June 17 National Days

June 17 is the 168th day of the year (169th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar, leaving 197 days remaining until the end of 2025. Today’s national and international celebrations touch on everything from food and environmental awareness to geometry-inspired art, wild reptiles, and under-appreciated workers.

Here’s a complete list of the 10 national and international days celebrated on June 17.

National and International Days on June 17

Global Garbage Man Day: Established in 2011 by John D. Arwood, an American businessman in the waste disposal industry, Global Garbage Man Day honors the often-overlooked sanitation workers who keep our cities and communities clean. What began in the U.S. as National Garbage Man Day expanded into a global recognition of the dedication and daily risks involved in waste collection. The word “man” in the name is used in its broader sense, referring to all humans in the profession.

National Accounts Payable Day* (Third Tuesday in June): First observed in 2018, this day celebrates the professionals who manage invoices, payments, and financial workflows within organizations. Typically working under tight deadlines and pressure, accounts payable staff are key to keeping business operations running smoothly.

National Apple Strudel Day: This food holiday spotlights the beloved apple strudel—flaky layers of dough wrapped around a spiced apple filling. With roots in the former Austro-Hungarian Empire and the oldest known recipe dating back to 1697, apple strudel remains a favorite dessert across Central and Eastern Europe. “Strudel” means “swirl” or “eddy” in German, describing its spiraled structure.

National Cherry Tart Day: Often marked on June 17 but also observed by some on June 18 and 21, this unofficial holiday gives pastry lovers an excuse to enjoy a cherry tart—or three.

🍒 It joins other cherry-themed food holidays like National Cherry Pie Day on February 20 and National Cherry Turnover Day on August 28.

National Eat Your Vegetables Day: Celebrated during National Fresh Fruit and Vegetables Month, this observance encourages healthy eating by highlighting the importance of vegetables in a balanced diet. It’s a lighthearted reminder to make room on your plate for greens, roots, and everything in between.

National Mascot Day: Observed each year on June 17, this day celebrates mascots and the spirit they bring to schools, sports teams, businesses, and community events. The term “mascot” comes from the French word mascotte, meaning a lucky charm, and has been in use since the 1880s. The day has been acknowledged publicly since at least 2016.

National Root Beer Day: While the better-known National Root Beer Float Day falls on August 6, June 17 is sometimes cited for celebrating this classic soda. Root beer has been commercially produced in the U.S. since 1875 and has evolved into a beverage with over 100 flavor variations, from strong sassafras and molasses bases to smooth caramel and vanilla blends.

World Croc Day: Launched in 2017 by the Crocodile Research Coalition and the Belize Zoo, this day raises awareness about crocodile conservation. Crocodiles face threats from habitat destruction, illegal hunting, and climate change. World Croc Day promotes understanding of the differences between crocodiles and alligators and supports protection efforts for these powerful reptiles.

World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought: Proclaimed by the United Nations in 1995, this day focuses on solutions to halt and reverse desertification and manage drought. It supports sustainable land practices and commemorates the establishment of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), one of the key environmental agreements born from the 1992 Rio Earth Summit.

World Tessellation Day: Founded in 2016 by author Emily Grosvenor to celebrate geometric patterns and the legacy of M.C. Escher, this day encourages people to explore the art and math behind tessellations. Celebrated on Escher’s birthday, June 17, it’s especially popular among teachers, designers, and math educators looking to connect students with visual pattern concepts through creative activities.