May 23 National Days

May 23 is the 143rd day of the year (144th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar, leaving 222 days until the end of the year. Today’s observances range from lighthearted celebrations of candy and chickens to more serious calls for awareness around sun safety and maternal health.

Several observances on this date, including National Cooler Day, National Road Trip Day, and National Don’t Fry Day, are always held on the Friday before Memorial Day. The rest are fixed to May 23 each year.

Here’s a full overview of the 11 national and international days celebrated on May 23.

National and International Days on May 23

International Day to End Obstetric Fistula: Established by the United Nations in 2012 and first observed in 2013. The day brings global attention to obstetric fistula, a childbirth injury often caused by prolonged, obstructed labor. Affecting up to 100,000 women annually—mostly in poverty-stricken areas—this condition leads to incontinence, stigma, and severe health issues. Launched by the UN Population Fund’s Campaign to End Fistula in 2003, the day calls for prevention, treatment, and social reintegration of affected women.

Medical Coder Day: Honors the vital role of medical coders in healthcare. These professionals ensure that medical diagnoses and procedures are accurately translated into standardized codes used for billing, data tracking, and public health research. In 2024, North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper officially proclaimed May 23 as Medical Coder Day, recognizing their growing importance in the health information field. The day is supported by professional organizations and healthcare institutions alike.

National Cooler Day* (Friday before Memorial Day): Founded in 2019 by RTIC Outdoors. It highlights the importance of coolers as essential tools for summer adventures, disaster response, and daily life. Although the first portable cooler wasn’t developed until the 1950s, the invention revolutionized how people store food and drink on the go. The day also draws attention to how coolers help preserve medications and support relief efforts during emergencies.

National Death Busters Day* (Friday before Memorial Day): Launched by the American Trauma Society to address the increase in traffic-related fatalities over Memorial Day weekend. The day promotes driver safety by encouraging people to avoid distractions, obey speed limits, and stay sober behind the wheel. Law enforcement agencies and safety groups participate with educational campaigns and community events, all aimed at saving lives through smarter choices on the road.

National Don’t Fry Day* (Friday before Memorial Day): Encourages people to practice sun safety to reduce the risk of skin cancer. Created as part of Skin Cancer Awareness Month, the day focuses on preventing UV damage by promoting sunscreen use, protective clothing, and shade-seeking habits. With one American estimated to die from skin cancer every hour, this observance serves as an important reminder to protect your skin year-round.

National Drinking with Chickens Day: Started in 2019 by Kate Richards, author of the blog Drinking with Chickens. What began as a humorous blend of backyard chickens and cocktails has turned into a widely celebrated internet trend. The day encourages people to enjoy a drink—nonalcoholic or otherwise—in the company of feathered friends or chicken-themed fun. It’s a playful reminder to slow down and appreciate the silly, wholesome moments in life.

National Lucky Penny Day: Celebrates the small copper coin that has long been linked with luck and American history. The first U.S. one-cent coin, designed by Benjamin Franklin in 1787, featured the mottos “Mind Your Business” and “We Are One.” Though the modern penny holds little purchasing power and has been debated for retirement, it remains a nostalgic symbol.

National Road Trip Day* (Friday before Memorial Day): Created in 2019 by Pilot Flying J, the largest travel center operator in North America. The day marks the unofficial start of summer travel as millions of Americans hit the road over Memorial Day weekend. Surveys show road trips remain one of the most popular ways to travel, and this day encourages families, friends, and solo adventurers to embrace the open road. It also highlights the convenience and spirit of spontaneity that make road trips a favorite American tradition.

National Taffy Day: Brings attention to a classic American candy known for its chewy texture and pastel colors. Taffy dates back to the early 1800s and was once a popular seaside souvenir. Made by stretching boiled sugar with butter and flavorings, it becomes aerated and soft. After being rolled, cut, and wrapped, the finished taffy is ready to enjoy. Flavors range from fruit to molasses. The name “taffy” has even found metaphorical use to describe excessive flattery.

National Title Track Day* (Fourth Friday in May): Celebrates songs that share a name with the album or film they belong to—known as title tracks. This fun observance encourages people to revisit iconic examples like “Let It Be” by The Beatles or “Back in Black” by AC/DC. Celebrated on the fourth Friday in May, the day shines a spotlight on the creative synergy between music and branding. Some even extend the celebration to film theme songs and tracks named after the artist or group.

World Turtle Day: Established in 2000 by American Tortoise Rescue, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the protection of turtles and tortoises. Observed every May 23, the day raises awareness about the threats these animals face due to habitat loss, poaching, and pollution. The celebration often includes educational events, school lessons, rescue efforts, and light-hearted traditions like dressing in green or wearing turtle-themed outfits. The day has become one of the more recognizable conservation observances, especially among biodiversity educators.