May 28 National Days

May 28 is the 148th day of the year (149th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar, leaving 217 days until the end of the year. The observances on this day range from quirky food celebrations to powerful calls for human rights, environmental action, and public health awareness.

National Days on May 28th — May 28th National Days

Some observances, such as National Flip Flop Day, National Senior Health & Fitness Day, and World Otter Day, change each year based on weekday placement, while the rest are fixed on May 28.

Here’s a full overview of the 14 national and international days celebrated on May 28.

National and International Days on May 28

Amnesty International Day: This day honors the founding of Amnesty International on May 28, 1961. British lawyer Peter Benenson launched the organization after writing an article titled “The Forgotten Prisoners,” which highlighted the injustice of two Portuguese students jailed for raising a toast to liberty. Amnesty has since grown into a global movement for human rights, advocating on behalf of prisoners of conscience and those affected by war, persecution, and inequality.

International Day of Action for Women’s Health: Also called International Women’s Health Day, this global event has been observed on May 28 since the late 1980s. It raises awareness of women’s sexual and reproductive health rights and the systemic barriers that affect them. The day empowers individuals and organizations to take action toward gender equality and access to healthcare. It’s part of a broader movement to recognize women’s rights as fundamental human rights.

National Days for Women 2025

Menstrual Hygiene Day: Launched in 2013 by the nonprofit WASH United, Menstrual Hygiene Day is observed annually on May 28 to break the silence and stigma around menstruation. The date—5/28—was chosen symbolically: 5 days being the average length of a period and 28 days as the average cycle length. This global movement works to improve access to menstrual products, education, and policy reform in over 70 countries.

National Beef Burger Day: Founded in 2020 by the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association as part of their “Beef. It’s What’s for Dinner” campaign, this day celebrates the iconic beef burger as the star of summer grilling. It’s observed annually on May 28 and encourages Americans to enjoy their favorite version—whether simple or stacked high with toppings.

🍔 Related food holidays include National Cheeseburger Day (September 18) and National Hamburger Day, which is also on May 28. Also, there is a separate UK-edition of the National Burger Day 🇬🇧 observed annually on the Thursday before the August Bank Holiday.

National Brisket Day: Celebrated each year on May 28, this day honors one of the most flavorful and tender cuts of beef. Brisket comes from the lower chest of cattle and contains connective tissue that requires slow cooking to break down. Its name comes from the Old Norse word “brjósk,” meaning cartilage. Brisket is central to many culinary traditions, from Jewish braised dishes to Texas barbecue.

National Flip Flop Day* (Wednesday after Memorial Day): Established by Tropical Smoothie Café in 2007, this fun holiday rewards customers who wear flip-flops to participating locations with a free Jetty Punch Smoothie. Proceeds from the event support Camp Sunshine, a program for families of children with life-threatening illnesses. The day also celebrates the evolution of flip-flops—from ancient Egyptian sandals to modern beachwear.

National Hamburger Day: This day shares its date with National Beef Burger Day, marking the end of National Burger Month. The hamburger’s origins are debated, with claims from several late 19th-century cooks in the U.S. and earlier references to Hamburg-style beef patties. Over time, burgers became a fast-food staple and a symbol of American culture. Variations range from drive-thru classics to gourmet creations.

National Multiple Births Awareness Day: Founded in 2005 by Multiple Births Canada, this awareness day is celebrated on May 28 to honor the birth of the Dionne Quintuplets in 1934—the first known set of quintuplets to survive infancy. The day aims to raise awareness about the unique needs and experiences of multiple-birth families, from prenatal care to childhood development and beyond.

National Senior Health & Fitness Day* (Last Wednesday in May): Founded by the Mature Market Resource Center, this nationwide event is the largest annual health and wellness celebration for older adults in the U.S. Held on the last Wednesday in May, it brings together over 100,000 seniors for fitness walks, health screenings, and educational programs at local organizations and retirement communities.

Passion Fruit Martini Day: This day was founded in 2021 by Funkin Cocktails to honor one of the UK’s most beloved drinks. The passion fruit martini, which originated in London in the early 2000s, is known for its tropical flavor and eye-catching presentation. The day invites cocktail lovers to toast to creativity in mixology and pairs well with related observances like World Cocktail Day (May 13) and World Martini Day (June 19).

Slugs Return From Capistrano Day: Created by Ruth and Thomas Roy, this quirky observance celebrates the mythical migration of slugs from Capistrano back to our gardens and patios. Observed every May 28, the day raises awareness about the role of slugs in the ecosystem, from decomposition to food chain support—even if they’re not always welcome in our flower beds.

Whooping Crane Day: Launched in 1973 by the International Crane Foundation in Baraboo, Wisconsin, this day highlights the plight of one of North America’s most endangered birds. At the time of its founding, only about 50 whooping cranes remained in the wild. Thanks to conservation efforts, including habitat restoration and captive breeding, the population has slowly increased. The day emphasizes the importance of continued environmental protection.

World Hunger Day: Started in 2011 by The Hunger Project, World Hunger Day calls attention to the global issue of chronic hunger, which affects millions worldwide. Observed annually on May 28, the day encourages sustainable solutions and community-led development to end hunger for good.

🍽️ Related observances include World Food Day (October 16) and Global Day of Action on Climate Change, which often addresses food security.

World Otter Day* (Last Wednesday in May): First launched as Otterly Mad Week in 2009 and rebranded in 2016 by the International Otter Survival Fund (IOSF), this awareness day shines a spotlight on otter conservation. With 13 species found across the globe, otters face threats from pollution, habitat loss, and illegal trade. The day encourages public support for conservation efforts and helps keep otters—and their habitats—safe.