July 25 National Days

July 25 is the 206th day of the year (207th in leap years), with 159 days left in the calendar.

Today’s observances highlight everything from vintage amusement rides and iconic desserts to wellness in the legal system and global recognition of underrepresented communities. This date also encourages conversations about employment for veterans, celebrates culinary skill, and invites us to pause and honor those affected by invisible illnesses.

Here’s a closer look at the 14 national and international days celebrated on July 25 with short explanations for each observation.

National and International Days on July 25

Culinarians Day honors everyone who takes pride in cooking—at home or professionally. While the word “culinarian” dates back to the 1790s and refers to someone skilled in the kitchen, the origins of this specific day remain unknown. It’s a moment to appreciate the creativity, technique, and tradition that goes into preparing food. Whether you’re a professional chef or someone who simply loves to cook, this day celebrates your contribution to the art of nourishment.

Health and Happiness with Hypnosis Day raises awareness about the wellness potential of hypnosis beyond stage performances. Founded in the early 2020s by wellness advocates, the day aims to dispel myths and introduce people to its therapeutic uses—from managing stress and pain to breaking habits. Through educational sessions, community events, and shared experiences, the day encourages open-minded exploration of how hypnosis can support physical and emotional well-being.

International Day of Women and Girls of African Descent was officially recognized by the United Nations in 2024, following a joint proposal by Brazil and Colombia. This day celebrates the achievements, resilience, and leadership of women and girls with African heritage while acknowledging the specific challenges they face due to intersecting forms of discrimination. It also supports the goals of the International Decade for People of African Descent (2015–2024), promoting equity, visibility, and human rights.

International Day on Judicial Well-being was established in 2025 following the Nauru Declaration on Judicial Well-being. Sparked by rising concerns about mental health in legal systems, the movement was led by Justice Rangajeeva Wimalasena of Nauru with support from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. The day focuses on supporting judges and legal professionals through improved work conditions, mental health care, and a culture that values wellness in the justice sector.

National Get Gnarly Day* (Last Friday of July) encourages people to shake things up with creativity and enthusiasm. Created in 2016 by Whirlpool Corporation, the campaign embraced the surfer slang “gnarly“—originally used to describe thrilling waves—to motivate bold thinking and spirited problem-solving. The “NAR” in “gNARliness” also reflects Whirlpool’s North American Region. Today, the day invites everyone to take bold action, try new approaches, and have fun doing it.

National Hire a Veteran Day was founded in 2017 by Marine Corps veteran Dan Caporale, also the founder of Hire Our Heroes. Observed annually on July 25, it’s a call to action for employers to recognize the skills, discipline, and leadership veterans bring to civilian workplaces. The day also raises awareness about the challenges service members face when transitioning to civilian life and the importance of supporting them with meaningful career opportunities.

National Hot Fudge Sundae Day celebrates one of the most beloved ice cream desserts in America. Served since the early 20th century, the hot fudge sundae combines cold ice cream with warm chocolate topping and is often finished with a cherry. The dessert’s origin is debated—some credit Two Rivers, Wisconsin in 1881, while others cite an 1892 advertisement in Ithaca, New York. Regardless of its roots, the sundae remains very popular during National Ice Cream Month.

National Merry-Go-Round Day (also known as National Carousel Day) was created in 2014 by Bette Largent, president of the National Carousel Association, and carousel historian Ronald Hopkins. The date honors the first U.S. patent for a carousel, issued on July 25, 1871, to William Schneider of Davenport, Iowa.

🎢 Related observance, National Roller Coaster Day, is celebrated on August 16.

National System Administrator Appreciation Day* (Last Friday in July) was launched in 2000 by Ted Kekatos, inspired by a Hewlett-Packard ad where coworkers gave flowers and fruit baskets to their sysadmin. The day, also called Sysadmin Day or SAD, recognizes the IT professionals who keep networks, servers, and systems running smoothly. Often working behind the scenes, sysadmins are essential to data security, software maintenance, and tech troubleshooting—yet rarely acknowledged unless something goes wrong.

National Talk In An Elevator Day* (Last Friday in July) encourages brief but meaningful social interactions in a place known for silence: the elevator. Instead of retreating into devices, the day suggests saying hello, starting a conversation, or learning something new about a fellow rider. It’s a simple way to break routine and bring a little humanity into shared spaces.

National Thread the Needle Day celebrates the literal and figurative skill of “threading the needle.” While it honors the sewing act itself, it also recognizes the expression’s broader meaning—navigating tight spots or balancing opposing forces. The day offers a reminder to be precise, thoughtful, and creative in both tasks and decision-making.

National Wine and Cheese Day invites people to enjoy one of the most classic pairings in culinary culture. Celebrated since 2014, the day highlights how regional traditions have shaped wine and cheese pairings—like Brie with Beaujolais in France. A good rule of thumb is to match the intensity of the cheese with the wine: lighter wines with mild cheeses, and bolder wines with stronger ones. The day offers a reason to explore new flavors or revisit favorites.

🍷 Explore more wine-themed holidays here: Wine Days Calendar.

Red Shoe Day ~ A Day of Remembrance was founded in 2014 to honor the life of Theda Myint, an Australian Lyme patient who passed away on July 25, 2013. Organized by the Global Lyme & Invisible Illness Organization, this day serves as a tribute to Theda and others lost to invisible illnesses like Lyme disease, fibromyalgia, and chronic fatigue syndrome. Wearing red shoes symbolizes support and remembrance for those affected by often misunderstood conditions.

World Drowning Prevention Day was first observed in 2021, established by the United Nations and the World Health Organization. It raises awareness of drowning as a preventable global issue and promotes life-saving strategies—such as swimming lessons, water safety education, and supervision around water. The day emphasizes collective responsibility in preventing a leading cause of unintentional death, especially among children.