July 28 National Days

July 28 is the 209th day of the year (210th in leap years), with 156 days remaining until the end of the year.

The day highlights key global concerns and celebrations—from the importance of protecting natural resources on World Nature Conservation Day, to spotlighting global health with World Hepatitis Day. It’s also a time to enjoy classic favorites like milk chocolate and waterparks, while honoring the world’s most popular sport with National Soccer Day.

Here’s a closer look at the 5 national and international days celebrated on July 28 with short explanations for each observation.

National and International Days on July 28

National Milk Chocolate Day celebrates one of the most beloved types of chocolate. Unlike dark chocolate (celebrated on February 1st), milk chocolate includes dairy ingredients that create a smoother and sweeter flavor. The first milk chocolate bar was created in 1875 by Swiss chocolatier Daniel Peter, who combined chocolate liquor with a powdered milk developed by Henri Nestlé. This day was established by the National Confectioners Association to highlight milk chocolate’s place in confectionery history and everyday indulgence.

National Soccer Day recognizes the global impact of the world’s most popular sport. Known internationally as football, soccer is played in over 200 countries by hundreds of millions of people. Although the game has ancient roots, modern soccer as we know it began to take shape in England. The term “soccer” was coined in the 1880s to distinguish it from other forms of football. Despite attempts to ban the sport in the past, it remained deeply embedded in popular culture and is now celebrated in stadiums, parks, and backyards worldwide.

National Waterpark Day was created in 2017 by Kalahari Resorts and Conventions to honor the excitement and joy that waterparks bring to people of all ages. The day encourages families to make summer memories while enjoying slides, lazy rivers, and wave pools. Kalahari Resorts, which opened its first waterpark in Wisconsin Dells in 2000, now operates some of the largest indoor waterparks in the United States. With expanding locations and year-round attractions, waterparks have become a go-to summer experience for both fun and relaxation.

World Hepatitis Day is observed each year on July 28 to raise global awareness about hepatitis, a group of infectious diseases that affect the liver. There are five main types—A, B, C, D, and E—each with different transmission methods and health impacts. Chronic hepatitis, especially types B and C, can lead to serious complications like liver cancer. The date commemorates the birth of Dr. Baruch Samuel Blumberg, who discovered the hepatitis B virus and won the Nobel Prize for his work. The day calls for greater prevention, testing, and treatment efforts worldwide.

World Nature Conservation Day brings attention to the urgent need to protect the planet’s natural resources. First promoted in India by the Environmental Information System (ENVIS) and supported by the Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change, this day emphasizes the importance of conserving air, water, soil, minerals, and biodiversity. As the global population grows, the strain on ecosystems increases. World Nature Conservation Day encourages simple, everyday actions—like conserving water, reducing waste, and planting trees—to help preserve a livable world for future generations.