May 23, 2026, is the 143rd day of the year, with 222 days remaining, and it falls on a Saturday — the fourth Saturday of May and the Saturday before Memorial Day — in the twentieth week of the year.
With 10 national and international days on the calendar, May 23 is a quieter Saturday that nonetheless carries meaningful observances such as the UN’s day to end obstetric fistula draws attention to one of the world’s most preventable medical injustices, World Fish Migration Day returns for its biennial advocacy, World Turtle Day celebrates 200 million years of survival, and Julia Pierpont Day in West Virginia honors the woman credited with originating what became Memorial Day itself.
National Days on May 23
All national & international days celebrated today
10 celebrations on this dayWorld Turtle Day
Founded in 2000 by American Tortoise Rescue, World Turtle Day on May 23 celebrates and raises awareness of turtles and tortoises — among the oldest reptile groups on Earth, having survived for over 200 million years. Today all seven species of sea turtle are threatened or endangered, facing habitat loss, plastic pollution, bycatch, and climate change.
International Day to End Obstetric Fistula
Obstetric fistula — a devastating injury caused by prolonged, obstructed labour without timely medical care — affects an estimated two million women in Sub-Saharan Africa and Asia, causing incontinence, social isolation, and profound suffering. The UN designates May 23 to raise awareness of this entirely preventable and treatable condition and advocate for universal access to quality maternal care.
National Italian Beef Day
The Italian beef sandwich — thinly sliced seasoned roast beef, slow-cooked in its own juices, piled into a long Italian roll and dipped into the cooking gravy — is a Chicago institution dating back to the 1930s. Italian immigrants in the city’s Near West Side developed the sandwich as a way to stretch small amounts of meat; it became one of the defining foods of Chicago culinary culture.
World Fish Migration Day
Celebrated every two years, World Fish Migration Day raises awareness of the importance of open rivers and free-flowing waterways for migratory fish — species like salmon, eel, and sturgeon that travel thousands of miles between freshwater and ocean habitats. Dams, pollution, and water extraction have cut off migration routes for countless species, threatening populations that millions of people and ecosystems depend on.
Here’s every observance celebrated on May 23, 2026.
National & International Days on May 23
Whether you’re eating a Chicago Italian beef sandwich, finding a lucky penny, pulling at a piece of salt water taffy, appreciating a medical coder, advocating for migratory fish, or raising a glass with a chicken in the yard, here’s the story behind each of these May 23 celebrations.
Amateur Radio Military Appreciation Day
Amateur Radio Military Appreciation Day* (9 days before the first Monday in June) was founded in 2004 by Emery McClendon to invite communities to show appreciation for military members through amateur radio. It creates opportunities for civilians to send messages of gratitude to service members—often heard in real-time—bridging the gap between military and public life. The initiative began during the Iraq War and has grown to include participants from over 100 locations worldwide.
International Day to End Obstetric Fistula
International Day to End Obstetric Fistula was 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
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 Drinking with Chickens Day
National Drinking with Chickens Day was 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 Italian Beef Day
National Italian Beef Day* (Fourth Saturday in May) was launched by Buona, a Chicago-based restaurant chain, in 2017 to honor the city’s iconic Italian beef sandwich. The dish, slow-cooked and dipped in seasoned au jus, has become a regional staple. Italian Beef Day typically lands on the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend and invites fans to celebrate the sandwich’s heritage in Chicago or enjoy it wherever it’s served. The day originated from informal celebrations that began in 2014.
National Lucky Penny Day
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 Taffy Day
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.
World Turtle Day
World Turtle Day was 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.
