May 5 National Days

May 5 is the 125th day of the year (126th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar, leaving 240 days until the end of the year. Today’s national and international celebrations highlight topics ranging from cultural heritage and health awareness to sandwiches, sci-fi, and global languages.

Several observances on May 5 change annually based on the weekday, such as Melanoma Monday and National Meeting Planners Appreciation Day, while others always fall on this date.

Here’s a full list of 19 national and international days recognized on May 5.

National and International Days on May 5

African World Heritage Day: Established by UNESCO in 2015 to raise awareness of the continent’s unique cultural and natural landmarks, many of which face threats from climate change, development, poaching, and political instability. The date marks the founding of the African World Heritage Fund in 2006, which supports the conservation of Africa’s heritage sites.

Cinco de Mayo: Commemorates the 1862 Battle of Puebla, where Mexican forces achieved an unexpected victory against the French during the Franco-Mexican War. Although not a federal holiday in Mexico, the day has become a major celebration of Mexican-American heritage in the United States. Events often include music, dancing, and traditional foods.

Great Lakes Awareness Day* (Monday of the first full week in May): Launched in 2018 as a grassroots protest against the Line 5 pipeline, the day has since evolved into a broader initiative to protect and celebrate the interconnected freshwater ecosystem of Lakes Superior, Michigan, Huron, Erie, and Ontario. The day is marked by educational campaigns and conservation efforts.

Hug a Shed and Take a Selfie Day: Created by gardening enthusiasts to honor sheds as beloved personal spaces for creativity, reflection, and backyard projects. From potting plants to fixing tools, many people consider their shed a retreat and a workspace. Celebrating this day often includes taking a selfie with your shed and sharing the appreciation for its comforting and practical role.

International Day of the Midwife: Has been celebrated globally each May 5 since 1991, after being proposed at the 1987 International Confederation of Midwives conference. The day honors the essential role midwives play in providing safe and skilled maternal care. It also raises awareness of the need for more professionals in this field, encouraging health education and training around the world.

Melanoma Monday* (First Monday in May): Part of Skin Cancer Awareness Month. Created by the American Academy of Dermatology, the day promotes sun safety and regular skin checks to help prevent melanoma—the deadliest form of skin cancer. It also serves as a reminder to begin summer with good skincare habits. National Sunscreen Day, observed on May 27, offers a related reminder.

Museum Lover’s Day: Invites people to explore and appreciate museums of all types—art, history, science, and more. The day encourages visits to local museums, supporting cultural education and public learning.

🛕 Similar celebrations include International Museum Day on May 18.

Nail Day: Shines a spotlight on nail art, polish, and the fun of self-expression through manicures. While this day focuses more broadly on nail care and creativity, National Nail Polish Day on June 1—founded by Essie in 2017—specifically celebrates polish colors and trends. Together, the two days offer back-to-back opportunities to enjoy nail fashion and care.

National Astronaut Day: Founded in 2016 by uniphi space agency to celebrate the courage and inspiration of astronauts. The date honors Alan Shepard’s historic suborbital flight on May 5, 1961, when he became the first American in space. The day promotes stories of exploration and encourages everyone to “reach for the stars.”

National Bike to School Day* (Typically falls in early May): Organized by the National Center for Safe Routes to School. The initiative encourages students and families to bike to school safely, promoting health, sustainability, and safer school travel.

🚲 It is held in conjunction with National Bike Month, and complements Walk to School Day in October.

National Cartoonists Day: Honors cartoonists and their impact on culture, entertainment, and social commentary. It commemorates the publication of Hogan’s Alley featuring The Yellow Kid on May 5, 1895—the first commercially successful comic strip. In 1990, the National Cartoonists Society declared May 5th as a day to recognize these visual storytellers.

💥 Related days include National Comic Book Day on September 25.

National Concert Day: Established in 2015 by Live Nation Entertainment to celebrate live music and those behind the scenes who make concerts happen. The day also serves as a kickoff to the summer concert season, often featuring special ticket promotions. Although paused during the pandemic, it has since returned as a fan-favorite celebration of the music industry.

National Hoagie Day: Celebrates one of Philadelphia’s most iconic sandwiches. While there are several origin stories, one of the most popular credits Italian workers at the Hog Island shipyard during World War I, who packed sandwiches that came to be called “hoagies.” In 1992, then-Mayor Ed Rendell declared the hoagie the Official Sandwich of Philadelphia.

🥪 Similar food days include National Sandwich Day on November 3.

National Meeting Planners Appreciation Day* (Monday of the first full week of May): It was formalized in 1992 to recognize the work of meeting planners who coordinate conferences, events, and business functions. The day celebrates their logistical skill, attention to detail, and essential role in making gatherings successful.

National Silence the Shame Day: Founded on May 5, 2017, by Shanti Das and the Hip-Hop Professional Foundation, Inc., to spark conversations around mental health and eliminate stigma. The observance promotes awareness, education, and access to resources for mental illness, emphasizing that recovery is possible. It’s one of several mental health awareness days observed in May, including Mental Health Awareness Month.

National Totally Chipotle Day: Recognizes the smoky, spicy chipotle pepper—traditionally made by drying and smoking jalapeños. The day pairs perfectly with Cinco de Mayo, as chipotle flavors are commonly used in Mexican cuisine. As the popularity of Mexican food grew in North America, chipotle dishes became widely embraced.

🌶️ Related celebrations include National Hot Sauce Day on January 22 and National Chili Day on fourth Thursday in February.

Revenge of the Fifth: Fan-created follow-up to Star Wars Day (May 4), shifting the focus to the dark side. The day plays on the title Revenge of the Sith and celebrates Sith Lords and villains from the Star Wars universe. Although unofficial, it has become a popular part of Star Wars fan culture. Some fans observe it on May 6 as “Revenge of the Sixth,” while others continue the theme into June.

World Hand Hygiene Day: Launched in 2009 by the World Health Organization as part of its “SAVE LIVES: Clean Your Hands” campaign. The day promotes proper handwashing practices to reduce the spread of disease, especially in healthcare settings. It’s a tribute to historical figures like Ignaz Semmelweis and Louis Pasteur, who pioneered the understanding of germ theory and hygiene.

🧼 A similar day, Global Handwashing Day, is celebrated on October 15th.

World Portuguese Language Day: Celebrates the cultural and historical influence of the Portuguese language. Established by UNESCO in 2019, the observance evolved from an earlier version started by the Community of Portuguese-Speaking Countries (CPLP). Portuguese is the most spoken language in the Southern Hemisphere and has influenced global vocabulary, with words like “banana,” “mosquito,” and “cobra” tracing back to it.