July 7 National Days

July 7 is the 188th day of the year (189th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar, leaving 177 days until the end of the year. Today’s celebrations include timeless desserts, musical traditions, and international efforts to promote peace, forgiveness, and truth.

Several observances are fixed on July 7, while a few, like International Peace & Love Day and Global Forgiveness Day, gained popularity more recently through influential figures or movements.

Here’s a full overview of the 10 national and international days observed on July 7.

National and International Days on July 7

World Chocolate Day celebrates all things chocolate, from bars and bonbons to hot cocoa and chocolate cake. While similar food holidays exist, this one stands out thanks to its global reach and symbolic link to the introduction of chocolate to Europe in 1550. Although the date’s historical tie is debated, some people believe July 7 was chosen because it marks when chocolate was first brought to Europe. The day gained popularity after being mentioned in The 2009 Weird & Wacky Holiday Marketing Guide and has since become a favorite celebration for chocolate lovers worldwide.

🍫 For more chocolate-related celebrations (complete list), check out National Milk Chocolate Day July 28 and National Dark Chocolate Day on February 1.

Tell the Truth Day is a reminder to practice honesty in everyday life, even in situations where it’s uncomfortable. The day encourages self-reflection, integrity, and open communication. It stands as a quiet call to reject lies, manipulation, and misinformation, and instead embrace sincerity—even in small moments. While the origins of this observance remain unknown, its message remains timeless.

International Peace & Love Day was started by Beatles drummer Ringo Starr in 2008, International Peace & Love Day and is rooted in a simple birthday wish. When asked what he wanted for his 68th birthday, Starr replied, “peace and love.” That heartfelt response turned into a worldwide movement. Every July 7, people are encouraged to share kindness through words, actions, or gestures—whether in person or online using the hashtag #PeaceAndLove. It’s a gentle reminder that spreading love and peace doesn’t take grand gestures; a smile or kind word can go a long way.

Global Forgiveness Day promotes the act of forgiving others as a step toward emotional and physical well-being. The event originated in 1994 in British Columbia, Canada, as National Forgiveness Day, founded by the Christian Embassy of Christ’s Ambassadors (CECA). It later expanded in scope and name. Scientific studies support the idea behind the holiday—people who practice forgiveness tend to experience lower stress levels and better overall health. The day encourages everyone to let go of grudges and create space for healing.

National Koi Day honors the beautiful koi fish and commemorates the life of Hanako, the world’s oldest recorded koi. Hanako was born in 1751 and passed away on July 7, 1977—at the age of 226. Koi fish are decorative carp known for their vibrant colors and patterns, with breeding traditions dating back to 19th-century Japan. Popular koi varieties include the red-and-white Kōhaku and the tricolored Shōwa Sanshoku. This day invites us to appreciate the aesthetic and cultural significance of koi ponds, often found in Japanese gardens.

National Day of Rock ‘n’ Roll celebrates one of the most influential music genres of the 20th century. Born from a blend of African-American musical traditions such as gospel, blues, and jazz, rock ‘n’ roll exploded in the 1950s and reshaped youth culture around the world. This day is dedicated to its evolution—from early artists like Chuck Berry and Elvis Presley to modern rock legends. It’s a perfect opportunity to turn up the volume and revisit the songs that shaped generations.

🎸 Looking for more music-related holidays? Check out World Music Day on June 21 or National Vinyl Record Day on August 12.

National Dive Bar Day honors the no-frills, personality-packed bars that feel like a second home to their regulars. From jukeboxes and dartboards to familiar faces and strong drinks, dive bars are cultural staples across the U.S. Founded by Seagram’s Seven Crown, this day was created to celebrate these cozy watering holes and support their preservation through partnerships with organizations like the National Trust for Historic Preservation. July 7 was chosen to match the brand’s “7” theme and pay tribute to longstanding community traditions.

National Father Daughter Take a Walk Day encourages fathers and daughters to step outside and enjoy a walk together, strengthening their bond through conversation and shared time. Whether it’s a nature trail, city sidewalk, or neighborhood park, the focus is on presence and connection. The day promotes not only emotional closeness but also the benefits of physical activity, especially during the summer months.

National Macaroni Day celebrates one of the most popular pasta shapes. Made from durum wheat and typically shaped into small tubes, macaroni has been a pantry staple for centuries. While elbow macaroni is the most common variety in the United States—especially in mac and cheese—other shapes and uses are popular in soups, casseroles, and pasta salads. Despite its wide usage, “macaroni” refers specifically to the type of dough, not the shape.

🍝 Don’t confuse this with National Mac and Cheese Day, which comes up on July 14.

National Strawberry Sundae Day: This sweet summer day invites people to enjoy the timeless combination of strawberries, ice cream, and whipped cream. While the history of the ice cream sundae has sparked debate between Ithaca, New York and Two Rivers, Wisconsin, there’s no debate over the deliciousness of a strawberry sundae. Whether you top it with fresh fruit or strawberry sauce, this classic dessert is the perfect way to cool down in July.

🍓 Looking for another excuse? National Ice Cream Day is just around the corner on the third Sunday in July.