September 25 National Days

September 25 is the 268th day of the year (269th in leap years), with 97 days remaining until the end of the year.

National Days on September 25th — September 25 National Days

Today’s celebrations highlight a wide spectrum of themes—from quesadillas, lobsters, and comic books to psychotherapy, yoga, and lung health. The date also recognizes research administrators, food service employees, and pharmacists, while encouraging reflection on dreams, adoption awareness, and maritime trade.

Here’s a look at the 22 national and international days celebrated on September 25.

National and International Days on September 25

Binge Day reflects a cultural shift in how people consume media, from television and film to podcasts and games. The practice of watching or listening to multiple episodes in one sitting existed before, but it became a mainstream phenomenon in 2013 when Netflix released all episodes of House of Cards at once, allowing audiences to immerse themselves in a story without waiting week to week. Though the term “binge-watch” appeared as early as 2003, streaming platforms cemented it as a defining feature of modern entertainment. The observance highlights both the pleasures and pitfalls of the trend—celebrating the deep engagement and shared cultural experiences it creates, while also sparking conversations about balance, screen time, and the ways technology reshapes storytelling.

International Ataxia Awareness Day (IAAD) was established in 1999 at the International Friedreich’s Ataxia Conference, with the first observance held on September 25, 2000. Spearheaded by the National Ataxia Foundation (NAF), the day unites organizations and advocates around the world to raise awareness about ataxia, a group of rare neurological disorders that affect coordination, balance, and speech. Ataxias can be inherited or acquired, progressive or sudden, and they often impact everyday activities such as walking, writing, and swallowing. By educating the public and medical communities, IAAD seeks to improve early diagnosis, support research into treatments and cures, and empower individuals living with ataxia. The observance also serves as a reminder of the importance of global collaboration in addressing rare diseases and supporting those who face them.

Math Storytelling Day was created in 2009 by educator Maria Droujkova and her daughter to make mathematics less intimidating and more engaging through stories. Droujkova, founder of The Natural Math Community, believed that narrative, games, and songs could help people of all ages connect to mathematical concepts in an accessible way. The observance emphasizes that math is not only about formulas and numbers but also about patterns, logic, and problem-solving woven into daily life. By framing math as a story, learners can see its relevance in history, culture, and personal experiences, turning abstract ideas into meaningful connections and building confidence in a subject often seen as difficult.

National Comic Book Day celebrates the unique art form that combines visual storytelling with literature. Comic books emerged in the United States in the 1930s, with the debut of superhero icons like Superman and Batman helping to launch what is now called the Golden Age of Comics. Since then, the medium has expanded beyond superheroes to include graphic novels, indie comics, and international traditions such as Japanese manga and French bande dessinée. The observance highlights the cultural significance of comics as tools for entertainment, education, and social commentary, inspiring generations of readers and artists alike.

National Cooking Day was founded in 2016 by PotsandPans.com to encourage people to rediscover the value of preparing meals at home. Cooking has been central to human culture for millennia, serving not only as a means of nourishment but also as a way of passing down traditions, strengthening families, and fostering creativity. The observance highlights the many benefits of home cooking—from healthier diets and reduced food costs to the preservation of culinary heritage. It reminds us that cooking is both a life skill and an art form, connecting people across generations and cultures while nurturing body, mind, and community.

National Daughters Day originated in India around 2007, launched by the greeting card company Archies Limited to challenge cultural stigma that often devalued daughters. The observance was created as a response to patriarchal traditions that viewed girls as burdens rather than assets to families. Its purpose was to encourage parents to openly express love and pride in their daughters, thereby promoting gender equality. Over time, the day has spread internationally, evolving into a celebration of the unique bond between parents and daughters. Beyond family affection, the day serves as a reminder of broader social issues—such as education access, empowerment, and women’s rights—emphasizing that valuing daughters strengthens communities and contributes to a more equitable society.

National Daughters Day

National Food Service Employee Day is observed annually on September 25 to honor the millions of workers who keep the food industry running—chefs, servers, bartenders, dishwashers, delivery drivers, cafeteria workers, and more. The observance recognizes not only the visible roles in restaurants and cafés but also the often-overlooked staff in schools, hospitals, and other institutions who ensure people are nourished every day. Food service is one of the largest employment sectors in the world, yet it is also among the most demanding, with long hours, physical strain, and reliance on tips in many regions. The day provides an opportunity to show gratitude through small gestures of kindness—such as thank-you notes, generous tipping, or highlighting staff contributions—while also raising awareness of broader issues like fair wages, job security, and workplace safety. By celebrating food service employees, the day reminds us that hospitality is a profession built on skill, dedication, and care.

National Lobster Day was officially declared on September 25, 2015, by U.S. Senators Angus King and Susan Collins of Maine to recognize the cultural and economic importance of the lobster industry. While lobsters were once considered “poor man’s food” in colonial New England, they have since become a culinary delicacy prized worldwide. The day falls during the peak of the lobster season, drawing attention to the hard work of lobstermen and women who navigate challenging seas to sustain a tradition that dates back centuries. Beyond its role as a luxury dish, lobster fishing supports coastal economies, shapes regional identity in Maine and Atlantic Canada, and highlights the importance of sustainable seafood practices in protecting marine ecosystems.

National One-Hit Wonder Day was created in 1990 by music journalist Steve Rosen to honor artists who achieved fame with a single memorable hit. These songs, often topping charts for a brief moment, continue to live on in cultural memory long after the artists themselves faded from the spotlight. One-hit wonders reflect both the unpredictability of the music industry and the power of a single track to capture the spirit of an era.

National Open the Magic Day was created in 2021 by Courtney Hinshaw, founder of Ramona Recommends, to celebrate the power of picture books and the joy of reading aloud. Hinshaw, who struggled as a young reader herself, found confidence and connection through picture books and wanted to inspire children with the same experience. The observance highlights the educational value of picture books, which build vocabulary, strengthen comprehension, and nurture imagination. It especially encourages teachers, parents, and librarians to support struggling readers by creating “confetti moments”—those small sparks of joy that transform reading from a challenge into a lifelong passion.

National Days for Book Lovers

National Psychotherapy Day was founded in 2012 by clinical psychologist Dr. Ryan Howes to promote understanding of psychotherapy and reduce the stigma surrounding mental health treatment. Psychotherapy—sometimes called “talk therapy”—is a scientifically validated practice that helps individuals explore thoughts, emotions, and behaviors in a safe, structured setting. It can be used to treat conditions such as depression, anxiety, and trauma, as well as to foster personal growth and resilience. Observed each September 25, the day raises awareness of therapy’s effectiveness, advocates for accessible and affordable mental healthcare, and reminds people that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

National Quesadilla Day, also known as Día de la Quesadilla, was founded in 2020 by the Mexican food company V&V Supremo to celebrate one of Mexico’s most beloved dishes. The quesadilla, traditionally made by folding a corn or flour tortilla around melted cheese and other fillings, reflects centuries of culinary tradition rooted in indigenous maize-based cuisine. Over time, it has evolved into countless regional variations, from Mexico City’s cheese-only “quesadillas” to versions filled with meats, vegetables, and even huitlacoche, a native corn fungus.

National Quesadilla Day

National Research Administrator Day was established in 2015 by the National Council of University Research Administrators (NCURA) to honor the professionals who manage and support research projects across universities, hospitals, and scientific institutions. Research administrators play a critical but often unseen role: they help secure funding, ensure compliance with ethical and legal standards, manage budgets, and guide projects from proposal to completion. By handling the complexities of regulations and resources, they allow scientists and scholars to focus on discovery. The observance highlights their contributions to advancing knowledge, fostering innovation, and ensuring that research benefits society in responsible and sustainable ways.

National Roadkill Day was founded in 2021 by Carolyn Arnold to spark awareness about the environmental, cultural, and safety issues connected with roadkill. Every year, millions of animals are killed on roads, making collisions with wildlife a leading threat to both biodiversity and human safety. Beyond raising awareness of the problem, the observance also highlights the historic and cultural practice of salvaging roadkill as a food source—a tradition rooted in resourcefulness and sustainability. Advocates use the day to encourage safe driving, promote investment in wildlife crossings and corridors, and rethink how human infrastructure intersects with natural habitats. By addressing the topic openly, the day fosters conversation about conservation, food ethics, and our shared responsibility to protect wildlife.

National Schnauzer Day honors the history and charm of the Schnauzer breed. Originating in Germany in the 15th and 16th centuries, Schnauzers were developed as farm dogs, prized for their intelligence, loyalty, and ability to guard property and control vermin. Their distinctive bearded muzzle gave the breed its name, derived from the German word schnauze, meaning “snout.” Today, Schnauzers come in three varieties—Miniature, Standard, and Giant—each with unique roles and temperaments but a shared reputation for energy and devotion.

National Tune-Up Day was founded in 2014 by HomeServe USA to remind homeowners of the importance of seasonal maintenance, particularly for heating and cooling (HVAC) systems. Timed for late September, just before colder weather arrives, the observance emphasizes preventive care—checking furnaces, filters, thermostats, and insulation—to avoid costly breakdowns during winter. Beyond comfort, tune-ups improve energy efficiency, reduce utility bills, and extend the lifespan of home systems, while also ensuring safety by preventing issues such as carbon monoxide leaks. The day encourages homeowners to take a proactive approach to home care, underscoring the broader principle that regular maintenance protects both property and health.

National YogaFit Day was founded in 2019 by YogaFit Worldwide to celebrate yoga as both a fitness practice and a path to holistic well-being. Unlike traditional yoga schools that emphasize lineage, YogaFit promotes accessibility by making yoga adaptable for all ages, body types, and skill levels. The day highlights the physical benefits of yoga—such as improved flexibility, balance, and strength—while also emphasizing its role in stress management, mental clarity, and emotional resilience. Beyond personal practice, the observance encourages community service, with YogaFit instructors and students often using the occasion to organize donation-based classes and outreach programs. It reflects a broader movement to integrate yoga into modern health and wellness, blending ancient traditions with contemporary needs.

Remember Me Thursday* (Fourth Thursday in September) was founded in 2012 by Mike Arms, president of the Helen Woodward Animal Center in California, to raise global awareness about orphan pets awaiting adoption. Each year, millions of shelter animals lose their lives before finding homes, often because of overcrowding or lack of resources. The movement uses the power of social media and candle-lighting ceremonies—both virtual and in-person—to honor these animals and to inspire action. Animal lovers, shelters, and organizations worldwide participate by sharing stories, promoting adoption, and encouraging community involvement. The observance has grown into a global campaign that not only remembers those lost but also transforms awareness into action, working toward a future where every pet has a family.

National Pet Days and Veterinary Awareness Days 2025

World Dream Day / International Day for Dreamers was founded in 2012 by transformational strategist Ozioma Egwuonwu to encourage people to envision and pursue a better future. Observed annually on September 25, the day emphasizes the power of imagination as the starting point for personal growth, community building, and global change. Participants are invited to declare their dreams, share them publicly, and take practical steps toward making them real. The observance highlights the importance of collective visioning throughout history, from social movements to scientific breakthroughs, reminding us that dreams—when paired with action—can shape culture, innovation, and progress.

World Lung Day was established in 2018 by the Forum of International Respiratory Societies (FIRS) to draw attention to the global impact of lung diseases. Respiratory illnesses such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pneumonia, tuberculosis, and lung cancer collectively account for millions of deaths each year, yet many remain preventable through early detection and public health measures. The observance highlights the importance of clean air, tobacco cessation, vaccination, and access to equitable healthcare. It also underscores how climate change and air pollution exacerbate lung conditions, making lung health not just a medical issue but also an environmental and social one. By fostering education, advocacy, and collaboration, World Lung Day calls on individuals, communities, and governments to take action to ensure healthier breathing for all.

World Maritime Day* (Last Thursday in September) was established in 1978 by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the IMO Convention’s entry into force. The observance underscores the essential role of shipping in global trade—nearly 90% of the world’s goods are transported by sea. Each year, the IMO selects a theme that highlights critical issues such as maritime safety, environmental protection, sustainable shipping, or the future of seafarers. The day not only draws attention to the challenges facing the maritime sector, from climate change to digital transformation, but also educates the public about how deeply international trade, daily life, and global supply chains depend on the sea.

World Pharmacists Day was established in 2009 by the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) to commemorate the organization’s founding on September 25, 1912. Observed annually, the day highlights the essential role pharmacists play in global healthcare systems. Pharmacists are not only dispensers of medicine but also frontline healthcare professionals who ensure safe medication use, provide counseling on treatment plans, support vaccination programs, and contribute to disease prevention and management. In 2020, FIP expanded the observance into World Pharmacy Week (September 19–25, 2025) to showcase the broader scope of the profession, from hospital and clinical pharmacists to those working in research and community health.