May 29 National Days

May 29 is the 149th day of the year (150th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar, leaving 216 days until the end of the year. Today’s national and international days highlight everything from historic milestones and scientific innovation to compost, paperclips, and tiger nuts.

National Days on May 29th — May 29th National Days

Most observances on this date are fixed, with just a few localized or historical holidays still celebrated in select regions.

Here’s a full overview of the 14 national and international days recognized on May 29.

National and International Days on May 29

International Day of UN Peacekeepers: This global observance honors the dedication and sacrifice of all personnel involved in United Nations peacekeeping operations. It was officially established by UN General Assembly Resolution 57/129 in 2002, following a proposal by the Ukrainian Peacekeepers Association and the Government of Ukraine. The date—May 29—marks the anniversary of the UN’s first peacekeeping mission, the United Nations Truce Supervision Organization (UNTSO), launched in 1948. First observed in 2003, this day is a tribute to the more than 115,000 peacekeepers serving in complex missions around the world.

International Everest Day: May 29 commemorates the historic first successful summit of Mount Everest by Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay in 1953. Both Nepal and New Zealand recognize this day to celebrate their national heroes and encourage mountaineering, environmental awareness, and tourism. Everest Day remains a source of pride and inspiration for climbers and conservationists alike.

Learn About Composting Day: Observed annually on May 29, this day encourages people to discover or improve their composting habits. Composting reduces landfill waste, enriches soil, and cuts greenhouse gas emissions. It’s part of a broader environmental movement that includes related observances like Earth Day (April 22) and International Compost Awareness Week (first full week in May).

National 529 Day: Established in 2021 by the College Savings Foundation, National 529 Day reminds families about the benefits of 529 college savings plans. These state-sponsored accounts help save for higher education costs, with tax-free earnings and withdrawals for qualified expenses. The date—5/29—serves as an easy mnemonic to promote long-term planning for future students.

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National Alligator Awareness Day: Founded by Wild Florida Safari Park in 2021, this awareness day highlights the importance of alligators to Florida’s ecosystem. Alligators are native to all 67 counties in the state and have become symbols of local biodiversity and tourism. The day also promotes responsible wildlife interaction and education.

National Biscuit Day: This annual observance celebrates biscuits in all their forms—from classic British-style digestives to traditional Southern American biscuits. Home bakers and food lovers often take this opportunity to share recipes, enjoy biscuit-based meals, or experiment with flavors. It shares culinary territory with National Buttermilk Biscuit Day, observed on May 14.

National Coq Au Vin Day: May 29 is dedicated to the French dish coq au vin, a traditional recipe of chicken braised in wine with mushrooms, lardons, and garlic. While similar recipes date back to the 19th century, the modern version became popular in the early 20th century. The day encourages home cooks to try this rustic meal and perhaps revisit National Wine Day on May 25 for pairing ideas.

National Hydroxyapatite Day: Launched by RiseWell Toothpaste, this day promotes hydroxyapatite—a natural calcium phosphate found in bones and teeth—as a safe alternative to fluoride in dental care. Observed every May 29, it raises awareness about advancements in oral health and supports cleaner ingredient trends in personal care products.

National Paperclip Day: Celebrated each year on May 29, National Paperclip Day honors this simple yet essential office tool. The first U.S. patent for a bent wire paperclip was issued to Samuel B. Fay in 1867, originally intended to attach tickets to fabric. The familiar “Gem” paperclip, likely manufactured in Britain in the 1870s, became the standard. Beyond its function, the paperclip gained symbolic power during World War II as Norwegians wore them in silent protest against Nazi occupation. Inspired by this, middle school students in Whitwell, Tennessee, launched the Paper Clip Project in the late 1990s and collected over 30 million paperclips to honor Holocaust victims. The project later became a permanent memorial.

📎 For more stationery related national days, please visit our dedicated list.

National Sticker Day and Other National Days for Stationery Addicts

National Snail Day: This lesser-known holiday celebrates snails and their quiet but important role in ecosystems. Snails help decompose plant material, enrich soil, and serve as a food source for other animals. Fossil records show they’ve existed for about 500 million years, dating back to the late Cambrian period. Observed on May 29, National Snail Day invites appreciation for these ancient creatures, sometimes spotlighted again on National Escargot Day (May 24).

Oak Apple Day / Royal Oak Day: First observed in 1660 to mark the restoration of the British monarchy and the return of Charles II to London on his 30th birthday. The date was declared a public holiday under the Observance of 29th May Act 1660, later repealed in 1859. Although no longer a national holiday, some regions in the UK and Ireland still commemorate it. The “oak apple” refers to the oak tree Charles hid in after the Battle of Worcester in 1651, a symbol of loyalty to the crown.

Put a Pillow on Your Fridge Day: This quirky celebration has roots in an old superstition that placing a piece of fabric in the larder would bring prosperity. In modern times, the tradition has evolved into placing a pillow on top of the refrigerator. The day, observed on May 29, blends nostalgia and humor and is thought to bring luck and abundance to the household.

World Digestive Health Day: Established in 2004 by the World Gastroenterology Organisation, this observance promotes education and awareness around digestive diseases and healthy practices. The date was chosen to align with the founding of the WGO on May 29, 1958. Each year focuses on a different theme, ranging from gut microbiota to prevention strategies, offering resources for patients and professionals alike.

World Tiger Nut Day: Founded in 2019 by the Tiger Nut Company, this day celebrates the ancient, nutrient-rich tuber known as the tiger nut (Cyperus esculentus). Cultivated for thousands of years in Africa, the Middle East, and parts of Europe, tiger nuts are used to make beverages like horchata de chufa and are praised for their high fiber content and sustainable farming. The day also supports eco-conscious farming and celebrates the cultural heritage of tiger nut–growing regions.