September 26 National Days

September 26 is the 269th day of the year (270th in leap years), with 96 days remaining until the end of the year.

National Days on September 26th — September 26 National Days

This is one of the busiest dates on the national days calendar, with 28 national and international observances—the highest number of celebrations for a single day all year. The themes span from pancakes, dumplings, and Johnny Appleseed to serious global issues like nuclear weapons, contraception, and environmental health. The date also honors cultural icons, historical milestones, and the people whose choices have shaped world events.

Here’s a look at the 28 national and international days celebrated on September 26.

National and International Days on September 26

Better Breakfast Day grew out of early 20th-century efforts to promote healthy eating, beginning when the U.S. government encouraged citizens during World War I and World War II to start the day with a nourishing meal. In 1951, the Cereal Institute launched Better Breakfast Month each September, timed to the back-to-school season as a way to instill good habits in children at the start of the academic year. While the specific date of Better Breakfast Day varies—sometimes observed on September 26 or in the third or fourth week of the month—the message remains the same: breakfast plays a key role in energy, concentration, and overall health.

European Day of Languages (EDL) was established in 2001 by the Council of Europe following the success of the European Year of Languages, a joint initiative with the European Union. The day promotes Europe’s linguistic diversity and encourages lifelong language learning. With more than 200 languages spoken across the continent—including regional, minority, and migrant languages—the observance highlights the importance of multilingualism for communication, mobility, and intercultural understanding.

German Butterbrot Day* (Last Friday in September) was established in 1999 by the Central Marketing Society of the German Agricultural Industry (CMA) to celebrate the Butterbrot—a simple open-faced sandwich of buttered bread with a topping. The observance was originally a marketing initiative to highlight bread and butter as essential agricultural products at a time when quick meals like muesli and takeout foods were becoming more popular. Even after the CMA dissolved, the holiday endured and is now embraced as a cultural tradition, honoring the Butterbrot as both a symbol of comfort and a cornerstone of the German diet for centuries.

Hug a Vegetarian Day* (Fourth Friday in September) was founded by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), the animal rights organization established in 1980 by Ingrid Newkirk. The day recognizes individuals who choose a vegetarian lifestyle, highlighting its ethical, environmental, and health benefits. By celebrating vegetarians, the observance promotes compassion for animals, reduced environmental impact, and the well-documented advantages of plant-based diets.

Human Resource Professional Day was first proposed in 2013 by Jamaican Governor-General Sir Patrick Allen to honor the vital contributions of HR professionals in guiding human capital and supporting organizational success. It became an official holiday in Jamaica in 2018 and soon gained international recognition, particularly across North America and the Caribbean. Celebrated each year on September 26, the day acknowledges the expertise and strategic importance of HR practitioners, who play a key role in fostering workplace culture, ensuring fair practices, and helping organizations thrive through their people.

International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons / Nuclear Weapons Elimination Day was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2013 through Resolution 68/32, following its first high-level meeting on nuclear disarmament held on September 26 of that year. The day underscores the urgent need to remove the threat of nuclear war by raising public awareness, encouraging global dialogue, and calling for negotiations toward a binding treaty to abolish nuclear weapons. The date also carries symbolic weight, falling on the anniversary of a 1983 Soviet false alarm in which a malfunctioning early-warning system mistakenly signaled a U.S. missile strike—an incident that nearly triggered nuclear conflict. By aligning present action with past lessons, the observance highlights the shared responsibility of nations to achieve a world free of nuclear weapons.

➕ A related to the above observance is Petrov Day. It honors Soviet officer Stanislav Petrov, whose calm judgment in 1983 prevented a mistaken nuclear launch during a false missile alarm. The day serves as a reminder of how close the world came to nuclear war and underscores the importance of rational decision-making in reducing existential risks.

Love Note Day: This day encourages people to write heartfelt notes to loved ones, expressing affection and appreciation. It’s a simple but meaningful way to strengthen relationships and bring joy to those who receive a personal, handwritten message.

Mesothelioma Awareness Day / Meso Awareness Day was established in 2004 by the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation to raise awareness of this rare and aggressive cancer, most often caused by asbestos exposure. The observance was officially recognized by the U.S. Congress in 2010, making September 26 a national day of education, advocacy, and remembrance. The day seeks to increase funding for research toward a cure, provide resources and support to patients and families, and honor survivors, caregivers, and those lost to the disease. People participate by wearing blue, sharing stories and photos online with the hashtag #curemeso, lighting landmarks in blue, and joining community events such as walks and fundraisers that advance both awareness and policy efforts to end asbestos use.

National BRAVE Day* (Fourth Friday in September) was founded in 2017 by Sweetlife Women to honor their founder, Kaci Stewart, whose vision inspired women to uplift and support one another. The observance calls for courage, compassion, and community among women, encouraging them to strengthen each other through acts of kindness, gratitude, and encouragement. More than a symbolic recognition, it serves as a reminder that bravery is often shown in small but meaningful gestures—listening with empathy, offering support, and helping others take steps toward their dreams.

👯‍♀️ See the complete list of national days dedicated to women and girls.

National Chimichanga Day celebrates the deep-fried burrito that has become a hallmark of Southwestern and Tex-Mex cuisine. With origins claimed by both Arizona and Mexico, the chimichanga is prized for its crispy tortilla wrapped around seasoned meats, beans, and spices. The observance was officially established in 2020 by Macayo’s Mexican Food, securing the dish’s recognition as both a culinary favorite and a symbol of Mexican-American food culture.

National Chimichanga Day

National Compliance Officer Day was founded in 2016 by SAI Global (now SAI360) to recognize the essential yet often under-appreciated work of compliance professionals. The observance aligns with the opening of the Society of Corporate Compliance & Ethics (SCCE) Annual Compliance & Ethics Institute. Compliance officers play a vital role in modern organizations by managing risk, ensuring adherence to laws and regulations, and fostering ethical cultures. Their responsibilities range from creating internal controls and policies to supporting business continuity and guiding employees in making sound decisions. This day highlights their contributions to organizational integrity, stability, and trust.

National Day of Praise and Worship was founded in 2020 by Derrick Wallace as a Christian observance dedicated to glorifying God through creative expression. The day encourages believers to use their God-given talents—whether singing, painting, playing music, or other forms of art—as acts of worship. Beyond individual devotion, it serves as a unifying opportunity for Christians across the United States to come together in faith, lifting their voices and gifts in praise. The observance highlights the importance of creativity in spiritual life and reminds participants that worship can extend far beyond church walls, becoming a daily practice of gratitude and reverence.

National Doodle Day* (Observed on a Friday in September) was founded in 2004 by the UK charity Epilepsy Action as a creative fundraising event to support people living with epilepsy. Held annually in September, the day invites individuals, artists, and celebrities to create doodles that are later auctioned, with proceeds funding research and support services. Beyond raising thousands of pounds each year, the observance uses the universal language of art to spark conversations about epilepsy, a condition that affects millions worldwide.

National Dumpling Day was founded in 2015 by TMI Food Group, a U.S.-based, minority-owned company specializing in dumplings and appetizers. Dumplings trace their roots back to ancient China’s Han Dynasty, where legend says they were first made as a remedy for frostbitten ears, and over centuries they spread globally, inspiring countless variations such as Italian ravioli, Polish pierogi, and Japanese gyoza. By 2018 the celebration was already being called “International Dumpling Day,” and by 2019 it had expanded further as “World Dumpling Day” in places like Australia. The day highlights the dumpling’s popularity, its ability to bridge cultures, and its enduring role as both comfort food and culinary art.

National Fortnite Day marks the 2017 launch of Fortnite Battle Royale as a free-to-play game, a turning point that transformed it into a global cultural phenomenon. Originally developed in just two months by Epic Games, the mode was inspired by the success of PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds and built on the assets of Fortnite: Save the World. Its release on this date opened access to millions of players, with cross-platform play and mobile expansion fueling its meteoric rise. Beyond being a game, Fortnite became a virtual social space, a platform for concerts and events, and a defining influence on modern gaming, making September 26 a symbolic day in video game history.

National Fortnite Day

National Gay Men’s HIV/AIDS Awareness Day* (Last Friday in September) was established in 2008 by the National Association of People with AIDS (NAPWA) to address the disproportionate impact of HIV/AIDS on gay and bisexual men. The observance raises awareness about the ongoing epidemic, promotes HIV testing and access to prevention and treatment, and works to dismantle stigma. It also highlights the social challenges—including racism, homophobia, and discrimination—that compound health disparities in this community, serving as a call to action for equity, compassion, and continued progress in the fight against HIV.

National Johnny Appleseed Day honors John Chapman (1774–1845), the pioneer nurseryman better known as Johnny Appleseed, who introduced apple trees across much of the American frontier, from Pennsylvania and Ohio to Indiana and Illinois. Celebrated on either September 26, his birthday, or March 11, which aligns with the apple planting season, the day recognizes his role in shaping early American agriculture and his enduring image as a folk hero. By planting seeds that helped settlers establish orchards and claim land, Chapman became a symbol of generosity and conservation. His legacy continues to inspire reflection on the human relationship with nature and the importance of stewardship of the land.

National Key Lime Pie Day honors the tangy-sweet dessert most closely associated with the Florida Keys. While the exact origin of the pie is debated—some credit “Aunt Sally,” cook for Key West millionaire William Curry in the late 19th century, while others point to the Borden Company in New York experimenting with condensed milk—the dish became a culinary icon of Florida. In 2006, Key Lime Pie was officially designated Florida’s state pie. The day offers a chance to savor a slice of this citrus classic and celebrate a dessert that embodies the history and flavor of the Sunshine State.

National Law Enforcement Suicide Awareness Day was established in 2020 by the nonprofit organization Blue H.E.L.P. to honor law enforcement officers who lost their lives to suicide and to support their families. The observance underscores the belief that every officer’s service deserves recognition, regardless of the circumstances of their death. It raises awareness of the mental health challenges faced in policing, works to reduce the stigma surrounding seeking help, and reminds officers and their families that they are not alone. The day also emphasizes that a single tragic moment does not define a life of service, encouraging greater compassion, resources, and open dialogue about mental health in law enforcement.

National Pancake Day was first created in 2005 as Lumberjack Day by Marianne Ways and Colleen AF Venable, who wanted a playful excuse to gather friends for pancakes and waffles. They later renamed it to National Pancake Day, giving the dish its own lighthearted holiday distinct from the religiously rooted Shrove Tuesday traditions. While this modern observance is purely celebratory, pancakes themselves have ancient origins: evidence of early batters dates back over 30,000 years, with the Greeks and Romans preparing versions from wheat flour, olive oil, honey, and milk. Over time, pancakes evolved into countless global variations, from French crêpes to Indonesian serabi and Ugandan banana pancakes.

National Pancake Day

National Situational Awareness Day was founded in 2016 by Pretty Loaded, LLC, a personal safety training company created by Beth Warford after she and her children narrowly escaped an attack. Observed on September 26, the date honors Dru Sjodin, a college student abducted and murdered in 2003, whose case led to the creation of the National Sex Offender Public Registry under “Dru’s Law.” While the concept of situational awareness can be traced back to World War I military strategy and was formalized in the 1980s in human factors engineering, its application to personal safety has become increasingly vital in everyday life. The observance encourages people to remain alert to their surroundings, minimize distractions, and strengthen their observational skills to prevent harm—underscoring that awareness is a powerful tool for safety and decision-making.

Native American Day* (Fourth Friday in September) has roots in early 20th-century state observances, beginning with New York’s American Indian Day in 1916, followed by initiatives in Illinois and California. These efforts eventually led to broader recognition: in 1986 President Ronald Reagan proclaimed “American Indian Week,” in 1990 November was declared National Native American Heritage Month, and in 2008 Congress officially established the Friday after Thanksgiving as National Native American Heritage Day. The observance highlights Native peoples’ cultural traditions, history, and contributions while countering narratives long overshadowed by Columbus Day. Distinct from Indigenous Peoples’ Day—widely marked on the second Monday of October—the holiday reflects a growing effort to honor Indigenous communities across the United States, acknowledging both their enduring heritage and the challenges they continue to face.

Save the Koala Day* (Last Friday in September) was established in 1988 by the Australian Koala Foundation (AKF) to raise awareness and funds for koala conservation during September’s Save the Koala Month. The AKF, founded in 1986 by veterinary scientists, soon recognized that habitat loss—not just disease—posed the greatest threat to koalas, whose survival depends on eucalyptus forests increasingly cleared for agriculture, development, and urban growth. The observance draws attention to additional dangers, including chlamydia, climate change, bushfires, road accidents, and dog attacks, all of which contribute to the species’ decline. The AKF’s advocacy helped secure the koala’s listing as “vulnerable” under Australian law in 2012, but the organization continues to push for stronger protections through a federal Koala Protection Act. Save the Koala Day serves both as a fundraiser and a public reminder that without urgent conservation efforts, this iconic marsupial could face extinction.

Shamu the Whale Day is observed on September 26 to commemorate the birth of Kalina, the first surviving orca born in captivity, on this date in 1985. Known as “Baby Shamu,” Kalina represented a milestone for SeaWorld, which had built its brand around Shamu—the name of the first healthy orca captured for captivity in 1965. Originally intended as a companion for a male orca named Namu, “Shamu” became a trademark passed from whale to whale, turning into a powerful symbol of marine entertainment. While the holiday highlights Shamu’s fame, it also sparks reflection on the complex legacy of orca captivity, inspiring greater awareness about conservation, animal welfare, and the challenges of balancing human fascination with marine life and the ethical responsibility to protect it.

Sport Purple for Platelets Day* (Last Friday of every September) was created in 2016 as a central event of the first Global ITP Awareness Week, which coincides with National ITP Awareness Month established in the U.S. in 2010. The day raises awareness for immune thrombocytopenia (ITP), an autoimmune disorder where the body attacks its own platelets, leading to easy bruising and bleeding. Purple was chosen both to symbolize the bruising that is a hallmark symptom of ITP and to represent bravery, honoring the resilience of patients and families. The observance unites organizations worldwide to promote understanding, research, and support for those affected by this common but often misunderstood blood disorder.

The World’s Biggest Coffee Morning 🇬🇧* (Last Friday in September) began in the UK in 1990 when supporters of Macmillan Cancer Support first gathered to share coffee and donate the cost of their drinks to the charity. Its immediate success led to a nationwide rollout in 1991, with 2,600 coffee mornings held across the country. Since then, it has grown into Macmillan’s largest annual fundraising event, bringing together workplaces, communities, and families each September.

National Coffee Days 2025

World Contraception Day was launched in 2007 by a coalition of ten international family planning organizations to promote awareness about contraception and empower individuals to make informed choices about their reproductive health. Observed annually on September 26, the campaign highlights the wide range of contraceptive methods available, aiming to reduce unplanned pregnancies and ensure that every pregnancy is a wanted one. Supported by the United Nations and numerous NGOs, the observance connects access to contraception with fundamental human rights such as health, autonomy, and gender equality. By fostering education and open dialogue, it empowers people—especially young people—to plan their futures with confidence and control.