September 24 National Days

September 24 is the 267th day of the year (268th in leap years), with 98 days remaining until the end of the year.

National Days on September 24th — September 24 National Days

Today’s observances span from bluebirds, punctuation, and Bollywood cinema to foods and drinks like cherries jubilee, horchata, and mofongo. The date also highlights important issues such as women’s fitness, breast cancer awareness, and age diversity in the workplace, while remembering cultural traditions like the Schwenkfelder Thanksgiving.

Here’s a look at the 13 national and international days celebrated on September 24.

National and International Days on September 24

Bluebird of Happiness Day is a modern holiday inspired by the enduring symbolism of the bluebird. Popularized by Maurice Maeterlinck’s 1908 play The Blue Bird, the phrase “bluebird of happiness” spread widely in Western culture during the 20th century. Across global traditions, from Greek mythology to Native American and Chinese folklore, the bluebird has long symbolized joy, hope, and good fortune.

International Age Diversity Day was created by The Age Diversity Forum to celebrate the value of people of all ages in workplaces and communities. Originally called Champion Age Diversity Day, the observance recognizes that age inclusion is an essential part of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives. It seeks to counteract age-related bias, highlight the strengths of intergenerational teams, and promote policies that support longer, healthier working lives.

International Day of Birmingham (IDOB) was founded in 2024 by comedian Joe Lycett after he traveled across North America visiting cities named Birmingham. His project forged symbolic “Friendship Agreements” among them and connected them back to Birmingham, England, in what he dubbed the “United States of Birmingham.” Celebrated annually on September 24, the day emphasizes cultural exchange, shared identity, and the unique “Brummie spirit” across communities bearing the same name.

Lash Stylists’ Day was founded in 2017 by Noble Lashes to recognize the growing profession of lash stylists, who specialize in enhancing natural beauty through eyelash extensions and design. The craft requires precision and knowledge of eye health, as stylists work with various materials and techniques to create customized looks. The observance highlights the evolution of beauty practices, where lash styling has grown from a niche service to a mainstream industry. It also acknowledges the training, dedication, and entrepreneurial spirit of lash professionals, who play an important role in shaping modern beauty standards and boosting clients’ confidence.

👁️ This day is separate from National Lash Day, celebrated on February 19.

Lash Stylists Day

National Cherries Jubilee Day celebrates one of the most theatrical desserts in culinary history. The dish was created by the renowned French chef Auguste Escoffier in 1897 to honor Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee. Cherries Jubilee consists of cherries poached in a sweet syrup, flambéed with brandy or kirsch, and traditionally served over vanilla ice cream. Its dramatic presentation—flames rising from the pan—made it a showpiece of fine dining during the late 19th and mid-20th centuries, especially in upscale restaurants across Europe and the United States. Beyond its spectacle, the dessert reflects the innovation of Escoffier, whose work helped define modern French cuisine.

National Day of Arts in Care Homes 🇬🇧 was first held in 2019 as part of a five-year program led by the National Activity Providers Association (NAPA) with support from The Baring Foundation and The Rayne Foundation. Observed annually on September 24 in the United Kingdom, the day highlights the transformative role that creativity and the arts play in care environments. Studies show that engaging in music, painting, drama, dance, and other art forms can reduce loneliness, improve mental health, and strengthen social bonds for older adults and people living in care homes. By showcasing these benefits, the observance encourages care providers to embed artistic activities into daily life, not as optional extras but as essential elements of holistic well-being.

National Horchata Day was founded in 2019 by the convenience store chain ampm to celebrate one of the most beloved drinks in Hispanic cuisine. Horchata is thought to have originated in Spain with horchata de chufa, made from tiger nuts brought by the Moors. In Mexico and across Latin America, the recipe evolved into a rice-based drink flavored with cinnamon, sugar, and vanilla. Often served chilled, horchata offers a creamy, refreshing taste that has become a staple during celebrations and hot summer days. The observance is held during Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15–October 15).

National Mofongo Day, celebrated during Hispanic Heritage Month, was established in 2021 by Puerto Rican chef José Mendín to celebrate mofongo, a signature dish of Puerto Rican cuisine. Made from fried green plantains mashed with garlic, olive oil, and pork cracklings (chicharrón), mofongo is often served with broth, seafood, or meat. Its origins trace back to West African fufu, brought to the Caribbean through the transatlantic slave trade, and adapted with local ingredients like plantains. Over centuries, it evolved into a cultural emblem of Puerto Rico.

National Punctuation Day was founded in 2004 by Jeff Rubin to highlight the essential role punctuation plays in language and communication. Far beyond a set of rules, punctuation provides rhythm, clarity, and nuance to the written word—helping us distinguish questions from statements, separate ideas, and avoid misunderstandings. The observance encourages schools, writers, and everyday readers to reflect on how marks such as commas, semicolons, and periods have shaped literacy for centuries.

National Women’s Health and Fitness Day* (Last Wednesday in September) began in 2002, established by the Health Information Resource Center (HIRC) to promote women’s health across all ages. The observance encourages women to prioritize fitness, nutrition, preventive care, and self-awareness of unique health risks. Community events, wellness fairs, and fitness activities are often held to mark the day, reinforcing the message that lifelong wellness is built through consistent, informed choices.

Schwenkfelder Thanksgiving traces its roots to September 24, 1734, when a group of Schwenkfelder Protestant exiles, fleeing religious persecution in Germany, landed in Philadelphia. Two days later, they gathered for a thanksgiving service, offering prayers of gratitude and sharing a simple meal of bread and apple butter. Still observed today by the Schwenkfelder Church, it is recognized as the oldest continuously celebrated Thanksgiving tradition in the United States.

World Dense Breast Day* (Last Wednesday in September) was launched in 2022 by DenseBreast-info.org, a nonprofit dedicated to educating women about breast density. Dense breast tissue, which appears white on mammograms like tumors, makes cancers harder to detect and also increases cancer risk. The observance is marked with a 24-hour global social media campaign to raise awareness, encourage women to learn their breast density, and advocate for appropriate screening beyond standard mammograms.

World Bollywood Day recognizes the global impact of India’s Hindi-language film industry. Often referred to as the world’s largest center of film production, Bollywood originated in Mumbai (formerly Bombay) in the early 20th century and grew significantly after India’s independence in 1947. Its movies blend drama, music, and dance in ways that have shaped both Indian popular culture and international perceptions of South Asia. The observance highlights Bollywood’s role in providing social commentary, preserving cultural traditions, and projecting Indian identity to global audiences.