October 15 National Days

October 15 is the 288th day of the year (289th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar, with 77 days remaining until the end of the year. Falling on a Wednesday in the 42nd week, 2025 brings a particularly full calendar with 23 national and international observances—many of which shift each year and are celebrated on the third Wednesday in October.

The day highlights a mix of meaningful themes, from global handwashing and breast health awareness to celebrations of classic entertainment like I Love Lucy. With its blend of health campaigns, appreciation days, and cultural tributes, October 15 offers countless ways to learn, participate, and celebrate.

Below is a list of all national and international days taking place on October 15, each with a brief explanation.

National & International Days on October 15

BRA (Breast Reconstruction Awareness) Day* (Third Wednesday in October) focuses on educating women about their options for breast reconstruction after mastectomy. The initiative began in Canada in 2011, founded by Dr. Mitchell Brown, and expanded to the United States in 2012 through the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) and The Plastic Surgery Foundation. Held during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the day highlights the importance of informed choices, emphasizing that reconstruction is often covered by insurance under the Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Act of 1998. Through local events, educational sessions, and community discussions, BRA Day encourages women to explore their options, ask questions, and feel empowered to make decisions that support both physical recovery and emotional well-being.

Global Dignity Day* (Third Wednesday in October) encourages people—especially young students—to reflect on the importance of dignity, self-worth, and respect for others. Founded in 2005 by Crown Prince Haakon of Norway, John Hope Bryant (founder of Operation HOPE), and Professor Pekka Himanen of Finland, the initiative began with classroom discussions in 2008 that invited students to share what dignity means in their own lives. Today, it’s celebrated in more than 70 countries through school programs, workshops, and community events. The day promotes kindness, compassion, and understanding, reminding everyone that dignity is a universal right that crosses all boundaries of culture, religion, and background.

Global Ethics Day* (Third Wednesday in October), founded in 2014 by the Carnegie Council for Ethics in International Affairs, is an annual worldwide event that encourages people and organizations to reflect on the role of ethics in everyday life and global decision-making. Inspired by Earth Day, it serves as a global “teach-in,” where schools, companies, and communities host talks, film screenings, and discussions on topics like human rights, sustainability, business ethics, and civic responsibility. Celebrated by participants in more than 100 countries, the day reminds everyone that ethical choices—big or small—shape a fairer, more just, and more sustainable world.

Global Handwashing Day promotes handwashing with soap as one of the simplest and most effective ways to prevent illness and save lives. It was launched in 2008 by the Global Handwashing Partnership, a coalition of international health organizations, during the UN’s International Year of Sanitation. The first event reached more than 120 million children in over 70 countries, highlighting the importance of clean hands in stopping the spread of disease. Today, the day continues to raise awareness in schools, communities, and workplaces around the world, reminding everyone that a small daily habit can have a big impact on global health.

Hagfish Day* (Third Wednesday in October) was created in 2009 by marine conservation nonprofit WhaleTimes o remind people that even the “ugly” creatures of the ocean play an important role in nature. The day’s theme, “Beauty in the Ugly,” encourages appreciation for species that are often ignored or disliked because of their appearance. Hagfish, known for producing slime and feeding on dead animals, are essential to ocean health as natural recyclers that return nutrients to the ecosystem. By highlighting these unusual creatures, Hagfish Day promotes a broader respect for marine biodiversity and the idea that every species—no matter how it looks—has value and purpose in the environment.

International Day of Rural Women honors the vital contributions of women living and working in rural areas around the world. Officially established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2007, the idea originated at the 1995 Fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing and was first celebrated in 2008. The date was chosen to coincide with the eve of World Food Day, highlighting rural women’s central role in agriculture, food security, and community well-being. The day draws attention to the challenges these women face—such as limited access to land, education, and financial resources—and calls for greater investment and inclusion in decision-making. It serves as a global reminder that empowering rural women strengthens families, economies, and entire communities.

International Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day is a global day of remembrance for babies lost through miscarriage, stillbirth, SIDS, or early infant death. Founded in 2002 by three American mothers—Robyn Bear, Lisa Brown, and Tammy Novak—the day grew from their shared grief and desire to support other families facing the same pain. Their efforts built on President Ronald Reagan’s 1988 proclamation designating October as Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month, and in 2006, the U.S. House of Representatives formally recognized the day. Since then, it has spread worldwide, with countries like the UK, Canada, Australia, and Italy joining in. At 7 p.m. local time, families light candles during the #WaveOfLight, creating a global chain of remembrance that honors each baby’s life and reminds grieving parents they are not alone.

Missouri Day* (Third Wednesday in October) honors the history, culture, and people of the Show-Me State. Established in 1915 thanks to the efforts of Anna Lee Brosius Korn, a Missouri-born schoolteacher, the day was created to inspire pride and teach younger generations about the state’s heritage and notable citizens. Originally observed on the first Monday in October, it was moved to its current date by the Missouri General Assembly in 1969. Schools and communities across Missouri mark the occasion with lessons, programs, and local events celebrating the state’s achievements—from its pivotal role in westward expansion to its contributions in music, literature, and public life.

National Aesthetician Day recognizes the skill and dedication of skincare professionals who help people look and feel their best. Founded in 2016 by the skincare brand COSMEDIX, the day highlights the important work aestheticians do—from facials and exfoliation to personalized skincare advice that promotes confidence and healthy skin. What began as a single-day observance has since grown into National Aesthetician Month, giving extra attention to an industry built on care, expertise, and helping others feel comfortable in their own skin.

National Chicken Cacciatore Day honors a classic Italian dish known for its rich flavor. The name cacciatore means “hunter” in Italian, reflecting the dish’s rustic origins, when hunters cooked chicken with ingredients like tomatoes, onions, herbs, and wine over an open fire. Over time, regional variations added mushrooms, peppers, or olives, creating the rich, hearty version enjoyed today. Traditionally served with pasta, polenta, or crusty bread, chicken cacciatore remains a timeless symbol of Italian home cooking.

National Cheese Curd Day shines a light on one of the simplest treats—cheese curds. Created in 2015 by Culver’s, a restaurant chain based in Wisconsin, the day celebrates the small, springy pieces of fresh cheddar that form naturally during the cheesemaking process. Known for their signature “squeak,” cheese curds are best enjoyed within a day or two of being made, when their texture is at its freshest. Popular in the Midwestern United States and parts of Canada, they can be eaten plain, breaded and fried, or served in the classic Canadian dish poutine.

National Fossil Day* (Wednesday of Second Full Week in October) is part of Earth Science Week and highlights the importance of fossils in understanding the history of life on Earth. Created by the National Park Service, the day invites people of all ages to explore the world of paleontology through hands-on activities, museum exhibits, and educational events. Institutions such as the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History and local parks and museums across the country participate with special programs, talks, and family-friendly learning opportunities.

National Grouch Day was inspired by Oscar the Grouch from Sesame Street and first mentioned in Sesame Street Magazine in the 1970s. The day playfully honors the famously grumpy Muppet who loves his trash can and bad mood, reminding everyone that it’s okay to have off days too. It encourages people to laugh at their own grouchiness, lighten up tough moods, and show a little compassion for others who might be feeling cranky.

National HSA Awareness Day was created in 2019 by WEX Health to help people better understand Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and how they can support both short-term and long-term financial health. HSAs are savings accounts that let you set aside pre-tax money to pay for medical expenses, making healthcare costs more manageable while also offering tax advantages. The day aims to clear up common misunderstandings—such as the idea that HSAs are “use-it-or-lose-it” accounts—and to show that they can benefit anyone with a high-deductible health plan. By highlighting how HSAs can cover today’s healthcare needs and help build savings for retirement, the observance promotes smarter, more confident healthcare spending.

‼️ Not to be confused with National Health Savings Account Day on December 8.

National “I Love Lucy” Day marks the anniversary of the first broadcast of the beloved sitcom I Love Lucy in 1951. The day honors the show’s lasting influence on television and comedy, as well as the talents of Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz, whose charm made the series a cultural phenomenon. I Love Lucy broke new ground with its innovative production, relatable humor, and portrayal of family life, setting the standard for future sitcoms.

National Latino AIDS Awareness Day (NLAAD) was founded in 2003 by the Latino Commission on AIDS and the Hispanic Federation to address the higher rates of HIV/AIDS in Hispanic and Latinx communities. The date was chosen to coincide with the end of Hispanic Heritage Month, making it a powerful time to promote health awareness and action. The day focuses on increasing HIV testing, prevention education, and access to care while challenging stigma and misinformation. Through events, media outreach, and partnerships with community organizations, NLAAD encourages open conversations about sexual health and highlights the importance of equitable healthcare for all.

National Lemon Bar Day honors the bright and tangy dessert loved for its citrus flavor. The day was created in 2019 by Michael McCarthy, who was inspired after hosting a bake sale and discovering that many people had never tried a lemon bar before. A lemon bar—also called a lemon square—features a buttery shortbread crust topped with smooth, zesty lemon curd. It’s easy to celebrate by baking a batch to share with family or coworkers, hosting a bake sale to support a favorite cause, or simply enjoying one from your local bakery.

National Mushroom Day shines a light on the fascinating world of mushrooms—both in the kitchen and in nature. Mushrooms are prized for their earthy flavor, nutritional value, and ability to enhance countless dishes, from soups and pastas to stir-fries and pizzas. Beyond food, they play an essential role in ecosystems by breaking down organic matter and enriching the soil. The day encourages people to explore new mushroom varieties, try creative recipes, and learn more about their environmental importance

🍄‍🟫 Not to be confused with Day of the Mushroom, observed on April 16.

National Roast Pheasant Day celebrates the long-standing tradition of preparing and enjoying roasted pheasant, a classic dish especially popular in the United Kingdom. The day aligns with the start of the pheasant shooting season, which begins on October 1, making mid-October an ideal time to highlight this flavorful game bird. Though it’s an informal and modern observance, the holiday honors a culinary practice that dates back centuries. Pheasants, originally native to Asia, were introduced to Europe by the Romans and became a staple of British hunting culture, later revived in the 19th century through gamekeeping.

National Shawarma Day honors one of the world’s most beloved Middle Eastern dishes. Created in 2020 by Osmow’s Shawarma, a Canadian restaurant chain founded by Sam Osmow, the day was launched to mark the company’s 20th anniversary and to share the story of shawarma with a wider audience. The dish, which evolved from the Turkish döner kebab in the 18th century, has become a favorite street food known for its flavorful, slow-roasted meat wrapped in pita with fresh toppings and sauces.

SUDEP Action Day* (Third Wednesday in October), launched in 2014 by the UK charity SUDEP Action, raises awareness about Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP) and honors those who have lost their lives to it. The observance grew out of decades of advocacy that began in the 1990s, when five bereaved women founded Epilepsy Bereaved to seek answers and support families affected by epilepsy-related deaths. Their work led to major research efforts, including the first national inquiry into epilepsy deaths in 2002, and the group later became SUDEP Action in 2013. SUDEP Action Day encourages open conversations between people with epilepsy, their loved ones, and healthcare professionals about risks and safety. It also promotes continued research and reminds the world that awareness and understanding can help save lives.

Weet-Bix Day* (Third Wednesday in October) is an informal celebration of one of Australia’s classic breakfast cereals. While the day itself doesn’t have an official founding story, it’s promoted by the Sanitarium Health Food Company as a fun way for fans to enjoy and share their love for Weet-Bix. The cereal was first created in the mid-1920sby Bennison Osborne and produced by Grain Products Limited, with rights sold to Sanitarium in 1928. Designed as a wholesome, affordable breakfast, Weet-Bix became a household staple and later inspired the British version, Weetabix, launched in 1932 by the same inventor.

White Cane Safety Day raises awareness about the independence and equal rights of people who are blind or visually impaired. It was first proclaimed in 1964 by President Lyndon B. Johnson after a joint resolution of Congress, recognizing the white cane as a powerful symbol of mobility and self-reliance. The white cane had become widely recognized in the early 20th century thanks to advocacy by organizations like the National Federation of the Blind and local efforts such as the Peoria Lions Club’s 1930 ordinance granting right-of-way to cane users. Today, the observance goes beyond safety—it celebrates freedom, accessibility, and inclusion, reminding everyone to respect pedestrians using a white cane and to support equal opportunities for people with vision loss.

National Days in October

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