National & International Days on May 28, 2026
Below are brief explanations of each observance celebrated on May 28.
Amnesty International Day
Amnesty International Day honors the founding of Amnesty International on May 28, 1961. British lawyer Peter Benenson launched the organization after writing an article titled “The Forgotten Prisoners,” which highlighted the injustice of two Portuguese students jailed for raising a toast to liberty. Amnesty has since grown into a global movement for human rights, advocating on behalf of prisoners of conscience and those affected by war, persecution, and inequality.
International Day of Action for Women’s Health
International Day of Action for Women’s Health, also called International Women’s Health Day, that has been observed on May 28 since the late 1980s. It raises awareness of women’s sexual and reproductive health rights and the systemic barriers that affect them. The day empowers individuals and organizations to take action toward gender equality and access to healthcare. It’s part of a broader movement to recognize women’s rights as fundamental human rights.
Menstrual Hygiene Day
Menstrual Hygiene Day was launched in 2013 by the nonprofit WASH United to break the silence and stigma around menstruation. The date—5/28—was chosen symbolically: 5 days being the average length of a period and 28 days as the average cycle length. This global movement works to improve access to menstrual products, education, and policy reform in over 70 countries.
National Beef Burger Day
National Beef Burger Day was founded in 2020 by the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association as part of their “Beef. It’s What’s for Dinner” campaign. It celebrates the iconic beef burger as the star of summer grilling. It’s observed annually on May 28 and encourages Americans to enjoy their favorite version—whether simple or stacked high with toppings.
🍔 Related food holidays include National Cheeseburger Day on September 18 and National Hamburger Day, which is also on May 28. Also, there is a separate UK-edition of the National Burger Day 🇬🇧 observed annually on the Thursday before the August Bank Holiday.
National Brisket Day
National Brisket Day honors one of the most flavorful and tender cuts of beef. Brisket comes from the lower chest of cattle and contains connective tissue that requires slow cooking to break down. Its name comes from the Old Norse word “brjósk,” meaning cartilage. Brisket is central to many culinary traditions, from Jewish braised dishes to Texas barbecue.
National Hamburger Day
National Hamburger Day / International Hamburger Day highlights the hamburger’s place in American food culture and often coincides with the start of the grilling season and restaurant promotions. The date also overlaps with National Beef Burger Day and marks the close of National Burger Month.
National Multiple Births Awareness Day
National Multiple Births Awareness Day was founded in 2005 by Multiple Births Canada. This awareness day is celebrated on May 28 to honor the birth of the Dionne Quintuplets in 1934—the first known set of quintuplets to survive infancy. The day aims to raise awareness about the unique needs and experiences of multiple-birth families, from prenatal care to childhood development and beyond.
Passion Fruit Martini Day
Passion Fruit Martini Day was founded in 2021 by Funkin Cocktails to honor one of the UK’s most beloved drinks. The passion fruit martini, which originated in London in the early 2000s, is known for its tropical flavor and eye-catching presentation. The day invites cocktail lovers to toast to creativity in mixology and pairs well with related observances like World Cocktail Day (May 13) and World Martini Day (June 19).
Slugs Return From Capistrano Day
Slugs Return From Capistrano Day was created by Ruth and Thomas Roy to celebrate the mythical migration of slugs from Capistrano back to our gardens and patios. Observed every May 28, the day raises awareness about the role of slugs in the ecosystem, from decomposition to food chain support—even if they’re not always welcome in our flower beds.
Whooping Crane Day
Whooping Crane Day was launched in 1973 by the International Crane Foundation in Baraboo, Wisconsin to highlight the plight of one of North America’s most endangered birds. At the time of its founding, only about 50 whooping cranes remained in the wild. Thanks to conservation efforts, including habitat restoration and captive breeding, the population has slowly increased. The day emphasizes the importance of continued environmental protection.
World Hunger Day
World Hunger Day was started in 2011 by The Hunger Project to call attention to the global issue of chronic hunger, which affects millions worldwide. Observed annually on May 28, the day encourages sustainable solutions and community-led development to end hunger for good.
🍽️ Related observances include World Food Day on October 16 and Global Day of Action on Climate Change, which often addresses food security.
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