January 19 National Days

January 19, 2026, falls on a Monday in the 4th week of the year, with 346 days remaining until the year’s end.

The date is anchored by Martin Luther King Jr. Day, honoring the civil rights legacy of Martin Luther King Jr., and is further shaped by the contrast between Blue Monday and its wellbeing-focused counter-initiative, Brew Monday. Alongside these, the day also highlights appreciation for elementary school teachers and food-themed observances such as National Popcorn Day.

Below is a list of all 13 national and international days observed on January 19, each explained briefly.

National & International Days on January 19

Artist as Outlaw Day honors artists who work outside accepted norms and refuse to shape their work around approval or profit. It draws attention to creators such as Caravaggio and Banksy, whose work challenged established values in their own eras. The observance emphasizes how unconventional art, across visual art, music, film, and literature, can confront authority, reveal difficult realities, and reshape how creativity is understood.

Blue Monday* (Third Monday in January) refers to a day often labeled as the most depressing of the year, a claim introduced in 2005 through a marketing campaign by Sky Travel. The idea is linked to a formula combining factors such as winter weather, the end of the holiday season, and financial pressure, though it lacks scientific support. Even so, the concept has prompted vivid discussions about seasonal low mood, mental health awareness, and the importance of emotional well-being during winter.

Brew Monday*(Third Monday in January) is a campaign designed to counter the negative narrative of Blue Monday by emphasizing connection and care. It was established by Samaritans to encourage people to reach out to friends, family, or colleagues. The observance highlights how sharing a cup of tea or coffee can create space for conversation, ease loneliness, and support mental well-being through social interaction.

Brew a Potion Day gained traction through online holiday calendars and fan communities, where it is often marked by creating themed drinks or costumes inspired by Harry Potter and Minecraft. Beyond the fantasy element, the day also points to the real origins of potions in early herbal medicine, shaped by apothecaries and healers who relied on plant-based knowledge long before modern medical systems developed.

Elementary School Teacher Day*(Third Monday in January) recognizes educators who support children during their first years of formal education. While it has no single documented founder, it developed alongside broader teacher appreciation efforts, including World Teachers’ Day, established by UNESCO in 1994. The observance highlights elementary teachers as foundational figures who introduce reading, mathematics, and social skills, shaping early confidence and attitudes toward learning.

🧑‍🏫 A similar day, National Teacher Day, honoring educators of all grades, is observed in May.

Good Memory Day highlights both the emotional value of personal memories and the importance of healthy memory function. Gaining wider visibility around 2018, the observance encourages people to reflect on positive past experiences as a source of stability during difficult times. At the same time, it draws attention to cognitive well-being through activities such as memory games and promotes understanding and compassion for those living with memory-related conditions, including dementia.

Gun Appreciation Day recognizes the importance of firearms in American history and the rights protected by the Second Amendment. It was founded in 2013 by Larry Ward in response to proposed gun control measures introduced during the administration of Barack Obama. The day encourages gun owners to express public support for their rights and is also used to highlight responsible ownership, including the importance of safety practices, secure storage practices and proper training.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day* (Third Monday in January), also known in some states as Civil Rights Day, honors Martin Luther King Jr. and his central role in advancing the American civil rights movement. As a federal holiday, it recognizes his commitment to racial equality, nonviolent activism, and social justice. The observance also invites reflection on civil rights progress in the United States while encouraging public service, civic participation, and continued work toward equal rights under the law.

National Imagination Day celebrates creative thinking and the ability to envision new possibilities. Created in 2024, the observance encourages people of all ages to explore ideas openly, question conventional approaches, and apply imagination as a tool for innovation, learning, and problem-solving.

National Popcorn Day celebrates popcorn in its many forms and flavors. Observed since at least 1988, the day draws attention to popcorn’s long connection with movie theaters and social gatherings, and it continues to grow in recognition.

National Tin Can Day marks the invention and impact of the tin can on food preservation and everyday life. The date reflects January 19, 1825, when Americans Ezra Daggett and Thomas Kensett received the first U.S. patent for preserving food in tin containers. Building on an earlier British patent by Peter Durand in 1810, the tin can transformed how food could be stored and transported, reshaping military supply chains, long-distance travel, and household cooking by making long-term preservation reliable and practical.

Tenderness Toward Existence Day promotes empathy, respect, and awareness of the interconnected nature of life on Earth. Emerging on holiday calendars in the early 2000s with the guiding idea that every life has value, the observance emphasizes the importance of recognizing the role of all living beings, from humans to plants and insects, within shared ecosystems. It encourages thoughtful, compassionate behavior as a way to acknowledge mutual dependence and responsibility within the natural world.

World Quark Day celebrates quark, a European dairy product known for its high protein content and mild, creamy texture. The observance was established in 2019 by The Queen of Quark alongside the release of her cookbook The Ultimate Quark Guide and Cookbook. Its purpose is to introduce quark to a wider audience and show how it can be used in both sweet and savory dishes as a wholesome alternative to yogurt, cream, or soft cheese.

National Days in January

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