May 21 2023 Holidays

National days: 18
Day of the year: 141
Days since: 1205

May 21 brings 21 national days, led by National Bike to Work Day, with National Endangered Species Day and International Tea Day offering a thoughtful rhythm for the workday.

National Bike to Work Day

Improve your health and help the environment at the same time by leaving the car at home and taking your bike to work for at least one day of the year.

Canada
United States

Set out with a workable ride

Make the commute fit your actual morning. Check your tires the night before, put a helmet, lock, water, and a change of shirt by the door, then choose a route with slower streets or a protected lane where available. If the full distance feels like too much, ride the first few miles and continue by transit or arrange to park farther away. Give yourself 15 extra minutes so the ride doesn’t become a race. The League of American Bicyclists has practical rider resources if you need a quick refresher before leaving.

Turn a midday errand into one useful choice

Use lunch to act on the concern behind National Endangered Species Day. Spend ten minutes replacing a household item you already need with a refill, reusable, or secondhand option, such as a refillable hand soap bottle, a metal water bottle, or a used paperback. Keep it concrete: make the purchase, set up the refill, or put one item in a donation bag before returning to work. A small change you will repeat is more useful than a grand plan that stalls.

National Endangered Species Day

Many magnificent species of animal and insect are at risk of going extinct, so join the cause by volunteering, donating, or spreading awareness of these threats.

Australia
Canada
United Kingdom
and 1 more

Need an easy group lunch? Share a pie for National Pizza Party Day, and add a side salad or fruit if you’re ordering for the office. The meal gives everyone a reason to step away from their screens for 20 minutes.

Make the afternoon pause count

For International Tea Day, make a proper cup rather than drinking it while answering messages. Black tea needs about four minutes to steep; green tea is usually ready in two to three minutes with water that has cooled slightly after boiling. Bring enough for a colleague, ask where their tea comes from, and choose a brand whose package gives clear sourcing information. That is a simple way to make the break social and a little more considered.

International Tea Day

While everyone loves a cup of tea, many of the workers and producers of that tea face poor conditions and pay. Help raise awareness and keep tea fair.

China
India
Japan
and 1 more

Finish with something light

If your day has involved plenty of pedaling, keep the evening low-effort: clean your bike lights, plug in any rechargeable ones, and lay out tomorrow’s lock and helmet. If a race is on your mind, National NASCAR Day is a fine excuse to watch a few highlights after dinner. The point is not to pack all 21 observances into one schedule. Get where you need to go under your own power, make one repeatable conservation choice, and give yourself a real tea break.

International Tea Day

While everyone loves a cup of tea, many of the workers and producers of that tea face poor conditions and pay. Help raise awareness and keep tea fair.

China
India
Japan
and 1 more

World Baking Day

Cookies, brownies, pies, bread…try out some new recipes, or revisit your old favorites to have a little fun in the kitchen and end up with tasty treats.

Australia
Canada
Germany
and 2 more

End of the World

A wild theory that had some on edge, but when the fateful day arrived, it was just another ordinary sunrise.

I Need A Patch For That Day

Take a day to tackle those quick fixes you’ve been putting off, whether it’s a patch for your software or a patch for your jeans, bike tire, or anything else.

United States

National Memo Day

Send someone a memo to let them know it’s National Memo Day! This time-honored method of passing on information has helped offices run for generations.

United States

World Day for Cultural Diversity

The blending of customs, beliefs, and traditions creates a vibrant tapestry of perspectives, enriching societies worldwide.

Canada
United Kingdom
United States

National Eat More Fruits and Vegetables Day

Every year on this day, we celebrate Eat More Fruits and Vegetables Day. This special day emphasizes the importance of including more fruits and vegetables in our diets. The founders of this day, the Dole Food Company, started it to tackle unhealthy eating habits and raise awareness about how such habits...

United States

Stepmother’s Day

Most of us know about Mother’s Day and many of us cherish and enjoy it. But have you heard of Stepmother’s Day? It's an important way to say thank you to a unique parent figure! How to Celebrate Stepmother’s Day This day is a wonderful opportunity to show real appreciation and...

United States

Ride a Unicycle Day

A solitary wheel, a feat of equilibrium and poise, embodies a singular journey of grace and mastery in the world of cycling.

Australia
Canada
United Kingdom
and 1 more

Firewalking Festival

Nestinarstvo, also known as the Firewalking Festival, is a captivating ritual practiced in a few Bulgarian and Greek villages. Participants, called "nestinari," perform an awe-inspiring dance on hot embers, holding sacred icons of Saints Constantine and Helena. Learn About the Firewalking Festival This ritual symbolizes a deep spiritual connection, believed to protect...

Bulgaria
Fiji
Greece
and 2 more

Emergency Medical Services Day

Emergency Medical Services Day honors the lifesavers who race toward danger when others step back. These are the voices on the radio, the hands stopping the bleeding, the calm in the middle of panic. When a call comes in, they step into unknown situations with a clear goal: keep someone...

United States

National Talk Like Yoda Day

Feel the force flow through you as you speak like Yoda! With his unique, backwards-grammar style, this legendary Jedi master is the epitome of quirky cool. So channel your inner Yoda and let the wisdom of the force guide your words.

Canada
France
Germany
and 2 more

National Strawberries and Cream Day

Savor the sweet taste of summer with a bowl of juicy strawberries and creamy delight! This classic combination is the epitome of simplicity and indulgence. So go ahead, treat yourself to a little bit of heaven.

Canada
United Kingdom
United States

Rural Life Sunday

Rural Life Sunday is a special day that honors the contributions of rural communities and their deep connection to the land. It highlights the importance of agriculture and the people who dedicate their lives to farming. This day brings attention to the beauty and significance of rural life, encouraging communities...

Canada
United States

Cool Sword Day

Made of iron, steel, or other metals and often decorated with various precious jewels or filigree, swords of the past were much more than just weapons. They were masterpieces of craftsmanship! And even today, though not often seen or used in real life, the artistry of sword-making and sword-fighting continues...

Japan
United Kingdom
United States

National American Red Cross Founder’s Day

National American Red Cross Founder’s Day shines a spotlight on a uniquely practical kind of compassion: the kind that shows up with clean bandages, a warm blanket, clear instructions, and a calm voice when everything feels chaotic. It celebrates the founding of the American Red Cross and the idea that...

United States

International AIDS Candlelight Memorial

The International AIDS Candlelight Memorial brings people together under the soft glow of candles. In homes, parks, and city squares, individuals gather to remember those lost to AIDS. The flickering lights create a shared space for reflection and unity. This event also supports those living with HIV, reminding them they are...

Belarus
Canada
China
and 6 more

National Waitstaff Day

Make sure to leave a good tip as well as giving a big thank-you to the waitstaff who serve us food at restaurants, often while underpaid and overworked.

United States

Explore

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Cannes Film Festival

The Cannes Film Festival is one of the most glamorous and important events in the film industry. Held annually in the beautiful city of Cannes on the French Riviera, this festival draws the biggest names in cinema, from directors to actors. The red carpet is a dazzling display of style...

France

National Princess Week

When you think of a princess, images of elegance, courage, and kindness come to mind. National Princess Week celebrates these traits, inviting everyone to embrace their inner royalty. This special week, started by Julie Andrews, Disney, and Target, is a chance to enjoy the magic and charm associated with princesses...

United States

National Stationery Week

Sharpen your pencils and break out your fine pens, and take this excuse to use some fancy stationery. Write a loved one, find a pen pal, or even make your to-do list.

Knife Crime Awareness Week

Shed light on the urgency of understanding and addressing knife crime, fostering safer communities through awareness and collaboration.

United Kingdom

American Craft Beer Week

Exploring diverse flavors and styles, American craft beer showcases innovation and craftsmanship, delighting enthusiasts worldwide.

United States

National Smile Month

Maintaining vibrant smiles through mindful habits, fostering oral resilience for enduring wellness, unveiling a gateway to health.

United Kingdom

Foster Care Fortnight

Foster Care Fortnight, an annual event in the UK, typically happens in the first two weeks of May. This initiative is driven by The Fostering Network, a leading charity that promotes foster care awareness and recruitment. The event raises awareness about the growing need for foster carers and their vital...

United Kingdom

National Vegetarian Week

National Vegetarian Week is a lively celebration that spotlights the vibrant and tasty world of vegetarianism. Organized by the Vegetarian Society, this week-long event is a time to enjoy and explore the many benefits and flavors of a plant-based lifestyle. It aims to inspire people to try new vegetarian dishes...

United Kingdom

International Heritage Breeds Week

Support the survival of classic livestock breeds like Oberhasli goats, Wiltshire Wild Horn sheep, and Gloucester Old Spot pigs during Heritage Breeds Week.

National Salt Awareness Week

National Salt Awareness Week is a timely reminder to understand better and manage our salt intake. Of course, we all recognize salt as a staple on the dinner table. It’s an essential seasoning for our daily meals. However, fewer people realize how it also plays a crucial role in our...

United Kingdom

Bike to Work Week

Bike to Work Week is a special time celebrated each year across the United States. This event encourages people to ride their bikes to work or anywhere else they need to go as part of a larger movement to promote cycling and its benefits. How to Celebrate Bike to Work Week Embracing...

Canada
United Kingdom
United States

Dementia Action Week

Dementia Action Week is a key time of action. It’s time to step up your game on behalf of those who live with the disease. This event means different things while being significant to many different people. But one thing about it is the same -- it should bring us all...

Australia
United Kingdom

Learning at Work Week

Learning at Work Week is a special time dedicated to boosting learning culture within the workplace. Celebrated annually, this initiative encourages all types of organizations to engage in activities that foster learning among their teams. The goal is to make learning an integral part of working life, benefiting individual growth and...

United Kingdom

Be Nice to Nettles Week

Be Nice to Nettles Week is a vibrant annual event that shines a spotlight on the humble nettle plant. Celebrated in mid-May, this period encourages us to appreciate the ecological and health benefits of nettles. How to Celebrate Be Nice to Nettles Week Here are five quirky and playful ways to dive...

United Kingdom

National EMS Week

National EMS Week spotlights the dedication and expertise of emergency medical professionals. It honors those who answer the call when people are in their most vulnerable moments. The week also serves as a chance for communities to recognize and thank these professionals for the essential role they play in public...

United States

National Salvation Army Week

Supporting those in need, providing hope, and creating positive change—efforts that embody the essence of humanitarian assistance.

United States

National Public Gardens Week

National Public Gardens Week shines a spotlight on the incredible beauty and significance of public gardens. Held each year in early May, it's a week-long celebration designed to highlight the vital role these gardens play in our communities. From fragrant flower displays to serene landscapes, they offer more than just...

Canada
United States

National Doughnut Week

National Doughnut Week is a fun and delightful time that invites everyone to indulge in one of the most beloved treats: doughnuts. During this week, people are encouraged to enjoy these tasty confections while also contributing to a good cause. Many bakeries across the country participate by offering special doughnuts, and...

United Kingdom

National Mental Health Awareness Week

National Mental Health Awareness Week emphasizes the importance of mental health and aims to break the silence around these issues. During this week, people come together to acknowledge the impact mental health has on all aspects of life. Conversations encourage individuals to share experiences, seek help, and recognize signs of...

United Kingdom

I Love My State Parks Week

The United States defines up to 10,000 different areas as state parks. State parks protect more than 14 million acres of landscape, ranging from coastal beaches to forests, sandy deserts to swampland. In addition, state parks provide local residents with opportunities for recreation, access to clean and safe green spaces...