May 14, 2026, is the 134th day of the year, with 231 days remaining, and it falls on a Thursday — in the nineteenth week of the year.
With 13 national and international days on the calendar, May 14 is Ascension Day is a public holiday across much of Europe. On this date we also celebrate Dylan Thomas Day which marks the 112th birthday of one of the 20th century’s greatest poets, and Stars and Stripes Forever Day commemorates the day in 1897 when Sousa’s national march was first performed.
National Days on May 14
All national & international days celebrated today
13 celebrations on this dayAscension Day
Observed 40 days after Easter Sunday, Ascension Day commemorates the Christian belief in the bodily ascension of Jesus into heaven following his resurrection. In many European countries — including Germany, Sweden, Norway, and the Netherlands — Ascension Day is a public holiday, often creating a long weekend and marking the informal beginning of summer.
International Dylan Thomas Day / Dylan Day
Observed on the birthday of Dylan Thomas — born May 14, 1914 in Swansea, Wales — Dylan Day celebrates one of the 20th century’s most celebrated poets and prose writers. Known for his rich, musical language and the play for voices “Under Milk Wood,” Thomas remains one of the most widely read and performed Welsh writers in the world.
National Dance Like a Chicken Day
Also known as Chicken Dance Day, this wonderfully absurd observance celebrates one of the world’s most recognisable novelty dances — the “Chicken Dance” (officially “Der Ententanz” or “The Duck Dance”), composed by Swiss accordionist Werner Thomas in the 1950s and now a staple of weddings, sporting events, and children’s parties across the globe.
Stars and Stripes Forever Day
Observed on May 14 — the date in 1897 when John Philip Sousa’s march “The Stars and Stripes Forever” was first publicly performed — this day celebrates the piece that Congress officially designated as the National March of the United States. Sousa composed it on Christmas Day 1896 aboard a ship returning from Europe, the melody arriving in his mind as he walked the deck.
Here’s every observance celebrated on May 14, 2026.
National & International Days on May 14
Whether you’re reading Dylan Thomas aloud, dancing like a chicken, eating a warm brioche, bonding with your dog, reflecting on Ascension Day, celebrating online love, or learning about underground architecture, here’s the story behind each of these May 14 celebrations.
Bond With Your Dog Day
Bond With Your Dog Day was founded in 2021 by Tina Elven, a certified dog trainer and mind coach, who wanted to honor the deep emotional connection between humans and their dogs. This day reminds pet owners that meaningful bonds are built through shared moments, such as walks, playtime, and calm companionship. It also emphasizes the mental and emotional support dogs provide and encourages people to be more intentional in their time with their canine companions.
🐾 For more dogs, cats, and pets national days, visit the dedicated pages or use the search feature on our website to find exactly what you’re looking for!
International Chihuahua Appreciation Day
International Chihuahua Appreciation Day was started in 2020 by Nadia Alterio, a former Miss British Columbia and passionate Chihuahua advocate. She chose May 14 to align with her own dog Teaka’s birthday, using the day to raise awareness about the breed’s unique needs, promote adoption, and celebrate the big personalities of these tiny companions. It also encourages owners to share knowledge, tips, and affection for one of the world’s smallest dog breeds.
National Buttermilk Biscuit Day
National Buttermilk Biscuit Day celebrates the soft, flaky quick bread that has been a staple in Southern U.S. cuisine since the 1800s. Often served with butter, syrup, or as part of a biscuits-and-gravy breakfast, these high-rising biscuits are made with baking powder or soda instead of yeast. Refrigerated biscuits were first patented in 1931 by Ballard and Ballard, further popularizing the food. While their precise origin is debated, historians point to Southern Appalachia as their likely birthplace.
National Dance Like a Chicken Day
National Dance Like a Chicken Day invites everyone to flap, strut, and wiggle along to the quirky tune known as “The Chicken Dance.” First composed in the 1950s by Swiss accordionist Werner Thomas and originally called “Der Ententanz” (The Duck Dance), it gained popularity in the U.S. during the 1970s. Although its exact founding date as a national day remains unclear, it continues to entertain people at weddings, Oktoberfests, and parties around the world.
National Decency Day
National Decency Day was created by the non-partisan DECENCY movement to promote civil behavior and respectful dialogue. Officially recognized in September 2017 on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives, the movement began earlier that year with 535 DECENCY buttons mailed to members of Congress. The day is a call for kindness and integrity in everyday life—encouraging schools and communities to include decency in their actions and conversations.
National Travel Insurance Claims Day
National Travel Insurance Claims Day was launched in 2019 by Aon Travel Practice to raise awareness about the value of travel insurance and the people who manage claims. It highlights the critical role of travel insurance in protecting travelers from disruptions, emergencies, and unexpected costs. The day also recognizes the behind-the-scenes professionals who process claims and support travelers during crises.
National Underground America Day
National Underground America Day was founded in 1974 by Malcolm Wells, often called the father of modern earth-sheltered architecture. The day draws attention to underground and earth-integrated homes, which offer energy efficiency, stable temperatures, and environmental harmony. While this form of housing isn’t for everyone, it challenges conventional ideas of living space. Wells advocated for giving the Earth’s surface back to nature and practiced what he preached by living in an earth-sheltered home himself.
Online Romance Day
Online Romance Day celebrates the evolution of love in the digital age. What began with personal ads and early matchmaking services has grown into a worldwide norm thanks to platforms like Match.com and dating apps. This day, started in the early 2020s, acknowledges how online platforms have transformed the way people meet, fall in love, and form lasting connections. It’s a reminder that while the methods may change, the search for companionship remains a timeless human experience.
Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Day
Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Day 🇬🇧 highlights the needs and experiences of those living with spinal cord injuries. Launched by the Spinal Injuries Association in partnership with Aspire, Back Up, and Spinal Research, the day educates the public on the physical and emotional impacts of spinal cord injuries and supports ongoing medical research.
🩻 A related observance, Spinal Cord Injury Day, is held on September 5 globally.
Stars and Stripes Forever Day
Stars and Stripes Forever Day honors the patriotic American march composed by John Philip Sousa, which premiered on May 14, 1897, at Willow Grove Park. In 1987, Congress officially designated it as the National March of the United States. Known for its rousing melody and energetic tempo, “The Stars and Stripes Forever” remains a powerful symbol of American pride. This day celebrates Sousa’s musical legacy and the enduring role of his most famous composition in national celebrations.
