May 2 National Days

May 2 is the 122nd day of the year (123rd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar, leaving 243 days until the end of the year. Today’s celebrations span topics from environmental awareness and childhood nutrition to wine grapes and even magical battles.

A few observances, such as School Lunch Hero Day, National Space Day, and No Pants Day, change each year based on weekday placement, while the rest are fixed on May 2.

Here’s a full overview of the 13 national and international days observed on May 2.

National and International Days on May 2

International Harry Potter Day: Officially declared by British Prime Minister David Cameron in 2012. Celebrated on May 2, the date honors the fictional Battle of Hogwarts—when Harry Potter defeated Lord Voldemort. This day gives fans of all ages a reason to reflect on the bravery, friendship, and moral strength portrayed in the series.

🧙 International Harry Potter Day is separate from Harry’s birthday, which falls on July 31, and serves as a celebration of the impact the books and films continue to have on global culture.

International Scurvy Awareness Day: Highlights the importance of vitamin C in preventing scurvy, a disease historically common among sailors. The exact origins of this observance are unclear, but it builds on the legacy of 18th-century physician James Lind, who proved that citrus fruit could prevent the condition. Although rare today, scurvy can still occur in populations with limited diets. The day encourages eating vitamin C-rich foods and complements National Vitamin C Day, observed on April 4.

International Tuba Day* (First Friday in May): Founded to recognize tuba players and challenge stereotypes, International Tuba Day brings attention to the talent and dedication behind this often-overlooked instrument. The tuba provides the deep foundation in many bands and orchestras, yet players often face humorous or dismissive assumptions. Observed each year on the first Friday in May, this day was first listed in Chase’s Calendar of Events and aims to celebrate tubists for their important role in musical performance.

National Brothers and Sisters Day: Inspired by a woman who regretted not expressing her love for her brother before his passing, National Brothers and Sisters Day reminds us to appreciate sibling bonds while we still can. Celebrated every year on May 2, this day encourages reconnecting, reflecting, and showing gratitude for the relationships shared with brothers and sisters. Although similar in spirit to National Siblings Day (April 10), this day has its own heartfelt origin.

National Life Insurance Day: This day marks the anniversary of life insurance first becoming available in the United States. On May 2, 1759, the charter for the Corporation for Relief of Poor and Distressed Widows and Children of Presbyterian Ministers was recorded. In 2014, insurance agent Liran Hirschkorn submitted the day to commemorate this milestone. Today, it serves as a reminder of how life insurance supports financial security for families.

National Play Your Ukulele Day: Created by ukulele instructor Mike Lynch in 2011, National Play Your Ukulele Day encourages people of all ages to play or learn the ukulele. Celebrated each May 2, the day promotes musical creativity and appreciation for this small, four-stringed instrument. Its compact size and cheerful tone have made it a favorite among children and adults alike.

🎸 A similar event, National Ukulele Day, is celebrated on February 2.

National Space Day* (First Friday in May): Celebrates achievements in space exploration and encourages students to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Created by Lockheed Martin in 1997, the day gained momentum and became International Space Day in 2001 with support from astronaut and senator John Glenn. The observance highlights the importance of space research and its contributions to society.

🚀 A similar observation, International Day of Human Space Flight, is also celebrated on 12 April.

National Truffle Day: This day celebrates the chocolate truffle—a rich, bite-sized dessert invented by N. Petruccelli in France in 1895. The treat gained popularity in 1902 when the Prestat Chocolate Shop opened in London, still selling truffles made with the original recipe. Traditional truffles consist of a ganache center rolled in cocoa powder, chocolate, or nuts, though modern varieties often include creative fillings. May 2 is a sweet opportunity to enjoy this classic confection.

🍫 See also the complete list of national days dedicated to chocolate.

No Pants Day* (First Friday in May): Began as a quirky tradition at the University of Texas at Austin and has since spread globally. On this day, participants wear only undergarments from the waist down in public spaces. Initially a student celebration, the event gained popularity in the early 2000s and has since been used in some places to promote social awareness. Despite the name, it’s about fun and humor—not nudity.

Sauvignon Blanc Day* (First Friday in May): Originated in the mid-2010s to celebrate the refreshing white grape variety known for its crisp flavors. First grown in France’s Bordeaux region, sauvignon blanc is now widely cultivated in places like New Zealand, South Africa, and California. This day brings together wine lovers and growers to appreciate the grape’s versatility and regional differences. It’s a celebration of terroir, taste, and tradition.

🍷 See also our full list of wine holidays.

School Lunch Hero Day* (First Friday in May): Created by children’s author Jarrett Krosoczka, School Lunch Hero Day honors the cafeteria staff who feed and care for millions of children daily. Inspired by Krosoczka’s own school lunch lady, the day recognizes food service workers for their role in student health, safety, and happiness. It’s a chance to say thank you to the often-unsung heroes behind every school meal.

Take a Baby to Lunch Day: Observed annually on May 2, this special day promotes bonding between adults and infants. It encourages childless adults to spend time with babies and helps little ones develop social habits through positive interaction. The day is also a lighthearted reminder of how much we can learn from engaging with young children—and how much joy they bring.

World Tuna Day: Established by the United Nations in 2017, World Tuna Day raises awareness about the importance of sustainable fishing practices. Overfishing has pushed some tuna species to the brink of extinction, and this day highlights global efforts to conserve tuna populations. It also recognizes the economic importance of tuna to over 96 countries.

🐟 Related observances include Tuna Rights Day on April 21, National Fish Day on August 27 and National Fish Farmers Day on July 10.