February 4 National Days

February 4 is the 35th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar, leaving 330 days until the end of the year (331 in leap years). On this day, 18 national and international celebrations take place, recognizing science, history, culture, and important awareness campaigns.

Today’s observances highlight science, history, health, culture, and advocacy. Whether it’s honoring Rosa Parks, celebrating baseball great Willie Mays, raising awareness for cancer, or simply enjoying homemade soup, this day offers many meaningful ways to reflect and participate.

Let’s explore the national and international days celebrated on this date!

African American Coaches Day* (First Tuesday of February): This day recognizes the contributions of African American coaches in sports and leadership roles. Coaches provide mentorship, guidance, and encouragement, shaping athletes’ careers and personal growth. The day highlights their impact in fostering talent and leadership within the African American community.

Facebook’s Birthday / Friends Day: On February 4, 2004, Mark Zuckerberg launched “TheFacebook,” which later became Facebook. Over time, this day shifted focus from celebrating the platform to recognizing friendships and connections formed online. It serves as a reminder of the power of social media in bringing people together worldwide.

I Heart Horror Day: Founded by brothers Christopher and Gregory Cuneo, this day celebrates horror entertainment, including films, books, and music. It also raises funds for charity, supporting organizations like the Deborah Heart and Lung Center. The date was chosen in honor of horror icons George Romero and Alice Cooper.

International Day of Human Fraternity: Established in 2021 by the United Nations, this day promotes understanding, tolerance, and cooperation among different cultures and religions. It commemorates the 2019 signing of the “Document on Human Fraternity” by Pope Francis and Sheikh Ahmed el-Tayeb. The day encourages global dialogue and peace-building efforts.

Liberace Day: A tribute to the legendary pianist and showman Liberace, known for his dazzling performances and extravagant style. Celebrated annually on the anniversary of his death, the day honors his contributions to music and entertainment. Fans remember his impact on pop culture and his unique blend of classical and pop music.

Medjool Date Day: Recognizing the sweet and nutritious Medjool date, which originated in Morocco and was later introduced to the U.S. in the early 1900s. These dates are known for their flavor and health benefits, including high fiber and natural sugars. The day was founded in 2014 by Natural Delights to promote awareness of this popular fruit.

National Create A Vacuum Day: This day encourages learning about vacuums, which are spaces void of matter. A vacuum occurs when air pressure inside an area is lower than outside, a concept used in science and engineering. The day is an opportunity to explore the physics behind vacuums through experiments and educational activities.

National Hemp Day: Celebrating the hemp plant, which has been used for thousands of years in textiles, paper, and construction. During WWII, the U.S. promoted “Hemp for Victory” to encourage farmers to grow hemp for military use. Established in 2019 by cbdMD, the day raises awareness of hemp’s benefits and modern applications.

National Homemade Soup Day: A day to appreciate the comforting and nutritious value of homemade soups. Throughout history, different cultures have created soups using locally available ingredients, resulting in countless variations. Whether a hearty stew or a light broth, soups have remained a staple of traditional cooking worldwide.

National Stuffed Mushroom Day: Celebrates the delicious appetizer that likely originated in Italy in the late 19th or early 20th century. Stuffed mushrooms are typically filled with cheese, breadcrumbs, and herbs, making them a popular dish for gatherings. The day is a great opportunity to experiment with different stuffing recipes.

🍄 Did you know there are several national days dedicated to mushrooms? Celebrate these fantastic fungi on their special days throughout the year! 🎉✨

National Thank a Mail Carrier Day / Thank a Mailman Day: Honors the hardworking individuals who deliver mail six days a week, rain or shine. Mail carriers ensure that important letters, packages, and documents reach people’s homes and businesses. The day encourages people to express gratitude for their dedication and service.

National Wicker Day: Recognizing the craftsmanship of wicker weaving, a skill dating back to ancient Egypt. Wicker furniture and baskets are valued for their lightweight, durable, and eco-friendly properties. Established in 2020, this day highlights the artistry and cultural significance of wicker products.

Quacker Day: Celebrates the Quacker Factory clothing line, founded by Jeanne Bice and made famous through QVC. Fans, known as “Quackers,” embrace the brand’s colorful and sparkly designs. The day unites customers who share a love for fun, expressive fashion.

Torture Abolition Day: Marks the 1985 adoption of the United Nations Convention Against Torture (UNCAT), which aims to eliminate cruel treatment worldwide. The treaty requires countries to take measures against torture and human rights abuses. This day serves as a reminder of the importance of justice and human dignity.

Transit Equity Day: Honors civil rights activist Rosa Parks on her birthday, recognizing her pivotal role in desegregating public transportation. Her refusal to give up her seat in 1955 led to the Montgomery Bus Boycott, a major event in the Civil Rights Movement. The day advocates for equal access to affordable and fair public transit systems.

USO Day: Commemorates the founding of the United Service Organizations (USO) in 1941, which provides support and entertainment for U.S. military personnel. Over the years, the USO has offered morale-boosting activities, care packages, and community outreach for service members. The day highlights the ongoing importance of supporting troops and their families.

Willie Mays Day: A tribute to baseball legend Willie Mays, first celebrated on February 4, 2024 (2/4/24), to honor his famous #24 jersey. The day was initiated by the San Francisco Giants and other organizations to recognize his contributions to Major League Baseball. Fans celebrate Mays’ legacy as one of the greatest players in the sport’s history.

World Cancer Day: Established in 2000 by the Union for International Cancer Control to raise awareness about cancer prevention, early detection, and treatment. The day promotes education, research, and policy changes to reduce the global impact of cancer. Events and campaigns worldwide aim to support cancer patients and their families.