September 23 National Days

September 23 is the 266th day of the year (267th in leap years), with 99 days remaining until the end of the year.

National Days on September 23rd — September 23 National Days

Falling just after the Autumnal Equinox, today symbolizes balance in nature and in life, as daylight and darkness stand nearly equal. Many cultures mark this seasonal shift with harvest traditions, gratitude rituals, or celebrations of rest and renewal.

September 23 highlights themes as diverse as za’atar spices, pot pies, snack sticks, red hair, and apple cider vinegar, while also raising awareness for restless legs syndrome, ovarian cancer, digestive health, and rare neurological conditions. The date celebrates bisexual visibility, sign languages, and education technology, while honoring professions from bakers to field marketers.

Here’s a look at the 16 national and international days celebrated on September 23.

National and International Days on September 23

Celebrate Bisexuality Day / Bi Visibility Day was founded in 1999 by activists Wendy Curry, Michael Page, and Gigi Raven Wilbur to challenge biphobia and celebrate bisexual identity. Chosen to coincide with the birthday of rock legend Freddie Mercury, the day honors bisexual culture, history, and community while addressing issues of invisibility and erasure. It has since expanded worldwide and is often the culmination of Bi Awareness Week (September 16–23, 2025), promoting acceptance across the broader bisexual+ spectrum, including pansexual and fluid identities.

Education Technology Day emphasizes the role of technology in transforming classrooms and learning environments. While its exact origin as a holiday is unclear, it reflects centuries of educational innovation, from chalkboards and projectors to AI-driven platforms, online courses, and virtual reality. The day encourages educators, students, and policymakers to recognize the impact of EdTech on access to education, personalized learning, and global connectivity.

Go With Your Gut Day was created by musician Randy Jackson and his wellness company Unify Health Labs to spotlight digestive health and the vital gut-brain connection. After his own health transformation, Jackson launched the observance to promote awareness of how diet, probiotics, and lifestyle choices influence digestion, emotional balance, and overall well-being. The day encourages individuals to make informed health choices that support long-term vitality.

Innergize Day* (Day after the Autumnal Equinox) was founded in the early 2000s by Michelle Porchia, creator of Inner Dimensions LLC, to encourage rest and self-care. Timed to follow the balance of the equinox, it invites people to pause, recharge, and focus on personal well-being. The observance highlights practices that bring peace and renewal, offering a mindful counterpoint to the often-hectic pace of daily life.

International Day of Sign Languages was proclaimed by the United Nations in 2017 and first celebrated in 2018 to coincide with the founding of the World Federation of the Deaf in 1951. Part of the International Week of the Deaf, which began in 1958, the day affirms the linguistic and cultural identity of deaf communities worldwide. It calls for the protection and recognition of sign languages as equal to spoken languages, fostering inclusivity, human rights, and cultural diversity.

National AFM Day raises awareness about acute flaccid myelitis (AFM), a rare but serious neurological condition that affects the spinal cord and can cause sudden limb weakness, paralysis, and loss of reflexes. Most often impacting children, AFM is frequently linked to viral infections but remains poorly understood. Observed annually on September 23, the day highlights the urgent need for medical research, early detection, and public education to improve outcomes and support families affected by this life-altering condition.

National Apple Cider Vinegar Day was established in May 2021 by Bragg Live Food Products, LLC, a company long associated with promoting apple cider vinegar (ACV) as a health staple. Made from fermented apple cider, ACV is valued for its acetic acid content, modest amounts of probiotics, and antioxidants. Traditionally used as a folk remedy, it has been studied for potential benefits in blood sugar control, weight management, and cholesterol levels. The observance celebrates both its culinary uses and its place in natural wellness traditions.

National Baker Day recognizes the skill, creativity, and hard work of bakers, whose craft has shaped food culture for thousands of years. From the earliest flatbreads baked in ancient civilizations to today’s artisan sourdoughs, intricate pastries, and celebration cakes, bakers carry forward traditions that connect us to history while experimenting with new flavors and techniques that keep the craft evolving. The day highlights both professional bakers and home bakers.

National Baker Day

National Checkers Day / Dogs in Politics Day commemorates the famous “Checkers Speech” delivered on September 23, 1952, by then–Vice Presidential candidate Richard Nixon. Accused of misusing campaign funds, Nixon went on national television to defend himself, admitting only to receiving one gift—a dog named Checkers, beloved by his children. The emotional appeal won public sympathy and saved his candidacy. The day highlights the enduring influence of pets in politics and the unique role dogs have played in American history.

National Field Marketer’s Day was founded in 2021 by Splash, an event marketing technology company, to recognize the often-overlooked contributions of field marketers. These professionals bridge the gap between companies and customers, generating leads, executing campaigns, and building personal relationships that drive sales. The observance underscores the demanding and dynamic nature of field marketing and acknowledges the individuals who bring brands to life in direct, human ways.

National Great American Pot Pie Day was created in 2002 by the frozen food brand Marie Callender’s to promote the comfort and tradition of pot pies. While meat-filled pies trace back to ancient Rome, the pot pie became a distinctly American dish, with references appearing in U.S. cookbooks as early as 1785. The frozen version was popularized by Swanson in the 1950s, making pot pies a household staple. The day celebrates this hearty dish with its flaky crust and savory filling as a symbol of American home cooking.

National Snack Stick Day was founded in 2016 by the Klement Sausage Company to honor these convenient, protein-rich snacks. Snack sticks, often made from beef or pork, are a modern take on the ancient practice of preserving meat through curing, smoking, and drying. They remain popular with hikers, athletes, and anyone in need of a portable, long-lasting source of energy.

Redhead Appreciation Day celebrates people with natural red hair, a trait found in less than 2% of the global population. While its exact origin is unclear, the observance aims to challenge stereotypes and embrace the uniqueness of redheads. It joins a family of similar celebrations, such as World Redhead Day (May 26), Redhead Appreciation Day (September 23), National Love Your Red Hair Day (November 5, founded in 2015 by Adrienne and Stephanie Vendetti), and the Redhead Days Festival in the Netherlands (established in 2005). Together, these events highlight the pride and beauty of red hair in all its shades.

Restless Legs Awareness Day is observed annually on September 23, the birthday of Swedish neurologist Karl-Axel Ekbom, who first described Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) in 1945. The day was established by European patient associations to raise awareness of this neurological disorder, characterized by uncomfortable sensations in the legs and an irresistible urge to move them, especially at night. The observance honors Ekbom’s pioneering work while promoting education, support, and further research into treatment.

Teal Talk Day was founded in 2017 by the ovarian cancer foundation Ovarcome to spark conversations about ovarian cancer. With no reliable screening tests currently available, awareness of symptoms and risk factors is critical for early detection. The observance empowers women to pay attention to persistent changes in their health and to seek medical advice promptly. It also provides a platform for survivors, caregivers, and advocates to share stories, raise funds, and advance research into prevention and treatment.

Za’atar Day was created in 2019 by Your Lebanon, a platform dedicated to sharing Lebanese culture and cuisine, to celebrate the Middle Eastern spice blend. Za’atar typically combines thyme or oregano, sumac, sesame seeds, and salt, and has been used for centuries as both food and medicine. Sprinkled on flatbreads, meats, and vegetables, it holds a special place in Levantine identity and heritage. The day promotes appreciation of its tangy, savory flavor and its deep cultural roots.