May 21 National Days

May 21 is the 141st day of the year (142nd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar, leaving 224 days until the end of the year. Today’s observances span everything from sustainable fishing and cultural diversity to strawberries, slushies, and even sci-fi swords.

National Days on May 21st — May 21st National Days

Several of the days celebrated on May 21 change each year based on weekday placement, including Employee Health and Fitness Day, Juice Slush Day, and World Product Day. The rest are fixed on the calendar.

Here’s a full overview of the 18 national and international days observed on May 21.

National and International Days on May 21

Cool Sword Day: Started in 2024 by entertainment website Polygon, Cool Sword Day invites fans to celebrate the imaginative world of fantasy swords. From legendary blades in video games to iconic weapons in books and movies, this day honors the creativity and artistry behind fictional swordplay. It’s a great excuse to geek out over the coolest swords ever designed and the stories they bring to life.

Eat More Fruits and Vegetables Day* (Third Wednesday in May): Founded in 2015 by the Dole Food Company, this awareness day promotes healthier eating habits by encouraging people to add more fruits and vegetables to their daily diet. With rising concerns over obesity and lifestyle-related diseases, this day highlights the health benefits of plant-based nutrition and aims to spark lifelong changes in food choices.

🌱 See also our separate list of national days dedicated to vegetarian and vegan diets.

Emergency Medical Services for Children Day* (Third Wednesday in May): Part of National EMS Week, this day focuses on raising awareness about the need for specialized emergency care for children. It was founded by the federal EMSC Program in partnership with the American College of Emergency Physicians and the American Academy of Pediatrics. The goal is to improve how emergency services respond to the unique needs of critically ill or injured kids.

I Need A Patch For That Day: Created by Thomas and Ruth Roy of Wellcat Holidays, this tongue-in-cheek day highlights just how many things in life could be solved with a “patch.” Whether it’s software bugs, worn-out jeans, or life’s unpredictable moments, the day humorously celebrates our universal desire for quick fixes and clever solutions.

International Customer Support Day* (Third Wednesday in May): Microsoft launched this day in 2019 to spotlight the essential role customer support professionals play in helping individuals and businesses solve problems. It’s a day to thank those who listen, troubleshoot, and resolve issues—often behind the scenes—keeping services and relationships running smoothly.

International Tea Day: Although first celebrated informally in tea-producing countries starting in 2005, this observance became official in 2020 when the United Nations adopted May 21 as International Tea Day. The goal is to recognize tea’s cultural and economic importance while promoting sustainable production and consumption. Tea remains one of the most consumed beverages in the world, and this day highlights its role in supporting livelihoods and reducing hunger.

National American Red Cross Founder’s Day: Observed on May 21 to honor the founding of the American Red Cross and the work of Clara Barton, who brought the idea of the organization to the U.S. after working with the International Red Cross in Europe. She officially founded the American Red Cross in 1881, and this day recognizes her humanitarian legacy and the organization’s ongoing commitment to disaster relief and emergency response.

National Employee Health and Fitness Day* (Third Wednesday in May): This day encourages workplaces to promote physical activity among employees. It was established to raise awareness about the health benefits of regular movement and is often marked by wellness events like fun runs, stretching breaks, and fitness classes. Companies are encouraged to support healthier lifestyles for their staff.

National Juice Slush Day* (Third Wednesday in May): Founded by Cool Tropics to celebrate frozen juice slush drinks, this day honors the playful creativity of icy beverages made with 100% fruit juice. While early versions date back to royal courts flavoring snow with crushed fruit, the modern slushie owes its invention to Omar Knedlik in the 1950s. His supercooled drink machine paved the way for billions of servings enjoyed by all ages.

National Ice Cream Days

National Memo Day: Created in 1989 by KMJI Majic Radio 100 FM in Denver, Colorado, this day acknowledges the role of memos in everyday communication, especially in the workplace. From casual reminders to confidential notes, memos are an enduring way to share information. Today’s observance also reflects on how memos have evolved—now often shared through email, apps, and social media.

National Numeracy Day* (Third Wednesday in May): Launched in 2018 by the UK-based nonprofit National Numeracy, this day focuses on improving people’s confidence and skills with numbers. The organization, founded in 2012, aims to combat negative attitudes toward math and encourage practical approaches to improving numeracy. It’s a day for raising awareness of how basic math skills empower better decision-making in everyday life.

National Strawberries and Cream Day: This day celebrates the timeless pairing of fresh strawberries and whipped cream—just in time for peak strawberry season. Held every year on May 21, it’s a great excuse to enjoy this refreshing treat and marks a highlight within National Strawberry Month. Strawberries are low in calories, high in vitamin C and fiber, and perfect for springtime snacking.

National Talk Like Yoda Day: Inspired by the quirky and wise Jedi Master from The Empire Strikes Back, this fan-driven holiday emerged in the early 2000s to honor Yoda’s first film appearance in 1980. Known for his unusual sentence structure and timeless wisdom, Yoda remains a favorite character in the Star Wars universe. Fans celebrate by mimicking his speech and sharing quotes in his distinctive voice.

National Waitstaff Day (also known as National Waiters and Waitresses Day): Recognizes the hardworking servers who keep restaurants running smoothly. Founded by Gaylord Ward, this day encourages patrons and restaurant owners to show appreciation for the service, professionalism, and multitasking skills waitstaff bring to every dining experience. Related observances include National Hospitality Workers Appreciation Day on February 23.

Turn Beauty Inside Out Day* (Third Wednesday in May): Founded in 2000 by a group of girls aged 8 to 16 through New Moon Girls magazine, this day challenges media-driven beauty standards by focusing on inner qualities like courage and compassion. It was launched in response to People magazine’s “50 Most Beautiful People” list. The aim is to redefine beauty to include traits like kindness, intelligence, and integrity.

World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development: Declared by the United Nations in 2002, this day promotes understanding and respect among different cultures. It stems from UNESCO’s Universal Declaration on Cultural Diversity and encourages individuals and communities to embrace inclusion and intercultural dialogue. Often shortened to “Diversity Day,” it highlights how cultural exchange contributes to peace and development.

World Fish Migration Day* (celebrated every other year on May 21): First observed in 2014 and organized by the World Fish Migration Foundation, this international event raises awareness of the need for free-flowing rivers and healthy migratory fish populations. Starting in 2025, the event will be led by VENAE in the Netherlands. Dams and other barriers often threaten fish migration routes, and this day brings global attention to the importance of river restoration and conservation efforts.

World Product Day* (Third or Fourth Wednesday in May): Established in 2018 by Mind the Product, this observance brings attention to the field of product management and celebrates those involved in building and improving products. With meetups in over 140 cities, it’s part of a global movement to raise awareness of how products impact everyday life and the economy. Events often focus on collaboration, design, and innovation.