February 22 National Days

February 22 is the 53rd day of the year in the Gregorian calendar, leaving 312 days until the end of the year (313 in leap years). On this day, 19 national and international celebrations take place, recognizing food, fitness, culture, social justice, and awareness.

From savoring a margarita or sweet potato dish to recognizing the contributions of supermarket employees and reflecting on victims of crime, this day offers opportunities to celebrate, learn, and take action.

Let’s take a look at the national and international days observed on February 22!

National and International Days on February 22

Be Humble Day: Humility is a valuable but often overlooked virtue in modern society. Be Humble Day reminds us of the importance of modesty and self-awareness. The true origins of this observance remain unknown, which seems fitting for a day dedicated to humility. This day encourages people to embrace a humble approach, avoid self-promotion, and recognize the contributions of others.

European Day for Victims of Crime: Established by Victim Support Europe (VSE), this day highlights the rights and support of victims of crime across the continent. With an estimated 15% of Europeans experiencing serious assault, trauma, or abuse each year, the observance seeks to raise awareness and improve victim assistance services. The day also serves as a call to action for justice systems to avoid re-traumatizing victims and ensure their voices are heard.

Founders Day Scouts: Observed by Scouts and Guides worldwide, this day honors Lord Robert Baden-Powell, the founder of the Scouting movement, and his wife, Olave Baden-Powell, the first Chief Girl Guide. Celebrated on their shared birthday, February 22, this day is a moment for Scouts and Guides to reaffirm their values, participate in community service, and reflect on the global impact of the movement. In Kenya, Baden-Powell’s tomb has become a pilgrimage site, with Scouts and Guides visiting annually to pay tribute.

National California Day: This day recognizes California, the 31st state to join the Union. Famous for its natural beauty, Hollywood, wine country, and diverse climate, California has a rich history shaped by Spanish missionaries, the Mexican-American War, and the Gold Rush of 1849. Today, California is known for innovation, entertainment, and environmental leadership.

National Cook a Sweet Potato Day: Sweet potatoes have been cultivated for thousands of years, with remnants dating back to 8,000 BC in Peru. This nutritious root vegetable is often mistaken for yams, but the two are distinct. High in fiber and low in fat, sweet potatoes are a healthy alternative to processed snacks. Whether roasted, mashed, or baked, this day encourages people to enjoy this flavorful food.

National Heart Valve Disease Awareness Day: Established in 2017, this day raises awareness about heart valve disease, a condition affecting millions of Americans. Many people remain unaware of its symptoms, risks, and treatment options. The observance aims to educate the public and encourage regular heart health checkups. Led by organizations such as the American Heart Association, the day promotes early detection and treatment to reduce fatalities.

National Margarita Day: One of the most popular tequila-based cocktails, the margarita consists of tequila, triple sec, and lime juice. While its origins are debated, one thing is clear: margaritas have become a staple of American cocktail culture. The tradition of salting the rim of the glass follows the Mexican custom of licking salt before drinking tequila. Today, bartenders create countless variations, using different fruit flavors, herbs, and infused sugars to enhance the drink. This day is perfect for enjoying a classic margarita, whether on the rocks or blended.

National Recreational Sports and Fitness Day: This day celebrates the positive impact of recreational sports on physical, emotional, and mental well-being. Established by the National Intramural and Recreational Sports Association (NIRSA), the event encourages people of all ages to participate in fitness activities. Universities, schools, and recreation centers host events to promote a healthy and active lifestyle.

National Supermarket Employee Day: Founded in 2021 by the Food Industry Association (FMI), this day recognizes the hard work of supermarket employees. From stocking shelves to ensuring fresh produce and assisting customers, these workers play an essential role in keeping communities fed. The observance encourages businesses and customers to express gratitude for their dedication.

National Walking the Dog Day: Walking is essential for a dog’s physical and mental health. This day highlights the benefits of regular dog walks, which promote exercise, socialization, and bonding between pets and owners. The rise of professional dog walkers in the 1960s helped reinforce the importance of daily walks, particularly for busy pet owners.

🐾 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 Wildlife Day: This observance highlights the importance of conservation efforts to protect wildlife and natural habitats. From endangered species to ecosystem preservation, the day encourages advocacy and action to safeguard the planet’s biodiversity.

🐯 Similar days include National Wildlife Day on September 4th and the UN’s World Wildlife Day on March 3rd

Open That Bottle Night* (Last Saturday in February): Created in 2000 by Wall Street Journal columnists Dorothy J. Gaiter and John Brecher, this event encourages people to stop saving special bottles of wine for “someday” and enjoy them with loved ones. The event emphasizes storytelling and shared experiences, making it a celebration of connection as much as fine wine.

🍷 Curious about other wine-themed days? We’ve compiled them all into one list just for you! 🥂

Play More Cards Day: Founded in 2013 by Bicycle Cards, this day promotes the joy of playing card games. Card games have been a source of entertainment for centuries, bringing people together and challenging the mind. Bicycle Cards, which has been producing decks since 1885, even contributed to World War II efforts by creating escape maps hidden inside playing cards for prisoners of war.

Single Tasking Day: In contrast to the modern obsession with multitasking, this day encourages people to focus on one task at a time. Research shows that multitasking can reduce productivity and increase stress. By dedicating full attention to a single activity, individuals can improve efficiency and mental clarity.

Supermarket Employee Day: newer event founded in 2021 by the Food Industry Association (FMI), this day acknowledges the dedication of supermarket employees. Their hard work ensures that communities have access to fresh food and essential supplies. This day provides an opportunity to thank these workers for their contributions.

2Twenty2 Day: Created by the owners of 2Twenty2 Tavern in Chicago, this day first took place on February 22, 2022. The celebration is a fun tribute to the bar’s name and its connection to the date sequence. Featuring special deals, music, and community gatherings, the day has quickly become a highlight in the Chicago nightlife scene.

World Thinking Day: Originally known as Thinking Day, this annual event has been celebrated by Girl Guides and Girl Scouts worldwide since 1926. The observance fosters international friendship and raises funds to support Girl Scouting and Guiding programs across the globe. Each year, a new theme encourages young people to engage with global issues and take action in their communities.

World Yoga Day: Founded by Samira Radsi, a yoga teacher from Berlin, this day harnesses the power of yoga to support human rights causes. Yoga schools worldwide participate by hosting special sessions from 11 AM to 1 PM local time, creating a 24-hour global yoga marathon. The event encourages participants to meditate on peace, healing, and justice.

🧘‍♀️ A similar day, The International Day of Yoga, is celebrated globally on June 21 each year. This day was officially adopted by the United Nations in 2014, encouraging people worldwide to embrace mindfulness, movement, and well-being. 🌍✨

Woolworth’s Day: Honoring the “Five and Dime” stores founded by Frank W. Woolworth in 1879, this day celebrates the retail revolution Woolworth pioneered. His fixed-price model and self-service approach transformed shopping, making products more accessible. Woolworth’s stores also played a role in the Civil Rights Movement, particularly the Greensboro sit-ins of 1960.

These 19 national and international days celebrated on February 22 highlight history, awareness, fitness, and fun. Whether it’s trying a new yoga pose, thanking a supermarket worker, or enjoying a margarita, this day provides diverse ways to engage and celebrate.