May 11 National Days

May 11 is the 131st day of the year (132nd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar, leaving 234 days until the end of the year. The observances on this day are ranging from snack food nostalgia and self-care to deeper topics like animal rights and ego awareness.

Some celebrations, such as Mother’s Day, National Veal Ban Action Day, and World Topiary Day, shift each year depending on the calendar, while others are fixed to May 11.

Here’s a full overview of the 8 national and international days observed on May 11.

National and International Days on May 11

Hostess CupCake Day: Marks the anniversary of the iconic chocolate snack cake, first introduced on May 11, 1919, by the Taggart Baking Company. Originally called “Chocolate Cup Cakes,” the treat gained mass appeal after the Continental Baking Company acquired Taggart in 1925 and added cream filling and the signature white squiggles in 1950. Hostess CupCakes became a staple in American snack culture, with annual sales once topping 600 million. Despite the company’s bankruptcy in 2012, the brand lives on under Apollo Global Management.

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. While Mother’s Day is now celebrated worldwide, its American roots are deeply tied to peace advocacy and volunteerism during the Civil War era.

National Eat What You Want Day: Encourages people to set aside dietary restrictions for one day and enjoy their favorite foods guilt-free. From pizza to pastries, this lighthearted observance reminds us that occasional indulgence can boost morale and improve long-term balance. It was created by Thomas and Ruth Roy of wellcat.com as a celebration of food freedom and simple joy in eating.

🥗 Just recently, on May 6th, we celebrated a similar day International No Diet Day.

National Foam Rolling Day: Promotes the use of foam rollers as a way to relieve muscle tension, improve mobility, and aid recovery. Foam rolling offers a self-care method often called “the poor man’s massage.” The day was founded by Trigger Point, a division of Implus Corporation, to raise awareness about this fitness technique and its benefits for physical wellness. Though the practice dates back to early 20th-century innovations, its popularity has surged in recent years as part of modern recovery routines.

National Twilight Zone Day: Celebrates the groundbreaking sci-fi television series created by Rod Serling, which aired from 1959 to 1964. Known for its eerie tone, philosophical storytelling, and unexpected endings, The Twilight Zone pushed boundaries and left a lasting impact on TV history. The day invites fans to revisit episodes that continue to inspire new generations of writers, filmmakers, and thinkers. Serling’s influence also extended to his later work on Night Gallery, another anthology series with a dark twist.

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 2nd and Tuna Rights Day observed annually on April 21st.

World Ego Awareness Day: Encourages reflection on how the ego influences behavior, relationships, and mental well-being. Created in 2018 by psychologist and author Dr. Jyotika Chhibber, this day aims to promote humility, empathy, and self-awareness. It serves as a reminder that unchecked ego can harm both individuals and those around them, and encourages practices that help cultivate emotional intelligence and mindful communication.

World Topiary Day* (date may vary): Honors the centuries-old art of trimming and shaping trees and shrubs into ornamental forms. The day was established in 2021 by the custodians of Levens Hall in England, home to one of the oldest surviving topiary gardens, developed in 1694. The observance celebrates both the artistry and therapeutic value of topiary, inviting gardeners and enthusiasts to explore this creative and calming gardening tradition.

🪴 This day shares common ground with other gardening-themed days such as National Gardening Day on April 14th and National Public Gardens Day, occurring annually on the Friday before Mother’s Day.