June 12 National Days

June 12 is the 163rd day of the year (164th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar, leaving 202 days until the end of the year. The observances on this day range from international labor awareness and military milestones to food celebrations and cultural icons.

National Days on June 12th — June 12th National Days

Some observances change each year depending on weekday placement, such as National Seersucker Day and National Career Nurse Assistants’ Day, while most are fixed annually on June 12.

Here’s a full overview of the 13 national and international days observed on June 12.

National and International Days on June 12

International Cachaça Day: This day celebrates Brazil’s national spirit, cachaça—a distilled liquor made from fermented sugarcane juice. Often used in the cocktail caipirinha, cachaça has been a staple of Brazilian culture since the 16th century. While Brazil honors it on September 13, International Cachaça Day is observed on June 12, marking its global spotlight during the 2014 FIFA World Cup opening in Brazil.

🍹 See also the full list of alcohol-related national days.

International Falafel Day: Celebrated annually on June 12, this food holiday was founded in 2012 by entrepreneur Ben Lang, who also created International Hummus Day. Falafel, a deep-fried fritter made from ground chickpeas or fava beans, is a staple of Middle Eastern cuisine. The day encourages people worldwide to enjoy and appreciate the cultural significance and delicious flavor of this popular dish.

National Button Battery Awareness Day: Founded in 2021 by Trista Hamsmith in memory of her daughter Reese, this day raises awareness of the dangers of swallowing button batteries, particularly for young children. The small, round batteries can cause severe internal damage when ingested. June 12 serves as a day of remembrance and education to help prevent future tragedies.

National Career Nurse Assistants’ Day* (first day of National Nursing Assistants’ Week): This day honors dedicated nursing assistants who provide daily care to the elderly and those in need. It marks the start of National Nursing Assistants’ Week and was established by the National Network of Career Nursing Assistants in 1977.

🧑‍⚕️ A similar day recognizing nurses globally is International Nurses Day, observed on May 12.

National Jerky Day: Established in 2012 by Jack Link’s Beef Jerky and the Wisconsin Beef Council, this day spotlights the history and nutrition of jerky—lightweight, protein-rich dried meat. The word “jerky” comes from the Quechua word “ch’arki.” Thanks to its long shelf life, jerky has remained a popular snack for centuries.

🥩 A related celebration, National Craft Jerky Day, takes place on November 27.

National Loving Day: Observed each June 12, this day commemorates the 1967 U.S. Supreme Court decision in Loving v. Virginia, which legalized interracial marriage nationwide. The day honors Richard and Mildred Loving and recognizes the significance of their case in advancing civil rights and racial equality. Though not officially recognized at the federal level, many advocates are pushing for its national designation.

National Peanut Butter Cookie Day: Celebrated each year on June 12, this sweet holiday invites everyone to enjoy the classic combination of peanut butter and cookies. While George Washington Carver promoted peanut-based recipes as early as 1916, peanut butter cookies became popular in the 1920s after the development of homogenized peanut butter. Though Carver’s original bulletin didn’t include peanut butter cookies, his work helped lay the foundation for their rise.

National Red Rose Day: This floral observance highlights the red rose as a symbol of love and romance. Celebrated annually on June 12, the day honors one of the world’s most beloved flowers and the June birth flower. Red roses have long been associated with weddings, courtship, and declarations of affection.

🌹 The entire month of June is also recognized as National Rose Month in the United States.

National Seersucker Day* (second Thursday in June): This tradition was started in 1996 by Senator Trent Lott to bring a touch of Southern charm to Capitol Hill. The day celebrates seersucker—a lightweight, puckered cotton fabric ideal for warm weather. Though the observance paused in 2012, it returned in 2015 and became official through a Senate resolution in 2023. Senators and staff often wear seersucker suits on Thursdays throughout the summer.

Superman Day: Originally launched in 2013 by DC Comics as “Man of Steel Day” to promote the release of the Man of Steel film, June 12 now stands as Superman Day. The date honors the enduring legacy of the superhero who debuted in Action Comics #1 in June 1938. While some fans also recognize April 18—the comic’s original publication date—June 12 has become a modern celebration of the Man of Steel’s impact.

Women Veterans Day: Observed each year on June 12, this day marks the signing of the Women’s Armed Services Integration Act in 1948. The legislation allowed women to serve as permanent, regular members of the U.S. military. The day honors the contributions and sacrifices of women who have served and continues to raise awareness about gender equality within the armed forces.

World Day Against Child Labour: First launched in 2002 by the International Labour Organization (ILO), this global day of observance addresses the persistent issue of child labor. Held every June 12, it highlights the need for international cooperation to eliminate exploitative labor practices. The ILO leads efforts to enforce conventions on minimum working age and the worst forms of child labor, making this a key day for advocacy and action.

World Verdejo Day* (Second Thursday of June): This wine holiday celebrates Verdejo, a white grape variety known for producing bright, aromatic wines with citrus and herbal notes. The grape likely originated in North Africa and was brought to Spain around the 11th century. Though nearly lost in the 20th century, Verdejo was preserved thanks to Ángel Rodríguez Vidal, who received Spain’s Cross of the Order of Agricultural Merit. Modern Verdejo wines, especially those from Rueda, gained popularity in the 1970s with support from Marqués de Riscal and oenologist Émile Peynaud. Today, this day highlights the legacy and freshness of this historic grape.