May 24 National Days

May 24 is the 144th day of the year (145th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar, leaving 221 days until the end of the year. This day highlights everything from international peace efforts and nature conservation to tiaras and tasty hot dogs.

National Days on May 24th — May 24th National Days

Several observances, such as National Italian Beef Day and Amateur Radio Military Appreciation Day, shift slightly each year based on weekday calculations. The rest remain fixed on May 24.

Here’s a full overview of the 15 national and international days celebrated on May 24.

National and International Days on May 24

Amateur Radio Military Appreciation Day* (9 days before the first Monday in June): Founded in 2004 by Emery McClendon, this observance invites 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.

Aviation Maintenance Technician Day: This day honors the professionals who keep aircraft safe and running, and also celebrates Charles Edward Taylor—the mechanic who built the engine for the Wright brothers’ first airplane. Introduced in 2002 by California Senator William J. Knight, the day was inspired by efforts led by aviation advocate Richard Dilbeck. Taylor’s legacy lives on through the FAA’s Charles E. Taylor Master Mechanic Award, which recognizes decades of service in aircraft maintenance.

Día del Completo: This Chilean holiday celebrates the completo, a beloved loaded hot dog that’s more than just a snack—it’s a national icon. The day began in 2009 when the Dominó restaurant chain launched it as a promotional event, and it quickly spread across Chile. Today, restaurants offer discounts and special versions of the completo, making it a festive occasion that highlights the country’s passion for this flavorful favorite.

European Day of Parks: Launched in 1999 by the EUROPARC Federation, this day commemorates the creation of Europe’s first national parks in Sweden in 1909. Held annually on May 24, it promotes the value of protected areas across Europe and encourages public support for conservation. Parks and nature reserves hold events and campaigns to highlight the benefits of biodiversity and the importance of preserving natural spaces.

International Tiara Day / National Tiara Day: Originally founded by Barbara Bellissimo in 2005 during her Seasons of Success program, this day encourages every woman to feel like royalty. In 2008, Lynanne White of American Rose Bridal helped revive the holiday, linking it to Queen Victoria’s birthday on May 24. The day celebrates self-worth and confidence—inviting people to wear their tiaras proudly, regardless of occasion or status.

International Women’s Day for Peace and Disarmament: May 24 shines a light on the vital role women play in peacebuilding and disarmament. This day honors the tireless efforts of women who advocate for nonviolence, justice, and sustainable solutions across the globe. Their work often goes unnoticed, but this observance seeks to recognize and amplify their contributions to a more peaceful world.

National Asparagus Day: Celebrated on May 24, this food day honors asparagus, one of spring’s standout vegetables. Rich in fiber, folate, and vitamins A, C, and E, asparagus is harvested primarily in California, Michigan, and Washington. While some sources list the day on April 23, it aligns naturally with May’s designation as National Asparagus Month and the peak harvest season in the U.S.

National Brother’s Day: Founded by C. Daniel Rhodes in Alabama, this day honors the brothers in our lives—biological or chosen. Celebrated every May 24, it encourages people to connect with their brothers, reflect on shared memories, and show appreciation. While National Siblings Day (April 10) includes all siblings, this day focuses solely on the unique bond between brothers.

National Family and Relationship Days 2025

National Caterers Appreciation Day: Food Service Direct introduced this observance in 2022 to recognize the skill and dedication of caterers. From weddings and conferences to everyday gatherings, caterers handle food preparation, logistics, and presentation with precision. This day acknowledges their behind-the-scenes role in creating seamless events and bringing people together through food.

National Escargot Day: This day celebrates the classic French delicacy of cooked land snails, commonly known as escargot. While it may be an acquired taste, it remains a symbol of refined dining and culinary adventure. Escargot is typically served with garlic butter and herbs, often as a starter in French cuisine. May 24 encourages curious eaters to step out of their comfort zone and give this traditional dish a try. A similar celebration of adventurous eating can be found on National Frog Legs Day, observed on February 29.

National Italian Beef Day* (Fourth Saturday in May): This holiday 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 Scavenger Hunt Day: May 24 celebrates the playful challenge of scavenger hunts—games that encourage creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving. This fun tradition is often credited to Elsa Maxwell, a famed party hostess who introduced it as a party game in the early 20th century. Participants search for quirky items without purchasing them, often solving riddles along the way. The day highlights how a simple activity can bring people together across generations.

National Wyoming Day: This day celebrates Wyoming’s admission to the Union as the 44th state and honors its pioneering role in granting women the right to vote. While Wyoming Day is officially observed in the state on July 25, this national observance provides another opportunity to appreciate the state’s rugged landscape, historical milestones, and iconic landmarks like Devil’s Tower. Wyoming earned the nickname “The Equality State” for its early support of women’s rights, beginning in 1869.

National Yucatán Shrimp Day: Founded by Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille in 2020, this day honors their signature Yucatán shrimp dish, known for its garlicky, buttery sauce with a spicy kick. While the name nods to the Yucatán Peninsula, the recipe hails from Florida’s Gulf Coast. The observance began on May 24, 2019, when the restaurant launched its bottled Yucatán Sauce. It’s a flavorful celebration that invites shrimp lovers to recreate the experience at home or visit the source.

World Schizophrenia Day: Observed on May 24 to honor Dr. Philippe Pinel, a pioneer in humane mental health treatment, this day spreads awareness about schizophrenia and challenges the stigma surrounding it. The National Schizophrenia Foundation established the observance to highlight common misconceptions—like the false belief that schizophrenia involves split personalities. The day promotes understanding and calls for greater support and compassion for those affected.