May 10, 2026, is the 130th day of the year, with 235 days remaining, and it falls on a Sunday — the second Sunday of May — in the eighteenth week of the year.
With 15 national and international days on the calendar, May 10 belongs above all to Mother’s Day — the most widely celebrated day of the month and one of the most commercially significant days of the year. Alongside it, Mothers at the Wall Day offers a more solemn observance for mothers who have lost children in service, World Lupus Day raises awareness of a disease that disproportionately affects women, and the International Day of Argania honours the Moroccan women whose centuries-old tradition of producing argan oil has shaped both a landscape and a culture.
National Days on May 10
All national & international days celebrated today
15 celebrations on this dayMother’s Day
First observed in the United States in 1908 at the initiative of Anna Jarvis, who wanted to honour her own mother’s memory, Mother’s Day became an official US holiday in 1914 when President Woodrow Wilson signed it into law. Today it is celebrated in over 40 countries — though not always on the same date — and remains one of the most widely observed days in the calendar.
World Lupus Day
Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks its own healthy tissue — affecting the skin, joints, kidneys, brain, and other organs. Approximately five million people worldwide live with lupus, with women of colour disproportionately affected. World Lupus Day raises awareness, funds research, and supports those living with a disease that remains poorly understood and frequently misdiagnosed.
International Day of Argania
Established by UNESCO in 2021, the International Day of Argania celebrates the argan tree — a species endemic to Morocco and a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage — whose oil has been used for centuries in cooking, cosmetics, and medicine. The day promotes sustainable development, the empowerment of Moroccan women who traditionally produce argan oil, and the preservation of the argan forest ecosystem.
National Shrimp Day
Shrimp is the most consumed seafood in the United States by volume — a versatile, quick-cooking crustacean that anchors everything from po’boys and tacos to pasta, stir-fries, and cocktail platters. National Shrimp Day on May 10 celebrates the humble shrimp in all its forms, from the Gulf brown shrimp to the tiger prawn to the delicate bay shrimp.
Here’s every observance celebrated on May 10, 2026.
National & International Days on May 10
Whether you’re celebrating your mother, honoring a mother who has lost a child, eating shrimp, cleaning your room, walking barefoot in solidarity, trusting your gut, or trying liver and onions for the first time, here’s the story behind each of these May 10 celebrations.
International Day of Argania
International Day of Argania / Argania Day was officially declared by the United Nations in 2021 to honor the argan tree, a native species in southwestern Morocco. The tree supports biodiversity, agriculture, and rural economies while producing the world-famous argan oil used in cooking and cosmetics. Recognized by UNESCO in 2014 for its cultural significance, the observance aims to protect this vital ecosystem and promote sustainable development.
Mother’s Day
Mother’s Day* (Second Sunday of May) honors mothers and maternal figures, recognizing their contributions, love, and care. In the U.S., the modern Mother’s Day began with Anna Jarvis, who organized the first official observance on May 10, 1908, to honor her own mother’s legacy. Her efforts led to widespread adoption, and in 1914, President Woodrow Wilson declared the second Sunday of May a national holiday.
Mothers at the Wall Day
Mothers at the Wall Day also known as M.A.T.W.D.* (Second Sunday of May) honors mothers who have experienced loss, including the loss of children or infertility.
Mother Ocean Day
Mother Ocean Day was introduced in 2013 by the South Florida Kayak Fishing Club. It encourages reflection on the beauty and importance of the ocean. With Florida’s coastline as inspiration, the observance focuses on ocean preservation and reminds us of the marine environments that support life on Earth. It pairs well with World Oceans Day, celebrated on June 8.
National Clean Up Your Room Day
National Clean Up Your Room Day encourages tidying up living spaces. While it’s often directed at children, adults also use the day to declutter closets, organize belongings, and freshen up their homes. The timing just before Mother’s Day makes it especially fitting as a gesture of appreciation and responsibility.
National Lipid Day
National Lipid Day was started in 2010 by Kunjan Singh and Sanjay Suri on behalf of Zydus Cadila. This health awareness day promotes understanding of dyslipidemia—abnormal levels of lipids in the blood. As a leading cause of cardiovascular disease worldwide, dyslipidemia is influenced by diet, genetics, and lifestyle. The day encourages screening and lifestyle changes to manage risk.
National Ship Via Rail Day
National Ship Via Rail Day was established in 2021 by Progressive Rail Incorporated to promote the economic and environmental benefits of shipping freight by rail and short line railroads. It commemorates the completion of the U.S. transcontinental railroad on May 10, 1869, which revolutionized freight transport.
National Shrimp Day
National Shrimp Day celebrates the most consumed seafood in the U.S. While the word “prawn” is used interchangeably in some regions, shrimp is the term most commonly used in American cuisine. National Shrimp Day promotes sustainable seafood practices and appreciation for this versatile ingredient.
🦐 Similar seafood-themed days include National Crab Meat Day on March 9 and National Lobster Day on June 15.
National Small Business Day
National Small Business Day honors local entrepreneurs and the vital role small businesses play in the economy. Officially recognized by the U.S. Small Business Administration, it falls near National Small Business Week. The day highlights innovation, resilience, and community impact, encouraging support for local businesses through shopping and awareness.
National Veal Ban Action Day
National Veal Ban Action Day* (Second Sunday of May): Founded in 1982 by Dr. Alex Hershaft, a Holocaust survivor and animal rights advocate. As part of the Farm Animal Rights Movement (FARM), this day began as the Veal Ban Campaign to protest the cruelty involved in veal production—particularly the confinement and diet imposed on young calves. Over the years, the campaign evolved into a broader awareness initiative, aiming to promote more humane treatment of animals and reduce veal consumption.
⚖️ This day complements other advocacy days like World Day for Farmed Animals on October 2 and Tuna Rights Day observed annually on April 21.
National Washington Day
National Washington Day honors the state of Washington, which became the 42nd U.S. state on November 11, 1889. The state’s colorful history includes the famed Pig War of 1859, a boundary dispute sparked by a wayward English boar. The day reflects on Washington’s path to statehood and its unique geographic and cultural contributions.
One Day Without Shoes Day
One Day Without Shoes Day was founded by TOMS Shoes in 2007 to raise awareness about the impact of not having proper footwear. Inspired by founder Blake Mycoskie’s trip to Argentina, the event supports the company’s “One for One” model, where each purchase funds a pair of shoes for a child in need. It aligns with broader efforts to promote education, health, and social equity.
Trust Your Intuition Day
Trust Your Intuition Day was first mentioned in 2024 and associated with author and spiritual teacher Sonia Choquette. It encourages people to trust their instincts and inner voice. It promotes self-awareness, confidence, and reflection, emphasizing that past experiences and subconscious wisdom often guide us toward the right decisions.
World Lupus Day
World Lupus Day has been observed since 2004 to raise awareness about this chronic autoimmune disease. Lupus can affect the skin, joints, and organs and disproportionately impacts women. The day calls for earlier diagnosis, better treatment, and improved healthcare support for those affected.
