September 19 National Days

September 19 is the 262nd day of the year (263rd in leap years), leaving 103 days until year’s end.

National Days on September 19th — September 19 National Days

National and international observances on this date range from serious awareness campaigns—covering health conditions, equality, and remembrance—to lighthearted celebrations of food, drinks, and pop culture. The mix reflects how traditions, advocacy, and humor all find a place in modern calendars.

Here’s a closer look at the 12 national and international days celebrated on September 19.

National and International Days on September 19

Aortic Dissection Awareness Day: Founded in 2016 by Swedish patient Timo Söderlund, this international day raises awareness about aortic dissection, a rare but often fatal condition where the inner layer of the aorta tears. The campaign has grown rapidly, with advocacy groups and medical organizations worldwide supporting public education, research, and early diagnosis. The THINK AORTA campaign, supported by professional societies, distributes multilingual resources to hospitals and emergency departments, ensuring doctors recognize symptoms quickly. The day also draws attention to connective tissue disorders such as Marfan syndrome, Loeys-Dietz syndrome, and vascular Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, which greatly increase risk. By sharing patient stories and promoting early detection, Aortic Dissection Awareness Day saves lives.

International Grenache Day* (Third Friday in September): Grenache, or Garnacha in Spain, is among the world’s most widely planted red wine grapes, known for thriving in hot, dry climates. In 2010, the Grenache Association launched International Grenache Day after its first symposium in Southern France, aiming to elevate appreciation for the grape. Its origins trace back to Aragon, Spain, from where it spread across the Mediterranean and later to Australia and the Americas. Today, Grenache produces everything from bold Rhône blends to elegant rosés.

National Wine Day & Other Wine Holidays in 2025

International Talk Like a Pirate Day: What began in 1995 as a joke between friends John Baur (Ol’ Chumbucket) and Mark Summers (Cap’n Slappy) during a racquetball game became a global phenomenon by 2002 after humor columnist Dave Barry wrote about it. Celebrated with “Arrr!” and pirate banter, the day invites playful escapism while also highlighting the enduring cultural fascination with pirates. Though based more on Hollywood portrayals than historical speech, it encourages creativity, humor, and community fun.

4pm Finish Day 🇬🇧* (Third Friday in September): Launched in 2017 by Red Bull UK, this campaign promotes work-life balance by encouraging employees to complete tasks efficiently and leave the office by 4 pm. While playful in spirit, it highlights a serious issue: the growing demand for healthier workplace cultures that value productivity without overwork. The idea gained traction beyond the UK, inspiring conversations worldwide about flexible hours and employee well-being.

National Butterscotch Pudding Day: Celebrated annually on September 19, this sweet holiday spotlights a dessert that combines the caramel-like flavor of butterscotch with creamy pudding. Butterscotch itself dates back to 19th-century Yorkshire, with confectioner Samuel Parkinson credited with popularizing it in 1817. Recipes for butterscotch candy appeared in newspapers as early as 1848, while pudding adaptations emerged later in the United States. The day celebrates the evolution of this comforting treat from Victorian candy shops to modern kitchens.

National Cat DNA Day: Created in 2020 by Basepaws, a feline genetics company, this observance highlights how DNA testing can improve cats’ lives by identifying breed traits, potential health risks, and hereditary conditions. The September 19 date is symbolic: cats are said to have nine lives and carry 19 chromosome pairs. The day educates owners on how genetic insights can lead to better preventive care and stronger bonds with their pets, while also contributing to broader research on feline genetics.

National Days for Cat Lovers

National Concussion Awareness Day* (Third Friday in September): This observance began in 2016 when high school student Brooke Mills shared her own struggles with post-concussion syndrome and sought to raise awareness. The day fosters national conversation about brain injury, encourages sharing experiences, and raises funds for research and charities. By promoting education on symptoms and long-term effects, the day empowers people to better recognize, prevent, and treat concussions.

National Love Your Lunch Day: Founded in 2024 by food storage company Sistema, this campaign addresses the issue of lunchbox shaming in schools. By promoting pride in diverse meals and cultural food traditions, the day combats bullying and encourages inclusivity at lunchtime. Sistema provides free resources for parents and teachers to foster open conversations, celebrate food diversity, and create supportive environments where children feel confident sharing their meals.

National Meow Like a Pirate Day: A feline spin-off of International Talk Like a Pirate Day, this playful observance celebrates cats’ long history aboard ships as pest controllers and companions. It embraces their adventurous spirit and mysterious charm, imagining them as purring crewmates on high-seas adventures. The day encourages cat lovers to share pirate-themed photos, jokes, and stories, merging two beloved cultural icons—pirates and cats—into one lighthearted holiday.

National POW/MIA Recognition Day* (Third Friday in September): First proclaimed by President Jimmy Carter in 1979, this solemn observance honors U.S. prisoners of war and those missing in action. The black-and-white POW/MIA flag, created in 1971, became a central symbol, and in 1998 federal law mandated its display at specific government sites on this day. Ceremonies across the nation reaffirm the commitment to account for missing service members and support their families.

National Tradesmen Day* (Third Friday in September): Founded in 2011 by Irwin Tools, this day recognizes the essential contributions of skilled tradespeople—electricians, carpenters, masons, plumbers, and more. Without them, modern life and infrastructure would not function. The holiday aims to both thank current workers and inspire younger generations to enter trades at a time when demand for skilled labor is rising. Events often include community projects, school outreach, and public awareness campaigns highlighting the dignity and necessity of these professions.

Raspberry Day* (Third Friday in September): Established in 2019 by The Cavernoma Society, Raspberry Day raises awareness of cavernomas, clusters of abnormal blood vessels in the brain and spinal cord. Because these lesions resemble raspberries, the symbol became the perfect emblem for the campaign. Cavernomas can cause seizures, hemorrhages, and neurological issues, yet remain relatively unknown to the public. Raspberry Day promotes research, advocacy, and fundraising while supporting patients and families affected by this condition.