February 20 National Days

February 20 is the 51st day of the year in the Gregorian calendar, leaving 314 days until the end of the year (315 in leap years). On this day, 20 national and international celebrations take place, recognizing leadership, education, health, technology, history, and more.

From indulging in cherry pie and muffins to encouraging young girls in engineering, spreading awareness about rare diseases, and appreciating pet companionship, this day offers diverse ways to celebrate and learn.

Let’s take a look at the national and international days observed on February 20!

National and International Days on February 20

Clean Out Your Bookcase Day: This day encourages book lovers to organize their shelves, rediscover forgotten reads, and donate books they no longer need. Started in 1985, it’s believed to have originated from an avid reader’s desire to promote tidiness while making room for new books. Beyond decluttering, the day emphasizes the joy of reading and the importance of sharing books with others. Many people celebrate by donating books to libraries, schools, and charities.

🧹 Keep your home and office tidy with the help of our Cleaning & Organization National Days! Stay inspired and tackle clutter all year long! ✨🏠📅

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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Hoodie Hoo Day: A quirky celebration created by Thomas and Ruth Roy, this day is all about chasing away winter and welcoming spring. At noon, participants go outside, wave their arms, and shout “Hoodie Hoo!” The tradition, meant to be lighthearted and fun, is observed one month before the first day of spring. While it may not change the weather, it certainly lifts spirits and brings communities together for a moment of playful optimism.

International Lego Classicism Day: Founded in 2017 by Liam D. Jensen, this day celebrates the intersection of history and play using LEGO bricks to recreate scenes from ancient civilizations. Enthusiasts worldwide share their historical LEGO creations online, and some museums even host official events. The day celebrates creativity, education, and the use of LEGO as a tool for storytelling and historical exploration.

🧱 If you love LEGO, don’t miss International LEGO Day on January 28th, celebrating the creativity and joy of building! 🎉✨

International Pipe Smoking Day: First observed in 2008, this day honors the centuries-old tradition of pipe smoking. Originally launched by Smokers Forums in the UK, the event quickly spread to pipe clubs and enthusiasts around the world. While pipe smoking is less common today, the day serves as a tribute to craftsmanship, history, and the cultural significance of the practice in different societies.

Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day / Girl Day* (Third or Fourth Thursday in February): Part of Engineers Week, this event was introduced in 2001 by DiscoverE to encourage young girls to explore careers in engineering. Through hands-on activities, mentorship, and educational outreach, it aims to break stereotypes and inspire more women to enter STEM fields. Schools, universities, and businesses host events to showcase how engineers shape the world.

National Cherry Pie Day: Celebrating one of America’s favorite desserts, this day falls close to President’s Day, linking it to the legendary (but fictional) story of George Washington and the cherry tree. Cherries were indeed a favorite of Washington, and cherry pie remains a beloved treat. Dating back to early American settlers, cherry pie has become a symbol of comfort food, often enjoyed at family gatherings and holidays.

National Comfy Day: Founded by Michael and Brian Speciale, inventors of The Comfy, this day celebrates relaxation and comfort. The Comfy is a wearable blanket that gained fame after a successful pitch on Shark Tank in 2017. The day encourages people to embrace cozy moments—whether by lounging in their favorite blanket, sipping a warm drink, or simply taking time to unwind from daily stresses.

National Handcuff Day: On this day in 1912, George A. Carney patented the modern swing-through handcuff design, revolutionizing law enforcement restraints. His lightweight and easy-to-use model replaced older, bulkier versions. The patent was later acquired by Peerless Handcuff Company, and since then, Carney’s design has become the standard worldwide. The day recognizes the role of handcuffs in policing, security, and even escape artistry.

National Leadership Day: Established in 2021 by the Maxwell Leadership Enterprise, this day recognizes the power of leadership in shaping individuals and communities. It coincides with leadership expert John C. Maxwell’s 75th birthday, celebrating his influence on personal and professional development. The event emphasizes continuous learning, mentorship, and the importance of integrity in leadership.

National Love Your Pet Day: This day reminds pet owners to show extra appreciation for their furry, feathered, or scaly companions. Pets provide emotional support, companionship, and even health benefits like reduced stress and increased physical activity. Many celebrate by spending extra time with their pets, treating them to special meals, or donating to animal shelters.

National Muffin Day: This day highlights muffins ranging from classic blueberry and chocolate chip to healthier whole-grain options. Muffins originated in Europe, but the American version, made with baking powder rather than yeast, became popular in the 19th century. Today, they remain a breakfast staple and a go-to snack.

National Student Volunteer Day: First observed in 2016, this day encourages students to engage in community service. Volunteering helps develop leadership skills, fosters a sense of responsibility, and strengthens local communities. Schools and organizations host projects such as food drives, tutoring programs, and environmental cleanups.

National Whistleblower Reward Day: Established by former DOJ attorney Joel D. Hesch, this day raises awareness of whistleblower reward programs that incentivize reporting fraud against the government. The False Claims Act and other federal laws allow whistleblowers to receive financial rewards for exposing fraud. This day highlights the importance of transparency and encourages ethical reporting.

No Politics Day: Created in 2017 by Bob Matthews in Rochester, New York, this day promotes a break from political debates. With increasing political polarization, it encourages people to focus on positive conversations and unity. While it doesn’t discourage civic engagement, it serves as a reminder to prioritize relationships over political disagreements.

Women in Blue Jeans Days: This event celebrates women in agriculture and rural industries, recognizing their contributions to farming, ranching, and agribusiness. It encourages people to wear blue jeans as a symbol of strength, resilience, and hard work. The day highlights the often-overlooked role of women in sustaining agriculture and food production.

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.

World Day of Social Justice: Established by the United Nations in 2007, this day highlights global issues like poverty, gender inequality, labor rights, and fair economic policies. It promotes dialogue and action toward creating more just and inclusive societies. The event encourages governments and organizations to work on policies that improve social equity and economic fairness.

These 20 national and international days celebrated on February 20 recognize leadership, education, health, history, and culture. Whether it’s supporting social justice, appreciating pets, or indulging in cherry pie, this day provides meaningful ways to reflect, celebrate, and take action.

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