Discover holidays worldwide

Child Labor Day

Labor Day, the first Monday in September, is a U.S. federal holiday honoring the contributions of American workers and the labor movement. It also unofficially signals the end of summer vacation season.

Democracy Day

One of Nigeria’s most well-known holiday is Democracy Day. In June 2018, President Buhari announced that the holiday will be celebrated every 12 June starting in 2019. Democracy Day had previously been observed every 29 May. In 2026, Democracy Day falls on Friday 12 June. The holiday will be on Saturday 12 June in 2027. Democracy Day recognises the end of military rule in Nigeria and the restoration of a democratic system of government, symbolised by the swearing in of the first president-elect, Olusegun Obasanjo, on May 29, 1999. Though the day is the subject of some controversy, many of Nigeria’s citizens view the holiday as an opportunity to celebrate democracy and basic human rights. In a country as exceptionally diverse as Nigeria, it should perhaps come as no surprise that Democracy Day is commemorated in many different ways. May 29 is viewed as a day to both honour the struggles and sacrifices on the long path toward democracy and to celebrate the country’s continuing progress. Common activities on Democracy Day include a national address by the president as well as large public celebrations hosted in Eagle Square in the capital city of Abuja. Traditional celebrations are often held in smaller towns and villages to honour the many unique cultures and traditions of Nigeria. For many Nigerians, Democracy Day is also an opportunity to educate others on the importance of participating in the political process, and to encourage younger people to value the rights for which so many people worked so hard. After gaining its long-sought independence from Great Britain in 1960, Nigeria almost immediately became embroiled in civil war. The ultimate result of this conflict was a military coup that installed the first of several military juntas. Outside of a brief interlude of democratic rule from 1979 to 1983, most of Nigeria’s first three decades as an independent nation were spent under some form of military dictatorship. This resulted in frequent outbreaks of violence, human rights violations and ultimately the deaths of more than one million people. Political assassinations were common, as was ethnic conflict and destructive rioting. The first serious attempt to institute democratic rule in Nigeria came in June of 1993 when Chief Moshood Abiola won a presidential election that was held shortly after the first successful elections for a bicameral National Assembly. However, in a move that was met with strong international condemnation, the existing military government annulled the election results and charged Moshood Abiola with treason for declaring himself president. Political unrest continued for several years under a series of military rulers before a plan was finally implemented to hold elections and transition to civilian control on May 29, 1999. Nigeria’s first truly democratic elections in decades were held in early 1999, and though there were charges of fraud, intimidation and other improprieties, the result was a new era of democracy in Nigeria, with a new government composed of elected officials. A constitution was drafted and adopted on May 5, followed shortly by the swearing-in of President-elect Olusegun Obasanjo on May 29. Though allegations of government misdeeds and human rights violations continue to this day, the first Democracy Day is recognised for its role in ushering in improvements in civil liberties, a more free press and better representation from the government.

NGCV

Philippines Independence Day

In 1521, Spanish. Conquest. The Philippines became a Spanish colony following the arrival of Ferdinand Magellan in 1521

Russia Day

Russia Day is a public holiday in RU.

Sovereign’s Birthday

The Sovereign’s Birthday is a holiday in the British Virgin Islands on the second Friday in June. In 2026, Sovereign’s Birthday falls on Friday 12 June. The holiday will be on Friday 11 June in 2027. Interestingly, the real birthday of King Charles III is 14 November, but a June holiday is a longstanding tradition in many British overseas territories and Commonwealth countries. On the Sovereign’s Birthday, the governor of BVI ceremonially inspects the parading units, be they military, police, or civilian. And awards are given out to various “deserving individuals”. As this holiday is always celebrated on a Saturday, it has little impact on the lives of most BVI residents compared to other holidays that fall on week days.

International Falafel Day

In 1800, s. Falafel Origins. The origin of falafel is traced back to Egypt in the 1800s, where it was initially made with favas beans

National Esther Day

In 476, BC. Origin of the Name Esther. The first recorded use of the name Esther can be traced back to the Old Testament. Esther was a Jewish Queen of Persia who saved her people from annihilation

National Jerky Day

The observance of National Jerky Day brings attention to this important cause or celebration. It encourages participation, reflection, and community engagement around the theme of the day.

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All Holidays (12,691)

National Red Rose Day

In 1590, Red. Rose Becomes Symbol of Love. The red rose became associated with love and romance during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I, when it was reportedly used within her courts as a symbol of love

Pulse Night of Remembrance

In 2016, Pulse. Nightclub Shooting. On June 12, a mass shooting occurred at Pulse, an LGBTQ+ nightclub in Orlando, Florida. In one of the deadliest mass shootings in modern U.S. history, 49 people were killed and dozens injured

Sacred Heart

In 1672, Margaret. Mary Alacoque's Visions. Margaret Mary Alacoque, a French Roman Catholic nun and mystic, had visions of Jesus Christ, which led to the popularity of the devotion to the Sacred Heart in the Catholic Church

Superman Day

The Birth of a Genre. Action Comics #1 arrived on newsstands with a cover date of June 1938, and its 200,000-copy print run sold out. The issue was an anthology featuring multiple characters, but Superman's 13-page story dominated reader response. Within a year, Superman had his own self-titled series, a newspaper comic strip syndicated by Mc. Clure, and a radio serial that would introduce the phrase "truth, justice, and the American way."The character's success triggered what historians call the Golden Age of Comic Books. Publishers rushed to create competing superheroes, producing Batman, Wonder Woman, Captain America, and Captain Marvel within the next three years. The Fleischer Studios theatrical cartoons, launched in 1941, gave Superman the ability to fly, a change adopted by the comics after animators found his original leaping motion too difficult to draw frame by frame

🎉 festival Jun 13

Feast of St. Anthony

The Feast of St. Anthony of Padua, celebrated on June 13, honors one of the most beloved saints in the Catholic Church, known as the 'Evangelical Doctor' and the patron saint of lost items. Born Fernando Martins de Bulhoes in Lisbon, Portugal around 1195, he initially joined the Augustinian order before transferring to the newly founded Franciscan order in 1220, adopting the name Anthony in honor of St. Anthony the Great. His extraordinary preaching gifts were discovered by chance at an ordination ceremony in Forli, when he was asked to deliver an impromptu sermon that left his audience spellbound. Francis of Assisi himself appointed Anthony as the first theology teacher of the Franciscan order. Anthony preached across northern Italy and southern France, drawing enormous crowds with his eloquence, scriptural knowledge, and miracle-working reputation. Pope Gregory IX called him the 'Ark of the Testament' for his profound knowledge of scripture.

FRITUS

International Axe Throwing Day

In 1800, s. Origins of Axe Throwing. Axe throwing originated as a pastime and means of settling disputes among lumberjacks in the logging industry of Canada in the 1800s

CAUS

National Chamoy Day

In 1800, s. Origins of Chamoy. Chamoy is believed to have originated in Asia before coming to Mexico in the 1800s through the Manila-Acapulco galleon trade

National Jane Day

In 1800, s. Jane Austen's Impact. Jane Austen, an influential English novelist, gained popularity in the early 1800s with novels such as "Pride and Prejudice" and "Sense and Sensibility

National Kitchen Klutzes of America Day

In 1876, First. Cookbook Published. The first American cookbook, "The Boston Cooking-School Cook Book" by Fannie Farmer, is published providing measurements, a novel concept at the time, in its recipes

National Weed Your Garden Day

In 3000, BC. Origin of Gardening. Humans start practicing horticulture and developing gardens by cultivating plants for food and medicinal usage. Weeding was an essential part of maintaining these early gardens

📅 holiday Jun 14

Falkland Islands Liberation Day

In 1982, Argentinian. Invasion. On April 2, Argentina invaded the Falkland Islands, a British Overseas Territory in the South Atlantic, triggering the start of the Falklands War

📅 holiday Jun 14

Liberation Day Holiday

Liberation Day in Albania is commemorated on November 29, the day that Albania was liberated from Nazi Germany in 1944. The holiday celebrates the Albanian resistance during World War II during the time the country was occupied by German forces. In 2026, Liberation Day falls on Sunday 29 November. The holiday will be on Monday 29 November in 2027. During World War II, Italy invaded Albania in Mussolini’s efforts to build an Italian Empire in the Mediterranean, deposing King Zog. Italy used Albania to launch an attack on Greece, drawing the German’s into the Balkans. When Italy surrendered to the Allies in 1943, Germany occupied Albania, but withdrew in 1944. Liberation Day, recognised on November 29, recognises the day when Italian and German troops were driven out of the country. It is the day after Albanian Independence Day, which is celebrated on November 28. On Independence Day, citizens of the country gather to honour the victims of World War II and celebrates the freedom they gained when the Nazi’s were driven from the country. A national ceremony is held in Tirana that includes a memorial service for victims and recognition of Albanian heroes who fought for freedom. Businesses and government offices are closed for the day so that citizens can spend the day with family and friends. Many people celebrate by hanging the Albanian flag on balconies or porches to show their allegiance to their freedom. Families gather for meals while others attend concerts or other activities planned for the day. The day often includes a trip to Martyrs’ Cemetery, where 900 victims of World War II are buried. The cemetery is located just outside of Tirana with views of the city and surrounding mountains. It is the site of the Motehr Albania statue. One of the most common things to do on Albanian Liberation Day is to listen to stories told by soldiers and others who lived during the German occupation of the country. Many of those who survived the invasion and occupation are still alive, so their stories are told to keep them alive. Many ceremonies include speeches from those who lived during that era as well as those who fought for the freedom of the country. Even those who were members of the Communist party speak of what it was like learning that Albania had earned its liberation. Some speak of listening to the radio during the day of liberation, even though it put them at grave risk. Speeches made by those who survived on both sides of the occupation are often shared and written for generations to come in order to keep the memory of what liberation means alive in young people.

ALRWKR +1

Army Birthday

In 1775, Birth of. The Continental Army. The Continental Army was established by the Second Continental Congress on this day, marking the birth of the United States Army

National New Mexico Day

In 1598, Establishment of. Santa Fe. Santa Fe, the oldest capital city in North America, was established by Spanish colonizers in 1598

MXUS

Pahili Day

In 1960, Pahili. Day Originated. Pahili Day is brought to life in the Philippines as a way to honor significant "firsts" in people's lives

Race Unity Day

In 1957, Race. Unity Day Established. The National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of the United States first designated Race Unity Day

World Blood Donor Day

In 1840, First. Blood Transfusion. Dr. James Blundell performed the first successful human blood transfusion, marking the beginning of blood donation history

Juneteenth

Juneteenth celebrates the enforcement of the Emancipation Proclamation in Texas on 19 June 1865. It became an official Texas state holiday in 1979, and it is an official observance in numerous other states across the nation. Juneteenth is short for “June Nineteenth”. In 2026, Juneteenth falls on Friday 19 June. The holiday will be on Saturday 19 June in 2027. Today the significance of 19 June is celebrated in communities across the country. However, Texas continues to be the only state to officially recognize the celebration with a state holiday. Although the Emancipation Proclamation was made by Abraham Lincoln on 22 September, 1862, it was only practically effective once Confederate territory was physically occupied by Union soldiers. And that did not happen to Texas until the Civil War was over. Thus, liberation came late to Texas’ slaves. To make matters more critical, the slave population of Texas soared during the Civil War as slave holders fled west to try to escape the fate of Union soldiers taking their plantations and freeing their slaves. Around a quarter million slaves lived in Texas by the war’s end. On 19 June 1865, Union General Granger arrived in Galveston with 1,800 federal troops. There, Granger read General Order Number 3 to the people of Texas that stated, “… all slaves are free. This involves an absolute equality of rights and rights of property between former masters and slaves, and the connection heretofore existing between them becomes that between employer and free laborer.” All 250,000 slaves in the state were free from this moment – though there were certainly cases of slave owners initially withholding the news from their slaves. Ultimately, many slaves left their former slave owners, though some chose to continue in the capacity of paid laborers. However the fundamental shift had occurred with all former slaves in Texas now being regarded fully equal with the rest of the state’s population before the law. Juneteenth celebrations evolved quickly. They started with emotions of shock and joy among slaves on that first Juneteenth in 1865. Subsequent years saw gatherings of the African American community on the anniversary of their freedom. Such celebrations were resisted by some quarters of the white population, and participants were majority black for many years. On Juneteenth, there are many local events scattered throughout Texas, where the Emancipation Proclamation is publicly read and African-American folk songs are sung. Rodeos, fairs, barbecues, reenactments of battles, and more may also be on the agenda for Juneteenth in some localities.

Juneteenth Holiday

Martín Miguel de Güemes' Day

In 2006, Argentina declared Martín Miguel de Güemes a “national hero” and created a public holiday in his honour to be held every 17 June. He was one of the key leaders of the war for independence against Spain and was a native of the province of Salta in the northeastern parts of Argentina. In 2026, Martín Miguel de Güemes' Day falls on Monday 15 June. The holiday will be on Monday 21 June in 2027. The date of 17 June was chosen because that is the day of Güemes’ death. He died after being shot in the back. He was able to make it back to camp before he died among his soldiers, the last words on his lips being, “To die for our fatherland is glory”. His men dealt the final defeat to pro-Spanish forces in Salta about a month later on 22 July, 1821, no doubt much inspired by their late leader’s dying example. The main celebration takes place in Salta, Güemes’ homeland. Riders dressed in black-and-red outfits, like the gauchos of old who rode with Güemes, ride about the town a few days. On the last night, large bonfires are lit near the monument to Güemes by San Bernando Hill. It is a time to remember the past liberator and to be thankful for the freedom that such heroes as he have left to the present generation of Argentinians.

Sacred Heart Day

The Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus is a public holiday in Colombia. It is observed 71 days after Easter, and always on a Monday, even though in many other countries it is celebrated 19 days after Pentecost, always on a Friday. In 2026, Sacred Heart Day falls on Monday 15 June. The holiday will be on Monday 7 June in 2027. Sacred Heart Day in Colombia is a day of devotion to God’s love for humanity, as symbolised by a representation of the physical heart of Jesus. The practice of devotion to Jesus’ sacred heart began in the 11th Century and gained impetus from such devotees as Bernard of Clairvaux in the 12th Century. Its first official celebration took place in 1670 in Rennes, France, and it was not until 1856 that it became a mandatory Catholic holy feast for the whole church. Originally, Sacred Heart involved the worship of Jesus’ wounds, which He received on the cross. Later, it was His love specifically that was reverenced, and a heart was used to depict it.

Salvation Day

Every 15 June is National Salvation Day in Azerbaijan, or just “Salvation Day” for short. It is a public holiday in place since 1997 that marks the day in 1993 when a potentially long and bloody civil war was narrowly averted. In 2026, Salvation Day falls on Monday 15 June. The holiday will be on Tuesday 15 June in 2027. A rebellion broke out on 4 June of 1993, wherein the rebels demanded the ousting of the sitting Parliamentary Speaker and the Prime Minister. The rebels took over the city of Ganja and then marched toward the capital city of Baku. However, Heydar Aliyev was invited to become head of state, which he did. And then Aliyev managed to conduct talks with the rebels and convince them his administration would be acceptable to them. The result was that the civil war ended abruptly. Every 15 June, a military and veterans parade takes place. The soldiers salute the president as they march past him. And the president also gives an important speech on the need for national unity, which is aired on TV and radio all over the country. On Salvation Day, many businesses close down, and people hold festive parties with friends and relatives, at which great feasts are enjoyed. In Baku, an elaborate fireworks display is put on along the Caspian Sea. And in remote mountainous regions, there are festivals in which people don traditional dress and dance or play games representative of the local culture.

Animal Rights Awareness WeekWeekJun 15 to 21

In 1824, Formation of RSPCA. The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) was established in the UK, marking a major step forward in championing for animal rights

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Beer

In 6000, BC. Beer's Ancient Origins. Beer is believed to have been widely consumed in what is now Iran, with archaeological evidence connecting beer brewing to early agricultural communities

Diabetes WeekWeekJun 15 to 21

In 1996, Diabetes Week. Diabetes Week was launched by Diabetes UK to raise awareness about this health challenge primarily in the UK

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Magna Carta Day

In 1215, Signing of. Magna Carta. King John of England sealed the Magna Carta at Runnymede on June 15, under pressure from his rebellious barons, granting them certain rights and liberties

GBUS

National Bug Busting Day

In 1800, s. Early Pest Control Methods. During the 1800s, basic pest control methods came into existence with more understanding of insects and the diseases they can pass on to humans

National Marina Day

In 1950, s. Name Origin Popularity. The name Marina, of Latin origin meaning "of the sea", begins to gain popularity in the United States

National Men's Health WeekWeekJun 15 to 21

In 1994, National. Men's Health Week Established. The United States Congress officially establishes National Men's Health Week to increase awareness of men's health issues

National Smile Power Day

In 1999, National. Smile Power Day Founded. The Smiley Company founded National Smile Power Day to champion positivity and individuality using smiles

Savitri Amavasya

In 1400, s. Mahabharata Compilation. The compilation of the Mahabharata, one of the two major Sanskrit epics of ancient India, which includes the story of Savitri and Satyavan

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day

In 1948, Human. Rights For All Ages. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which includes rights of the elderly, was adopted by the United Nations

YMA Day

In 1844, YMCA. Formation. The YMCA was first established in London, England to improve the spiritual and physical conditions of the youth

📅 holiday Jun 16

Islamic New Year

Islamic New Year is a public holiday in Algeria. It takes places on the first day of the first month Muharram on the Islamic calendar. In 2026, Islamic New Year falls on Tuesday 16 June. The holiday will be on Sunday 6 June in 2027. The date of first day of (Awal) Muharram varies on the Gregorian Calendar since the Islamic Calendar is lunar-based and has only 354 days. The Islamic Calendar is known as the Hijri Calendar, and the first month of Muharram marks the moment in history when Muhammad fled from Mecca to Medina in C.E. 622. This trip is known as the “Hijira”, hence the “Hijri Calendar”. On Awal Muharram, Algeria’s Muslims will attend mosque, pray, and spend time with family. It is generally a day off work for people across the country.

DZIQJO +17

🎉 festival Jun 16

Martyrdom

Guru Arjan Dev Ji's Martyrdom Day, known as Shaheedi Divas of Guru Arjan Dev, is a solemn Sikh observance commemorating the martyrdom of the fifth Sikh Guru, Guru Arjan Dev Ji. He was tortured and executed on May 30, 1606 (corresponding to June 16 in the Gregorian calendar in some reckonings) under the orders of Mughal Emperor Jahangir. Guru Arjan Dev was the first Sikh Guru to be martyred, an event of profound significance in Sikh history. He compiled the Adi Granth, the primary scripture of Sikhism, and completed the construction of the Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple) in Amritsar. His martyrdom transformed the Sikh community from a peaceful spiritual movement into a more organized, martial tradition under his successor, Guru Hargobind. The day is observed with prayers, kirtan, and reflection on the Guru's teachings of sacrifice, humility, and devotion to God.

🌍 observance Jun 16

International WaterFall Day

In 1895, Harnessing. Niagara Falls. Niagara Falls, among the most famous waterfalls, began serving as a source of hydroelectric power with the opening of the Adams Power Plant Transformer House in Niagara Falls, New York

🌍 observance Jun 16

Royal AscotWeekJun 16 to 20

In 1711, Royal Ascot. Queen Anne saw the potential for a racecourse at Ascot, which ultimately led to its establishment and the first race "Her Majesty's Plate" being held in August

🌍 observance Jun 16

World Sea Turtle Day

In 1978, Endangered. Species Act. All species of sea turtles found in U.S. waters were classified as endangered or threatened under the U.S. Endangered Species Act

Awal Muharram

Awal Muharram (also called Maal Hijrah) celebrates the beginning of the Islamic New Year. Muharram, derived from the word haram, which means forbidden, is a month considered most sacred of all besides the month of Ramadan. During this time, Muslims are forbidden to fight; hence, a time of mourning and peace. In 2026, Awal Muharram falls on Wednesday 17 June. The holiday will be on Sunday 6 June in 2027. This first month of the Islamic year coincides with the migration of Prophet Mohammed from Mecca to Medina in 622 AD and is therefore, considered a time for self-evaluation and a starting point for change. Sunni Muslims fast and celebrate the day according to the Sunnah of Mohammed, which is in honour of Moses’ rescue of the people of Israel from Pharaoh, sometimes on the 10th day. Shia Muslims in other parts of the world spend the day mourning – some even to the extent of flogging themselves – to commemorate the martyrdom of Hussein ibn Ali. Also on the 10th day of Muharram, most Muslims start fasting when the sun rises and do not eat until later in the evening. Muslims cook sweet rice, also known as Bubur Asyura and share them among family members and friends during their break fast. It is also during this time that Muslims gather in mosques to usher in the new Hijri year. At the same time, various religious activities will be carried out such as spiritual singing, religious activities and the recitation of Koranic verses. Since special prayers and sermons are conducted in public halls and mosques, areas around mosques might be congested in the evenings and at night.

Awal Muharram Holiday

Father's Day

Father’s Day is a national public holiday in Lithuania on the first Sunday of every June. The country is amongst a small number that officially celebrate Father’s Day with a public holiday. In 2026, Father's Day falls on Sunday 7 June. The holiday will be on Sunday 6 June in 2027. Originally, Lithuanians only observed Mother’s Day, on the first Sunday of May. But Father’s Day was added to complement Mother’s Day and positioned to fall exactly one month later. In some countries, public holidays that come on weekends are observed with an off work day on the following Monday, but this is not the case in Lithuania. So while people celebrate Father’s Day, they don’t get any extra time off work because of it. Father’s Day traditions in Lithuania are not especially numerous or strong. But children may give a small gift to their father on this day, along with a Father’s Day card. And families may spend time together and enjoy a special meal as well.

LTPRSV

Iceland Independence Day

In 1800, s. Nationhood Seed Planted. In the late 1800s, nationalistic ideals began to rise in Iceland, laying groundwork for the independence movement

Islamic New Year Holiday

Islamic New Year is a public holiday for the people of Brunei. Many will fast and pray throughout the month of Muharram, especially during the first 10 days. In 2026, Islamic New Year falls on Wednesday 17 June. The holiday will be on Sunday 6 June in 2027. The first day of the Islamic year is called “Awal Tahun Hijrah,” in reference to the first day of the Islamic “Hijrah” Calendar. The Islamic Calendar and dating system begins with the “hijrah” (flight) of Muhammad from Mecca to Medina in C.E. 622. In Brunei, both Western New Year’s Day on 1 January and Islamic New Year’s Day on 1 Muharram are publicly recognised holidays. This makes sense since Brunei is predominantly Muslim and yet is interconnected to the rest of the world that largely follows the Gregorian Calendar.

Maharana Pratap Jayanti

Maharana Pratap Jayanti celebrates this famed military hero from 16th century Rajasthan. In 2026, Maharana Pratap Jayanti falls on Wednesday 17 June. The holiday will be on Monday 7 June in 2027. Throughout India, people of all castes and creeds honour, or even worship, Pratap Singh. The “saga” began when Mughal Emperor Akbar the Great invaded the realm of Pratap’s father. Later, Pratap became the new king and, when he refused numerous offers of an “alliance” with Akbar, war broke out. Note that “alliance” really meant to become a tributary, subservient state. Although Pratap did not ultimately defeat and drive out the Mughals, he did beat them in the first major battle of the conflict at Haldighati. Despite being outnumbered two to one, he used terrain and tactics to defeat and kill the opposing general. The battle consisted mainly of cavalry and elephant charges. Today, many visit the memorial statute of Pratap, showing him seated on his war horse, in Udaipur on his birthday. There are also special religious rites and colourful parades that take place to honour his memory. You will see various cultural programs and displays, and you can see pictures of Pratap held high by parade participants.

Bunker Hill Day

In 1775, Battle of. Bunker Hill. The Battle of Bunker Hill, one of the earliest battles of the American Revolutionary War, took place on June 17, 1775

Commemoration of General Don Martín Miguel de Güemes

In 1785, Birth of Güemes. Don Martín Miguel de Güemes was born on February 8, 1785, in Salta, a city in northern Argentina

National Apple Strudel Day

In 1650, Invention of. Strudel. The strudel, a pastry with a filling wrapped in a thin layer of dough, was first documented in Austria

ATUS

National Dump the Pump Day

In 1970, Start of. Environmental Movement. April 22, 1970 marked the first Earth Day in the United States, sparking increased awareness around sustainability and providing the foundation for initiatives like Dump the Pump Day

National Mascot Day

In 1869, First. Use of Live Mascot. Yale University's "Handsome Dan" was the first live college mascot, setting a precedent for many schools to follow