February 28 National Days

February 28 is the 59th day of the year, with 306 days remaining (307 in leap years) until the end of the year. On this day, 13 national and international observances celebrate delicious desserts, floral design, workplace well-being, environmental awareness, and historical figures.

From enjoying a chocolate soufflé and embracing floral design to raising awareness about rare diseases and workplace fairness, February 28 offers a blend of indulgence, education, and advocacy.

Let’s explore the national and international days celebrated on February 28!

National & International Days on February 28

Car Keys and Small Change Day: While the name suggests a celebration of car keys and pocket change, this day actually honors pockets—a simple yet essential feature of clothing. The oldest known pocket dates back to 3300 BCE, found on the Iceman. By the 17th century, men’s trousers had built-in pockets, while women relied on separate pouches under their skirts. Today, pockets remain a symbol of convenience and functionality, holding everything from keys to smartphones.

Global Scouse Day 🇬🇧: A celebration of Liverpool’s iconic meat stew, “scouse“, this day honors the city’s culture, people, and food. The tradition began in 1979, when Graham Hughes and his friends gathered for an annual Scouse supper. Over time, it became a city-wide celebration, with restaurants and pubs featuring scouse on their menus. Proceeds often go to charities like Alder Hey Children’s Hospital and The Whitechapel Centre.

International Repetitive Strain Injury Awareness Day 🇨🇦* (February 29 or February 28 in non-leap years): Founded in 2000 by Catherine Fenech, this day raises awareness of repetitive strain injuries (RSIs), which result from repetitive motion, poor ergonomics, or overuse. RSIs affect millions of workers worldwide, often leading to chronic pain and disability. This day encourages workplace safety measures, prevention strategies, and proper treatment.

International Stand Up to Bullying Day* (Last Friday of February and Third Friday of November): Inspired by a 2007 student-led protest in Nova Scotia, this movement encourages people to wear pink pledge shirts to take a stand against bullying. Travis Price and David Shepherd started the movement after witnessing a student being bullied for wearing pink. Today, the initiative is recognized in 25+ countries and aligns with Anti-Bullying Week in November.

Linus Pauling Day: Established by the state of Oregon, this day honors Linus Pauling (1901–1994), a two-time Nobel Prize winner known for his contributions to chemistry, peace activism, and nutrition. The Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University hosts annual events and lectures to celebrate his scientific legacy.

National Chocolate Soufflé Day: This day celebrates the light, airy French dessert, first mentioned in early 18th-century cookbooks. The word soufflé means “to puff up” in French, perfectly describing the dish’s delicate rise. Chef Marie-Antoine Carême popularized soufflés in the 19th century, making them a classic in both sweet and savory forms.

🍫 Did you know there are 75+ national days celebrating chocolate in all its delicious forms!

National Customized Wheel and Tire Day: Established in 2020, this day honors automotive enthusiasts who personalize their vehicles with custom wheels and tires. These modifications enhance performance, aesthetics, and individuality, making each vehicle a reflection of its owner’s style.

National Essay Day: Created by One Freelance Limited in 2020, this day celebrates essay writing as a form of self-expression and critical thinking. It honors Michel de Montaigne (1533–1592), the father of the modern essay, whose birthday coincides with the observance. The day encourages students to develop writing skills and embrace the power of storytelling.

National Floral Design Day: Established in 1995, this day honors the art of floral design, recognizing its role in culture, celebrations, and interior decoration. The observance coincides with the birthday of Carl Rittner, founder of the Rittners School of Floral Design in Boston, who pioneered floral art education.

National Public Sleeping Day: Encouraging naps in public places, this quirky observance promotes the benefits of rest and relaxation. The origins of the day are unclear, but it has been observed since 2011. While napping at work may not be advisable, catching some midday rest at a park, beach, or train station is fair game!

National Skip the Straw Day* (Fourth Friday in February): Founded in 2017 by The Coral Keepers, this day raises awareness of plastic waste and its impact on marine life. Americans use an estimated 500 million plastic straws daily, many of which end up in the ocean. This observance encourages people to switch to reusable or biodegradable alternatives.

National Tooth Fairy Day* (Also observed on August 22): This day celebrates the Tooth Fairy, a childhood tradition that rewards lost teeth with coins or small gifts. The idea gained popularity in the 1920s, when fairies were used in health education campaigns. Esther Watkins Arnold’s 1927 playlet, The Tooth Fairy, helped solidify the fairy’s place in modern folklore.

Rare Disease Day* (Last day of February): Founded in 2008 by EURORDIS, this day raises awareness of rare diseases affecting fewer than 1 in 2,000 people. In the U.S., a disease is considered rare if it affects fewer than 200,000 people. The observance falls on February 29 during leap years, emphasizing the rarity of these conditions. Global campaigns promote research, advocacy, and patient support.

With thirteen diverse observances, February 28 is a day to celebrate culinary excellence, appreciate floral art, advocate for health and environmental causes, and embrace cultural traditions.

Which of these observances will you be celebrating today?

National Days in February

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