May 26 National Days

May 26 is the 146th day of the year (147th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar, leaving 219 days until the end of the year. The holidays on this date span from sweet desserts and paper airplanes to cultural observances, global dance celebrations, and a solemn U.S. remembrance day.

Some of the holidays below, such as Memorial Day, are tied to a specific weekday and change each year. The rest are fixed on May 26.

Here’s a full overview of the 8 national and international days observed on May 26.

National and International Days on May 26

Memorial Day* (Last Monday in May): Memorial Day is a federal holiday in the United States honoring all military personnel who have died while serving. First observed in 1868 as Decoration Day at the urging of General John A. Logan, the tradition began as a way to commemorate Union soldiers who died during the Civil War. Today, it serves as a day of national remembrance for all fallen service members. The flag is customarily flown at half-staff until noon and then raised to full-staff for the remainder of the day.

National Blueberry Cheesecake Day: This dessert holiday brings together the creamy richness of cheesecake and the tart sweetness of blueberries. Cheesecake has ancient origins, dating back to Greek and Roman times, and evolved into the modern form by the 18th century. Blueberries, often considered a superfood, pair perfectly in both baked and no-bake cheesecakes, making this day a flavorful nod to history and culinary creativity.

🍰 A related food day, National Cheesecake Day, is observed on July 30.

National Cherry Dessert Day: Celebrates the cherries used in desserts like cobblers, crisps, pies, and cheesecakes. Although not officially tied to National Cherry Month (which takes place in February) or Cherry Day (in July), this springtime occasion reminds us of the fruit’s popularity in baking.

National Paper Airplane Day: Honoring one of the simplest and oldest flying toys, National Paper Airplane Day encourages people of all ages to fold and launch paper gliders. Paper airplanes have ancient roots in China, with later innovations in Japan and Europe. While unofficial, the day offers a playful opportunity to explore the basics of aerodynamics—and have fun away from screens.

National Sorry Day 🇦🇺: First observed in 1998, National Sorry Day in Australia acknowledges the mistreatment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, especially the Stolen Generations. These were children forcibly removed from their families as part of government assimilation policies. The observance stems from the “Bringing Them Home” report released in 1997, which documented these human rights violations and recommended healing initiatives. This day is about reflection, truth-telling, and moving toward reconciliation.

World Dracula Day: Created in 2012 by the Whitby Dracula Society 1897, this day commemorates the publication of Bram Stoker’s iconic novel Dracula on May 26, 1897. While vampire myths existed for centuries, Stoker’s fictional Count Dracula became the most enduring and influential figure in vampire lore. The day honors literary history, Gothic culture, and the novel’s lasting global impact.

World Lindy Hop Day: Honors the swing dance that originated in Harlem, New York, in the late 1920s. The day commemorates Frankie Manning, a pioneering Lindy Hop dancer and choreographer whose contributions helped revive the dance in the 1980s. Known for its improvisation, partner dynamics, and joyful energy, Lindy Hop blends African-American rhythms with European partner dance structures. The celebration has become global, reflecting the dance’s social, competitive, and performance-based nature.

World Redhead Day: This unofficial celebration shines a spotlight on people with natural red hair, recognizing their uniqueness and cultural contributions. The day draws inspiration from the Redhead Days Festival started by Dutch artist Bart Rouwenhorst in 2005, which grew into a major gathering in the Netherlands. While the main festival usually takes place in late summer, World Redhead Day on May 26 provides a separate opportunity to celebrate redhead pride and visibility across the globe.

🧑‍🦰 There are numerous national days celebrating red-hued hair including: National Redhead Day on November 5, Redhead Appreciation Day on September 23 and International Kiss A Ginger Day on January 12.