May 8 National Days

May 8 is the 128th day of the year (129th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar, leaving 237 days until the end of the year. Today’s national and international observances highlight important health awareness causes, food celebrations, and lighthearted ways to enjoy the day—from remembering V-E Day to enjoying a slice of coconut cream pie.

National Days on May 8th — May 8th National Days

A few observances, such as Make a Book Day, change each year based on weekday placement, while the rest are fixed on May 8.

Here’s a full overview of the 13 national and international days observed on May 8.

National and International Days on May 8

International Thalassaemia Day: Created in 1994 by Panos Englezos, founder and president of the Thalassaemia International Federation, this day honors those who have lost their lives to thalassaemia and supports those still living with the condition. Thalassaemia is a genetic blood disorder that limits the production of hemoglobin, often requiring lifelong blood transfusions. The day promotes global awareness, education, and better care practices for patients, while also encouraging blood donations and policy action.

Make a Book Day* (Wednesday of National Family Reading Week): First celebrated in the early 2000s, Make a Book Day encourages people of all ages to create their own books as a way to foster storytelling, creativity, and literacy. Founded by a group of authors and educators, the day takes place during National Family Reading Week, which began in 1995. Unlike traditional reading holidays, this one focuses on writing and making books—by hand or digitally—before diving into shared reading sessions.

National Days for Book Lovers

National Amyloidosis Day: Established in 2016 by Trisha Gardiner-Wilson to honor her husband, Adam Gardiner, who passed away from AL amyloidosis, this day raises awareness about a rare but serious disease that often goes undiagnosed. Supported by the Adam Gardiner Fund and the Westmead Amyloidosis Centre, it emphasizes early detection, research funding, and support for patients and families. Jade Vincent helped popularize the red ribbon symbol, which bears the words “Amyloidosis Day, May 8.”

National Coconut Cream Pie Day: This pie-themed celebration pays tribute to the classic coconut cream pie, which gained popularity in the 1920s thanks to the widespread availability of desiccated coconut. Early versions of the pie appeared in 19th-century cookbooks such as The Virginia Housewife (1824) and Seventy-Five Receipts for Pastry, Cakes, and Sweetmeats (1828). Franklin Baker and his son helped commercialize coconut for home use, paving the way for recipes that evolved from meringue-topped to the modern whipped cream versions enjoyed today.

National Give Someone a Cupcake Day: First celebrated in 2008, this cheerful holiday is dedicated to sharing cupcakes as small tokens of kindness. The goal is simple—brighten someone’s day with a sweet treat, whether homemade or store-bought. Although similar in spirit to National Cupcake Day on December 15, May 8 focuses more on the act of giving than on the dessert itself, making it both a celebration of cupcakes and of thoughtfulness.

National Have a Coke Day: Observed annually on May 8, this day commemorates the first sale of Coca-Cola in 1886 at Jacobs’ Pharmacy in Atlanta, Georgia. Invented by John Pemberton as a medicinal tonic, the drink rose to worldwide prominence under Asa Candler’s marketing. Coca-Cola became a registered trademark in 1944 and has since become one of the most recognizable brands globally. National Have a Coke Day honors the soft drink’s origins and cultural impact.

National Student Nurse Day: Established in 1998 by the American Nurses Association, this day falls within National Nurses Week and recognizes the dedication and hard work of student nurses. As future healthcare professionals, they balance demanding studies with clinical practice, helping to bridge the gap in the growing need for nurses. The day reflects a broader effort started in 1953 by Dorothy Sutherland of the U.S. Department of Health to establish a national observance honoring nurses.

No Socks Day: Created by Thomas Roy and his wife and later added to Chase’s Calendar of Events, this quirky celebration encourages people to go sock-free for a day. While the origins are lighthearted, it’s become a small opportunity to embrace fun, feel more connected to nature, and enjoy the simple comfort of bare feet. It’s related in tone to No Pants Day* (First Friday in May), both celebrating spontaneity and silliness.

Reward Yourself Day: This modern observance invites people to recognize their progress and reward themselves for personal growth, good habits, or reaching milestones. First introduced in recent years, Reward Yourself Day is all about taking a moment to pause and appreciate your efforts—whether that means enjoying a favorite snack, relaxing with a good book, or doing something you’ve been putting off. It ties in well with self-care movements and resolution check-ins throughout the year.

Victory in Europe Day / V-E Day / VE Day: Celebrated on May 8, this day marks the formal acceptance by Allied forces of Nazi Germany’s unconditional surrender in 1945, bringing an end to World War II in Europe. The surrender was signed on May 7 and came into effect on May 8, although some Eastern European countries observe it on May 9 due to time zone differences. V-E Day is a public holiday in several countries and commemorates the end of one of the deadliest conflicts in history.

⭐️ Related observances include Victory Day in post-Soviet countries and Remembrance Day on November 11.

World Donkey Day: Founded in 2018 by scientist Raziq Ark, this day brings attention to the hardworking and often underappreciated donkey. Through his Facebook group, Ark raised awareness of the donkey’s role in agriculture, transportation, and livelihoods around the world. The day promotes animal welfare, highlights the value of donkeys in various cultures, and supports organizations that work to protect them from neglect or abuse.

World Ovarian Cancer Day: Launched in 2013 by a coalition of ovarian cancer advocacy groups, this global awareness day is dedicated to uniting women and families affected by the disease. It highlights the importance of early detection, better treatments, and community support. The idea was sparked by awareness campaigns led by patients like Ashley and Brianna, who used bold public gestures to draw attention to the cause.

👩‍⚕️ Related awareness events include Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month in September.

World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day: First celebrated in 1948, this day honors the birth of Red Cross founder Henry Dunant and recognizes the humanitarian work of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. Founded in 1863 in Geneva, the organization has grown into a global network providing emergency aid, disaster relief, and health support. The day’s official title was expanded in 1984 to include both Red Cross and Red Crescent societies.