October 28 National Days

October 28 is the 301st day of the year (302nd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar, leaving 64 days until the end of the year. Falling on a Monday in the 44th week, it opens Halloween week 🎃👻 with a lighter calendar than earlier in the month, as many themes now turn toward fall and spooky-season celebrations.

This date highlights International Animation Day, honoring the art and impact of animated films; National Chocolate Day, celebrating one of the world’s most beloved treats; and Plush Animal Lover’s Day, recognizing the comfort of stuffed toys. Alongside these, a few other observances focus on nature, professions, and creativity—each offering a meaningful way to appreciate everyday joys and cultural traditions.

Here’s a closer look at the special days happening on October 28, each with a brief explanation.

National & International Days on October 28

International Animation Day honors animation as a creative form of storytelling and expression. Founded in 2002 by the International Animated Film Association (ASIFA), the observance marks the anniversary of Charles-Émile Reynaud’s groundbreaking 1892 presentation of moving images at the Musée Grévin in Paris—one of the earliest public showings of animated film. Supported by UNESCO, the day recognizes animation as both an artistic and educational medium that connects people across cultures through imagination, movement, and visual storytelling.

National Chocolate Day celebrates chocolate in all its forms, from truffles and bars to cakes and drinks. The observance began in the United States through confectionery groups that promoted food-themed celebrations. The National Confectioners Association later recognized October 28 as the official date, giving chocolate an annual moment of appreciation. While World Chocolate Day on July 7 celebrates chocolate globally, National Chocolate Day focuses on its place within the United States

National First Responders Day honors the men and women who rush to help during emergencies—police officers, firefighters, paramedics, EMTs, and dispatchers. The observance recognizes their courage, quick decision-making, and the personal risks they face while protecting others. It also remembers those who lost their lives in service and draws attention to the emotional and physical challenges that come with the job. The United States Senate officially recognized the day in 2019, following an earlier resolution introduced in 2017 to acknowledge the vital role first responders play in keeping communities safe.

National Immigrants Day honors the millions of people who have come to the United States from around the world, seeking new opportunities and contributing to the country’s growth. It reminds people that the nation’s diversity and strength are built on generations of immigrants who brought their skills, traditions, and dreams to a new home. The observance was officially proclaimed in 1987 by President Ronald Reagan to coincide with the anniversary of the Statue of Liberty’s unveiling—a lasting symbol of freedom, welcome, and hope for those arriving on America’s shores.

National Internal Medicine Day honors the physicians who specialize in adult healthcare, known as internists. The American College of Physicians (ACP) founded this observance in 2019 to recognize their essential role in diagnosing, treating, and managing complex or long-term medical conditions. Internists use deep scientific knowledge and clinical judgment to understand how different systems in the body interact, often guiding other doctors in difficult cases. Beyond patient care, many internists contribute to research, medical education, and health policy, helping shape the future of medicine.

Plush Animal Lover’s Day was likely created by Royal Selangor, a collectibles dealer, in the 1980s. This lighthearted observance invites people to appreciate their love for stuffed animals — from classic teddy bears to one-of-a-kind plush toys. It reminds us that these soft companions can bring comfort and hold sentimental value long after childhood.

Wild Foods Day highlights the value of natural, foraged foods and the deep connection humans share with the land. It encourages people to rediscover the plants, berries, nuts, and mushrooms that grow freely in nature—foods that sustained people long before farming or supermarkets existed. The observance promotes awareness of biodiversity and sustainable food sources, reminding us that nature provides nourishment when treated with respect. By recognizing wild foods, the day also teaches the importance of protecting natural habitats and learning how to identify edible species safely.

National Days in October

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