September 21 National Days

September 21 is the 264th day of the year (265th in leap years), with 101 days remaining until the end of the year.

National Days on September 21st — September 21 National Days

Today’s celebrations highlight themes as varied as chai tea, pecan cookies, and mini golf, while also raising awareness for Alzheimer’s disease, myositis, opioid misuse, and environmental sustainability.

The date honors global peace and gratitude, alongside unique observances like escapology, garage condos, and telegraph poles.

Here’s a look at the 15 national and international days celebrated on September 21.

National and International Days on September 21

Escapology Day traces its origins to Harry Houdini’s first public performance of his Chinese Water Torture Cell escape on September 21, 1912, in Berlin. Houdini, suspended upside down in a locked water tank, achieved one of his most famous feats, which became a hallmark of his career. After his death in 1926, magicians began honoring his legacy on this date, which later evolved into International Escapology Day under the Global Escapology Organisation.

International Day of Peace was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1981 and first observed in 1982 on the third Tuesday of September. In 2001, the UN designated September 21 as its permanent date, creating a 24-hour period devoted to non-violence and global ceasefire. The day promotes peace among nations and communities through education, ceasefire initiatives, and dialogue, reinforcing the UN’s mission to foster international cooperation and conflict resolution.

National Cat & Dog Gut Health Awareness Day was launched in 2022 by AnimalBiome, a microbiome science company for companion animals. The company, founded in 2015, had analyzed over 30,000 animal microbiomes and found strong links between gut imbalance and common health issues such as vomiting, diarrhea, and skin problems. The observance educates pet owners about the importance of the gut microbiome and highlights advances in veterinary science that improve the health and wellbeing of cats and dogs.

National Pet Days and Veterinary Awareness Days 2025

National Chai Day was founded in 2018 by Somrus, a brand of Indian cream liqueur, to honor masala chai, the spiced black tea with milk that originated in India. Chai has ancient roots in Ayurvedic practices, where herbs and spices were used for healing. During British colonial rule, black tea became widespread, and Indian traditions of adding spices merged with the British custom of milk and sugar, creating the beloved drink we know today.

National Garage Condo Day was founded in 2020 by Garage Condos, LLC, to promote the growing trend of individually owned luxury storage units. Often used by car enthusiasts, collectors, and hobbyists, garage condos provide secure, customizable spaces for vehicles, tools, and projects. The observance highlights how these spaces combine the benefits of real estate ownership with personal creativity and productivity, offering a lifestyle solution beyond the limits of a standard home garage.

National New York Day was established in 2017 as part of a series recognizing each U.S. state in the order it joined the Union. New York, admitted as the 11th state in 1788, is celebrated for its cultural, economic, and historical significance. The day honors landmarks such as the Statue of Liberty and Empire State Building, natural wonders like Niagara Falls and the Adirondack Mountains, and New York City’s role as a global hub of finance, art, and diplomacy, including hosting the United Nations headquarters.

National Opioid Awareness Day is observed on September 21 to address the devastating impact of opioid misuse and addiction in the United States. The day promotes education on prevention, treatment, and recovery, while breaking down the stigma that prevents many from seeking help. In 2024, over 80,000 overdose deaths occurred in the U.S., most linked to opioids such as fentanyl—the leading cause of death among adults aged 18–45. The observance serves as a call to action for communities to respond to this ongoing public health crisis.

National Pecan Cookie Day has uncertain origins, though its earliest known mention appeared in a Wisconsin newspaper in 2004. Pecans, native to North America and valued for their rich, buttery flavor, became popular in cookies and desserts in the late 1800s. The nut’s name comes from an Algonquian word meaning “a nut requiring a stone to crack.” Today, the observance celebrates pecan cookies as a classic Southern treat, honoring both the culinary heritage and agricultural importance of pecans, which have been cultivated in the U.S. for centuries.

Telegraph Pole Appreciation Day was founded in 1997 by Martin Evans, creator of the Telegraph Pole Appreciation Society (TPAS), to recognize the historic and aesthetic value of telegraph and utility poles. These wooden structures once formed the backbone of global communication, carrying telegraphy and later telephone lines across long distances. With many poles now being replaced by underground cabling, the observance invites people to “look up” and appreciate their quiet role in shaping modern communication and the landscape.

Wife Appreciation Day* (Third Sunday in September) offers an opportunity to recognize the love, support, and contributions that wives provide in family life. The day encourages thoughtful gestures, from handwritten notes and acts of service to special outings or gifts, reminding couples to pause and celebrate the often-unnoticed efforts that sustain relationships. While informal, it has become a meaningful tradition for many families to express gratitude.

National Family and Relationship Days 2025

World Alzheimer’s Day was launched in 1994 by Alzheimer’s Disease International (ADI) during its 10th anniversary conference in Edinburgh, Scotland. The observance raises global awareness about Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, conditions affecting millions of people worldwide. In 2012, the initiative expanded into World Alzheimer’s Month, providing a full month for education, advocacy, and reducing stigma. September 21 remains the focal date, drawing attention to advances in research, the need for early diagnosis, and support for patients and caregivers.

World Gratitude Day originated in 1965 when spiritual leader Sri Chinmoy proposed a global day of thanks during a Thanksgiving dinner in Hawaii. The idea quickly spread, and the first wide observance took place on September 21, 1966. Since then, it has become a worldwide tradition to dedicate this date to expressions of gratitude—both personal and collective. The day emphasizes appreciation as a unifying human value that transcends borders and cultures, reminding people of their interconnectedness.

World Gratitude Day

World Mini Golf Day, also called Miniature Golf Day, is celebrated annually on September 21 to encourage people of all ages to enjoy a round of mini golf. Distinct from National Miniature Golf Day in May, the September date is recognized internationally, highlighting the game’s popularity as a fun, family-friendly pastime. The observance invites people to reconnect with this lighthearted sport, which has entertained players for over a century.

World Myositis Day was founded in 2023 by an international coalition of patient advocacy groups, building on earlier U.S. efforts led by The Myositis Association (TMA), which had promoted National Myositis Awareness Day since 2006. Myositis refers to a group of rare autoimmune diseases that cause chronic muscle inflammation and weakness. The global observance unites patients, caregivers, and researchers to raise awareness, promote education, and strengthen support networks for those living with these debilitating conditions.

Zero Emissions Day was founded in 2008 by environmental activist Ken Wallace in Nova Scotia, Canada, as a grassroots call to give the planet “a day off” from fossil-fuel emissions each September 21. The observance urges people and organizations to cut non-essential electricity use, avoid driving and flights, and choose low-carbon alternatives, using the pause to reflect on energy demand and air quality. Its simple message—“Giving our Planet a day off a year”—aims to catalyze longer-term habits: active transport, public transit, efficiency upgrades, and adoption of clean energy, all grounded in climate education and practical action.