February 27 National Days

February 27 is the 58th day of the year, with 307 days remaining (308 in leap years). On this day, 15 national and international observances focus on food, culture, awareness, nostalgia, and fun celebrations.

From honoring polar bears and NGOs to indulging in Kahlúa and chili, February 27 offers plenty of ways to celebrate.

Here’s a look at the national and international days observed on February 27, listed in alphabetical order!

National and International Days on February 27

Anosmia Awareness Day: This day raises awareness about anosmia, the loss of the sense of smell, which can be temporary or permanent. The condition affects quality of life by diminishing the ability to enjoy food, detect danger, and recall scent-related memories. Daniel Schein founded Anosmia Awareness Day in 2012 to support those with olfactory disorders and provide educational resources.

Fat Thursday* (Last Thursday before Ash Wednesday): A Christian tradition in many European countries, marking the last Thursday before Lent. Fat Thursday is a feasting day where people indulge in sweets and rich foods before the fasting season begins.

International Polar Bear Day: Raises awareness about climate change and its effects on polar bear populations. Founded in 2011 by Polar Bears International (PBI), the date coincides with the time when polar bear mothers and cubs are denning. With only 26,000 polar bears left in the wild, conservation efforts remain critical.

Khachapuri Day: A celebration of Georgia’s beloved cheese-filled bread, Khachapuri Day was established in 2019 by the Gastronomic Association of Georgia. This day promotes Georgian cuisine and culture while encouraging culinary tourism.

National Chili Day* (Fourth Thursday in February): Honors chili con carne, one of America’s most beloved comfort foods. The Hard Times Café in Arlington, VA, founded this day in 2006, and it is widely celebrated with cook-offs and chili-eating contests.

National Kahlúa Day: Celebrates Kahlúa, the famous coffee liqueur created in 1936 by Pedro Domecq. This Mexican liqueur, made with 100% Arabica coffee, rum, vanilla, and corn syrup, is a key ingredient in cocktails like the Espresso Martini and White Russian.

☕️ Discover the complete list of national days and months dedicated to coffee and celebrate your love for caffeine all year long! 🎉🥤✨

National Pokémon Day: Celebrating the global Pokémon franchise, this day marks the release of Pokémon Red and Green in Japan on February 27, 1996. The games sparked a worldwide phenomenon that includes trading cards, anime, movies, and video games. Pokémon fans—known as Trainers—use this day to share their favorite Pokémon moments.

National Protein Day: Created by India’s Right to Protein initiative in 2020, this day highlights protein’s essential role in nutrition. It encourages people to include diverse protein sources in their diet and raises awareness of nutritional security and deficiencies.

National Retro Day: Encourages people to revisit life before smartphones and the internet. Founded by Hermelinda A. Aguilar, Robert, and Tina Duran, the day celebrates nostalgia, from classic movies and vintage fashion to old-school music and tech-free fun.

National Small Dog Day* (Last Thursday in February): A day to appreciate the big personalities of small dogs. Founded by Purina Beneful, this observance highlights how small dogs bring joy, companionship, and energy to their owners, as well as the importance of proper nutrition tailored to their needs.

🐾 Discover the ultimate list of national days dedicated to dogs! Celebrate your furry friends and their special moments all year round. 🐶🎉

National Strawberry Day: A day to enjoy sweet and juicy strawberries, which are used in desserts, smoothies, salads, and more. National Strawberry Day has been widely celebrated in the grocery industry since 2013, with supermarkets and restaurants offering special promotions on strawberries.

National Toast Day* (Last Thursday in February): Celebrates toast, one of the most versatile breakfast foods. Established in 2014 by the Tiptree World Bread Awards, the day recognizes the many variations of toast, from classic buttered slices to avocado toast and cinnamon sugar delights.

No Brainer Day: Encourages people to simplify decision-making and reduce stress by focusing on straightforward choices. Created by Adrienne Sioux Koopersmith in 1996, this lighthearted day reminds us that most things in life have easy solutions.

The Big Breakfast Day: Founded in 2020 by Jeffrey Arnold, this day promotes the idea of starting the morning with a hearty meal. It also emphasizes community, family bonding, and taking time to enjoy food together.

World NGO Day: Recognizes the impact of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) worldwide. Established in 2010 by Marcis Liors Skadmanis, it was officially recognized in 2014 by the UN and EU leaders. The day acknowledges the work of millions of NGOs and their 50 million+ employees and volunteers.

February 27 is packed with food-themed and awareness-driven celebrations. Whether you’re indulging in chili, Kahlúa, or toast, appreciating polar bears or NGOs, or reminiscing about the past on Retro Day, there’s something for everyone.

Which of these observances will you be celebrating today?