October 13 National Days

October 13 is the 286th day of the year (287th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar, leaving 79 days until the end of the year. Falling on a Monday in 2025, this date includes Columbus Day, a federal holiday that continues to spark discussion about history and representation, alongside lighter observances like food celebrations and online trends. With a mix of serious and playful themes, October 13 offers chances to reflect, give, and enjoy small moments of fun.

Below is a list of all 16 national and international days taking place on October 13, each with a brief explanation.

National & International Days on October 13

Canadian Thanksgiving 🇨🇦* (Second Monday in October) traces its roots to early expressions of gratitude among European settlers. The first recorded celebration took place in 1578, when explorer Martin Frobisher held a feast to give thanks for surviving his Arctic voyage. Another early tradition arose in 1606, when Samuel de Champlain founded the Order of Good Cheer, a shared celebration with Indigenous peoples. Thanksgiving became a national holiday in 1879, and in 1957 the Canadian Parliament set its official date as the second Monday in October, marking a day to give thanks for the harvest and the blessings of the past year.

Columbus Day* (Second Monday in October) began as a way for Italian-American communities to celebrate their heritage and honor Christopher Columbus’s 1492 voyage to the Americas. Early celebrations date back to the late 1700s and 1800s, and the day became a national holiday in 1937. In 1971, it was moved to its current date to create a long weekend and encourage national unity. Today, some people continue to celebrate Columbus Day, while others observe Indigenous Peoples’ Day (see the next observance) instead, acknowledging the suffering and effects of colonization on Native communities.

Indigenous Peoples’ Day* (Second Monday in October), also known in some places as Native American Day, is a day to recognize and honor Native American peoples and their cultures, histories, and contributions. It was created as an alternative to Columbus Day, which traditionally celebrated the arrival of Christopher Columbus in the Americas. Many people and communities felt that Columbus Day ignored the harm caused to Indigenous peoples by colonization. First adopted by South Dakota in 1989, Indigenous Peoples’ Day focuses instead on respect, learning, and appreciation for Native nations that have lived on this land for thousands of years.

International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction / Disaster Day was established in 1989 when the United Nations General Assembly adopted Resolution A/RES/44/236, calling for a global effort to build awareness and reduce the impact of disasters. First observed in 1990 as the International Day for Natural Disaster Reduction, the day promotes understanding of how preparedness, planning, and resilience can save lives and protect communities worldwide. Use hashtags #DRRday and #AreYouReady24 to spread awareness.

International Day for Failure began in Finland in 2010 when university students launched an initiative to change how people view failure. Their goal was to promote entrepreneurship by showing that failure is a natural part of learning and growth, not a reason for shame. The observance encourages individuals to share their experiences, reflect on lessons learned, and see setbacks as steps toward improvement. By reducing the fear of making mistakes, it inspires creativity, innovation, and the courage to try again. What started as a Finnish student project has since gained global recognition, spreading a powerful message that progress often begins with failure.

International Skeptics Day, founded in 1996 by eventologist Adrienne Sioux Koopersmith, encourages critical thinking and the questioning of superstition, pseudoscience, and unfounded claims. Though unofficial, the observance gained popularity as an effort to promote evidence-based reasoning and open-minded inquiry. It is most often celebrated on Friday the 13th, a date long linked to bad luck, and sometimes on Election Day, when skepticism about political choices often runs high. The day reminds people that true skepticism is not cynicism—it’s a balanced, curious approach to understanding the world through logic, research, and verifiable facts.

Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day shines a light on those living with Stage IV breast cancer and calls for more research, awareness, and support. It was established in 2009, when the Metastatic Breast Cancer Network (MBCN) and patient advocates successfully urged Congress to recognize the day through unanimous resolutions. Unlike early-stage breast cancer, metastatic breast cancer means the disease has spread to other parts of the body and is not considered curable, making ongoing treatment and research vital. The observance highlights the need for better funding, understanding, and compassion for those affected, while honoring the strength and advocacy of the patients and families who continue to push for progress.

National Herpes Awareness Day aims to reduce stigma and promote honest, informed conversations about herpes and its impact on millions of people worldwide. Although its exact origins are unclear, the day plays an important role in public health education. It reminds people that herpes is a common condition, often undiagnosed, and that shame or misinformation can prevent individuals from seeking treatment. By encouraging open discussion, the observance supports better understanding, compassion, and access to care.

National Kick Butt Day* (Second Monday in October) is a motivational observance that inspires people to take action toward their goals and overcome procrastination. The phrase “kick butt” symbolizes determination and follow-through—reminding everyone that progress begins with effort. Many use the day to commit to exercise, tackle long-delayed projects, or break unhealthy habits. While its exact origin is unknown, the message is that success comes from persistence, focus, and the courage to take the first step.

National M&M’s Day honors one of America’s most iconic candies. Although the exact origin of the observance is unclear, it appears to have begun as a fan-created celebration, with the first known mention dating to 1996. The date links back to the 1941 patent filing by Forrest Mars Sr. and Bruce Murrie, who created M&M’s as candy-coated chocolate that wouldn’t melt in soldiers’ hands. Over time, Mars, Inc. embraced the day with promotions and events, turning it into a popular annual celebration.

National No Bra Day raises awareness about breast cancer, promotes early detection, and supports those affected by the disease. The observance began in 2011, combining two separate efforts: a July 9 online campaign by “Anastasia Doughnuts” to spread breast cancer awareness, and Dr. Mitchell Brown’s Breast Reconstruction Awareness (BRA) Day, founded in Toronto that same year to educate women about post-mastectomy reconstruction options. The date was later moved to align with Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Today, the day encourages women to skip wearing a bra as a symbolic gesture of support for survivors, body confidence, and health awareness. While some view the observance as controversial, many see it as a creative way to start conversations about breast health, self-exams, and ongoing research for a cure.

National Online Bank Day* (Second Monday in October) was created in 2015 by Ally Bank to celebrate reaching one million customers and to highlight how digital banking has changed the way people handle money. Online banking began in the 1980s with tools like balance checks and bill payments. As internet access grew in the 1990s, it expanded to include savings, transfers, and other everyday services. Today, online banks give people full control of their finances through mobile apps and websites—offering lower fees, faster service, and the freedom to manage money anytime, anywhere.

National Train Your Brain Day encourages people to keep their minds active and engaged through fun, challenging activities. The day reminds us that mental fitness is just as important as physical fitness. Simple habits like solving puzzles, reading, playing strategy games, or learning something new help strengthen memory and focus. Even small efforts—like trying a new hobby or tackling a tricky problem—can boost mental sharpness and keep the brain healthy throughout life.

National Transfer Money to Your Son Day was created in 2009 to give parents a fun and thoughtful way to show appreciation for their sons—often through a small financial gift. Coming one week after National Transfer Money to Your Daughter Day (October 6), it recognizes the value of family support and the bond between parents and sons.

National Yorkshire Pudding Day pays tribute to the classic British dish known for its golden, crisp edges and soft, airy center. While the observance began in the UK in 2008 (where it’s marked on the first Sunday in February), the American version likely grew from food lovers and online communities eager to share this comfort food tradition. Yorkshire pudding—a simple mix of eggs, flour, and milk baked to perfection—is often enjoyed with roast beef and gravy. The day invites home cooks to try making it themselves, share recipes, and celebrate a delicious piece of British heritage that has found fans around the world.

World Thrombosis Day was established in 2014 by the International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis (ISTH) to raise global awareness about thrombosis—blood clots that can lead to serious or fatal conditions. The date honors Rudolf Virchow, a 19th-century pathologist whose research formed the foundation for understanding thrombosis. The campaign educates the public and healthcare professionals about risk factors, warning signs, and prevention methods, emphasizing that most blood clots are preventable. Through education, lifestyle awareness, and better medical guidance, World Thrombosis Day seeks to reduce deaths and disabilities caused by this often silent but dangerous condition.

National Days in October

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