May 22 National Days

May 22 is the 142nd day of the year (143rd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar, leaving 223 days until the end of the year. Today’s observances range from honoring the biodiversity of our planet to recognizing legendary fictional detectives, classic desserts, and signature drinks.

Some observances—like Chardonnay Day—change slightly each year due to weekday-based scheduling, while the rest remain fixed on May 22.

Here’s a full overview of the 14 national and international days celebrated on May 22.

National and International Days on May 22

Bitcoin Pizza Day: Commemorates the first known commercial Bitcoin transaction, which took place on May 22, 2010. Laszlo Hanyecz paid 10,000 BTC for two pizzas delivered to his home in Florida, marking a historic milestone in cryptocurrency history. As the value of Bitcoin skyrocketed in later years, the event became symbolic of the currency’s early potential—and the high cost of a slice. The day now serves as a reminder of how digital currency entered real-world use.

🍕 See the complete list of national days dedicated to pizza.

Chardonnay Day* (Thursday before the last Monday in May): Began in 2010, founded by Rick Bakas to help bring attention to the wine industry through online engagement. Timed just before Memorial Day, this celebration spotlights Chardonnay’s diverse flavor profiles, from crisp and unoaked to buttery and barrel-aged. The day encourages wine lovers to explore and appreciate this global grape, and it aligns closely with National Wine Day on May 25.

International Coco Mom Day: Created in 2021 by Coco Bump, LLC, this day honors the strength and dedication of Black and Brown mothers. Observed close to Mother’s Day, it aims to spotlight both everyday love and systemic health disparities. It was inspired by the founders’ grandmother and is now marked by community gatherings, advocacy, and conversations around maternal healthcare.

International Day for Biological Diversity: Established by the UN General Assembly in 1993 to raise awareness about the variety of life on Earth. Initially observed on December 29, the date was moved to May 22 in 2000 to avoid the holiday season and allow more countries to participate meaningfully. It draws attention to the importance of biodiversity for ecosystems, climate stability, and future generations.

National Boss Babe Day: Began in 2021 as a tribute by Heather Schwendeman-Kincaid to her mother, Donna Schwendeman, who balanced entrepreneurship and family life with grace and ambition. The day encourages women to support one another, pursue goals fearlessly, and honor those who’ve inspired them along the way. It aligns with other empowerment-focused days such as International Women’s Day on March 8.

National Buy a Musical Instrument Day: Invites people to explore the joy of music by picking up a new instrument. From woodwinds to strings, there’s no age limit to learning something new. Although originally tied to May 18 to honor composer Meredith Willson, the day is now widely recognized on May 22, and it shares musical spirit with National Piano Month in September and National Violin Day on December 13.

National Craft Distillery Day: Celebrates small-batch spirits and the artisans behind them. Founded by Nicholas Strauser and family of N Scott Distillery in 2019, the day commemorates their first spirit release on May 22, 2017, in Las Vegas. It honors the innovation and tradition behind modern distilling, connecting today’s craft movement to centuries-old practices dating back to ancient Greece.

National Maritime Day: Created by Congress in 1933 to mark the anniversary of the first successful transoceanic voyage from the United States. On May 22, 1819, the steamship Savannah departed Georgia for England. Today, the observance honors the Merchant Marine and all who support maritime commerce and national defense. Events are often hosted by the Department of Transportation in Washington, D.C.

National Solitaire Day: Founded by Microsoft on May 22, 2018, to celebrate one of the most iconic computer games of all time. Originally included with Windows 3.0 in 1990, Solitaire quickly became a favorite pastime. The modern Microsoft Solitaire Collection has been downloaded by millions and includes five versions of the classic game. Inducted into the Video Game Hall of Fame in 2019, Solitaire’s digital legacy continues to thrive decades after its debut.

National Vanilla Pudding Day: Gives everyone a reason to enjoy this simple and satisfying dessert. The creamy version we know today has roots in eggless custard powder invented by Alfred Bird in 1837. In the U.S., boxed pudding mixes like My-T-Fine became available in 1918, with instant versions emerging by the 1940s. While vanilla is one of many flavors available, its mild and nostalgic taste keeps it a classic choice.

Sherlock Holmes Day: Honors the birth of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle on May 22, 1859. Doyle, a physician turned author, introduced Holmes in 1887 and went on to publish dozens of detective stories starring the character. Inspired by real-life figures like Dr. Joseph Bell and possibly Leicester’s own “Tanky” Smith, Holmes became a symbol of logic, deduction, and Victorian mystery. The day has been celebrated since at least 2013 and offers fans a chance to revisit the world’s most famous fictional sleuth.

World Goth Day: Celebrates the global Goth subculture, known for its distinct music, fashion, and aesthetics. The observance started in 2009 when British DJs Cruel Britannia and Martin Oldgoth designated May 22 to bring positive attention to Goth culture. From its post-punk roots in 1980s England, the movement has expanded worldwide. This day encourages Goths to proudly express themselves and correct common misconceptions.

World Paloma Day: Founded by Cenote Tequila in 2019 to honor Mexico’s national cocktail. The paloma, made with tequila and grapefruit soda, is known for its crisp, slightly bitter taste and refreshing citrus notes. Some versions include fresh juice or added salt. Though the drink’s origin is uncertain, its popularity continues to rise both in Mexico and globally.

🍸 Related celebrations include National Cocktail Day on March 24. For more alcohol-themed days, visit the dedicated article.

World Preeclampsia Day: Launched in 2017 by the Preeclampsia Foundation alongside international health organizations. This awareness day focuses on the risks and signs of preeclampsia—a potentially life-threatening condition affecting pregnant individuals. Observed on May 22, the day encourages early detection, informed care, and better support for expectant families. It serves as a reminder that maternal health should be a global priority.