulele Day and Play Your Ukulele Day, celebrates the ukulele, a small four-stringed instrument with Hawaiian origins. Established in 2011 by Mike Lynch, this day encourages people to play and appreciate ukulele music.
Record of a Sneeze Day marks the first copyrighted film ever made, Fred Ott’s Sneeze, created by Thomas Edison in 1894. This short film recorded a man sneezing, showing the early potential of motion pictures.
Rheumatoid Arthritis Awareness Day raises awareness about rheumatoid arthritis (RA), a chronic autoimmune disease that causes joint pain and inflammation. Established in 2013 by the Rheumatoid Patient Foundation, the day aims to amplify patient voices, and promote better support for people living with RA.
Self Renewal Day encourages people to reflect on their lives and focus on self-improvement. This day serves as a reminder to prioritize mental, physical, and emotional well-being.
World Wetlands Day raises awareness of the vital role wetlands play in supporting biodiversity, cleaning water, and reducing flood risks. The date marks the signing of the Ramsar Convention on February 2, 1971, an agreement focused on protecting wetlands often described as nature’s kidneys. Although the treaty began in 1971, the awareness day was first officially celebrated in 1997 and was later designated a United Nations International Day in 2021. The observance draws attention to the rapid loss of wetlands, which is happening three times faster than forest loss, and encourages action to conserve, restore, and use these ecosystems responsibly.
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 | March
