October 17 National Days 

October 17 is the 290th day of the year (291st in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar, leaving 75 days until the end of the year. In 2025, it falls on a Friday in the 42nd week.

The date features 14 national and international observances, led by three particularly meaningful ones—National Mammography Day, promoting early breast cancer detection; National Pasta Day, celebrating one of the world’s most comforting and beloved foods; and World Poverty Day, calling attention to global efforts to end poverty and inequality.

Below is a list of all national and international days observed on October 17, each with a brief explanation.

National & International Days on October 17

Black Poetry Day celebrates the voices and contributions of Black poets throughout history. The date honors Jupiter Hammon, born on October 17, 1711, who became the first published Black poet in the United States with his 1761 poem “An Evening Thought.” The observance was first proposed in 1970 and officially established in 1985, recognizing the role of African American writers in shaping American literature and culture. Oregon remains the only state to officially recognize it as a state holiday.

Explore the complete list of bookish national days.

Developmental Language Disorder (DLD) Day* (Third Friday in October) raises global awareness of a common yet often overlooked communication disorder. In 2025, it takes place on October 17 under the theme “You Can’t See DLD.” The campaign is led by Raising Awareness of Developmental Language Disorder (RADLD), an international organization dedicated to improving understanding and support for people with DLD. The condition affects about one in fourteen children and causes ongoing difficulties with understanding and using language, not linked to other conditions such as autism or hearing loss. Because DLD is invisible, it is frequently misunderstood, which makes awareness crucial. DLD Day encourages early identification, better access to speech and language therapy, and greater inclusion in schools and communities, with participants around the world wearing purple and yellow or joining “Light Up” events to show support.

Edge Day honors the straight edge lifestyle that began in the early 1980s punk scene. The idea came from the 1981 song “Straight Edge” by the band Minor Threat, which inspired people to live without alcohol, tobacco, or drugs. Many who follow this lifestyle also choose vegan or vegetarian diets, avoid casual sex, and value self-control as a way to rebel through discipline. The well-known “X” symbol—originally drawn on underage fans’ hands to stop them from buying alcohol—became the sign of the movement. The first Edge Day took place in 1999 in Boston during the final show of the band Ten Yard Fight. Today, people celebrate by going to punk concerts, promoting sober living, and supporting a clear, self-respecting way of life.

Forgive an Ex Day is about finding peace by letting go of past relationship pain. Created in 2018 by Mark Anthony, the day reminds people that forgiveness is for their own healing, not about getting back together. It encourages releasing anger and resentment to feel lighter and happier. Forgiving helps calm the mind, improve emotional health, and make room for personal growth. Many people observe the day by journaling, reflecting, or doing something kind for themselves.

International Sawfish Day raises awareness about the critically endangered sawfish and the urgent need to protect its shrinking habitats. Established in 2017 by the Sawfish Conservation Society, Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), and European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA), with support from the Save Our Seas Foundation, the day celebrates one of the ocean’s most extraordinary species. Recognizable by its long, tooth-lined snout, the sawfish uses this “saw” to sense and catch prey, making it both unique and ecologically important. All five known species are now critically endangered, largely due to habitat loss and fishing bycatch. On this day, aquariums, conservation groups, and ocean enthusiasts share facts, host educational events, and promote ways to protect marine ecosystems so future generations can continue to marvel at this remarkable fish.

National Mammography Day* (Third Friday in October) emphasizes the importance of mammograms in the early detection of breast cancer. Celebrated during Breast Cancer Awareness Month since 1993, this day encourages women to schedule regular screenings, raising awareness about how early detection can save lives. It’s a vital reminder for women of all ages to prioritize their breast health.

National Mulligan Day celebrates the idea of getting a fresh start or a second chance. The term “mulligan” comes from golf, where it means taking another shot without penalty. Its origin isn’t certain, but many believe it began with Canadian golfer David Mulligan in the 1920s, who once replayed a bad shot and called it a “correction.” Another story credits John A. “Buddy” Mulligan, a New Jersey golfer known for his good-natured do-overs. Today, the day reminds people that everyone makes mistakes and that forgiveness, both for ourselves and others, helps us grow and move forward.

National Pay Back a Friend Day reminds people to repay borrowed money and protect their friendships from financial strain. Founded in 2017 by Bank of America, the day was inspired by the Friends Again Report, which revealed that over half of surveyed adults had ended a friendship because of unpaid debts. The observance promotes responsibility and honesty in financial relationships while highlighting how easy digital payment apps make settling up. It’s a simple reminder that paying back what you owe helps maintain trust, respect, and harmony between friends.

National Pasta Day honors one of the world’s most beloved foods—pasta. From spaghetti and penne to lasagna and ravioli, the day invites everyone to enjoy their favorite pasta dishes in all their delicious forms. Food enthusiasts can also look forward to World Pasta Day on October 25, which further honors this popular food.

Check out also the complete list of pasta & noodles national days.

National Playing Card Collection Day celebrates the growing hobby of collecting playing cards as a form of design and craftsmanship. Founded in 2016 by designer Alex Chin, the observance also marks the launch of Portfolio52, a free online database that helps collectors organize and display their decks. The day highlights how playing cards have evolved from simple gaming tools into collectible art pieces—each deck reflecting a theme, story, or artistic vision. Collectors celebrate by sharing their favorite decks online, adding new ones to their shelves, and supporting Chin’s annual limited-edition NPCCD releases that help keep Portfolio52 free for the community.

Spreadsheet Day celebrates the release of VisiCalc, the first spreadsheet program for personal computers, launched on October 17, 1979. Developed by Dan Bricklin and Bob Frankston for the Apple II, VisiCalc revolutionized the way people organized and analyzed data, replacing paper ledgers with efficient digital tools. The day was founded in 2010 by Debra Dalgleish of Contextures to recognize the spreadsheet’s influence on productivity, business, and everyday life. From VisiCalc’s early grids to today’s Excel and Google Sheets, this innovation remains a cornerstone of modern data management and decision-making.

Wear Something Gaudy Day is a cheerful reminder that fashion doesn’t always have to be serious. It’s a day to express joy, confidence, and individuality through bold colors, glitter, and clashing patterns. The word “gaudy” describes something showy or extravagant, and this observance turns that idea into a celebration of self-expression. The concept began as a joke in the 1970s sitcom Three’s Company, when the character Larry Dallas suggested such a day for people to wear their flashiest clothes. Over time, the playful idea caught on and became a real observance. Today, it stands for more than just quirky outfits—it’s about embracing the fun side of life, letting go of self-consciousness, and finding joy in being unapologetically yourself.

World Poverty Day, formally known as the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, highlights the global commitment to end poverty and promote human dignity for all. The day began in 1987, when Joseph Wresinski, founder of the International Movement ATD Fourth World, gathered over 100,000 people at the Trocadéro in Paris to honor victims of poverty, hunger, and violence. A commemorative stone unveiled that day bore Wresinski’s words: “Wherever men and women are condemned to live in extreme poverty, human rights are violated.” In 1992, the United Nations General Assembly officially designated October 17 as the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty.

World Trauma Day brings attention to the devastating effects of physical and emotional trauma and highlights the life-saving power of quick medical care. Founded in 2011 by the Trauma Association of India in New Delhi, the observance began in response to the alarming rise in road accidents and preventable injuries. The day focuses on trauma prevention, first aid, and emergency preparedness, stressing the importance of the “golden hour”—the first 60 minutes after an injury, when prompt treatment can make the difference between life and death. Supported by global health organizations, including the World Health Organization (WHO), World Trauma Day encourages everyone to learn basic first aid, promote road safety, and show compassion toward survivors rebuilding their lives.

National Days in October

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