February US Calendar with the Full List of Holidays and Celebrations

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US Calendar with Holidays and Celebrations in February 2022

February is the shortest month of the year, but it's filled with so many special holidays and events in the United States.

For starters, it hosts Valentine's Day, Presidents' Day, and Lunar New Year. February is also Black History Month, a time to recognize and honor all of the contributions Black Americans have given to the United States — and the world.

The Full List of February Holidays & Celebrations in the United States

Tuesday, Feb. 1

• Lunar New Year
• National Dark Chocolate Day
• National Freedom Day
• National Get Up Day

Lunar New Year In The US

Lunar New Year and Spring Festival, is celebrated in the United States by its large Chinese and Asian community. It marks the beginning of the new year in the Chinese lunar calendar, andit falls on the first day of the month of the calendar, which is marked by the new moon that usually appears between January 21 and February 20.

Chinese New Year is not a federal public holiday in the United States. It is a legal observance in California as of 2015.

Traditionally, people are meant to eat dumplings for every day of the Chinese or Lunar New Year celebrations, however, that practice has died down. The New Year's Eve meal is still the most important of the year for Chinese families, and throughout the 15 days, it is common to go to different relatives' houses to share food. These feasts are abundant and delicious, with a variety of traditional Chinese food and special wine.

In the United States, the Chinese and Asian communities have brought their customs and traditions, and proudly demonstrate them during the Lunar New Year. As it is common, these celebrations last for days.There are colorful parades, filled with costumes, floats, and firecrackers. During these parades, you can witness the famous lion and dragon dances. Firework displays are also impressive, and a long-lasting tradition of Chinese culture.

Black History Month

Black History Month, also known as African American History Month, begins on February 1st and lasts throughout the whole of February, where African American people’s achievements are celebrated, and their roles in American history are praised and recognized.

Initially named Negro History Week, Black History Month’s founder was a student of African American Studies and Historian Carter G. Woodson. In 1915, 50 years after the abolishment of slavery, Woodson and Jesse E. Moorland, a minister, founded the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (ASNLH), whose purpose was to research black Americans and Africans’ achievements and contributions and promote them within the American society, to educate people, as they found that African American history was, at the time, overlooked by academia, and not being taught properly in schools.

With this purpose in mind, Woodson and Moorland founded Negro History Week and had its first celebration on the second week of February in 1926.

They chose the month of February as it marks the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass, two major figures in the fight for the liberation and civil rights of African Americans.

This week was marked by local celebrations in black communities, the creation of history clubs to discuss the legacy of black Americans and lectures performed in schools, hosted by prominent African American figures.

With its original purpose being the education towards the awareness of African American achievements, it is no surprise that Black History Month is mostly celebrated in schools.

Activities include students reading works by African American authors such as Maya Angelou, Toni Morrison and often the poem “I, too, sing America” by Langston Hughes is taught. The important legacy of black Americans is also discussed, like the case of Brown vs Board of Education, a huge landmark and win in African American history, where segregation in schools was made illegal.

It has also become a tradition for teachers and students to decorate their classroom doors with photos and quotes honoring famous and notable African American figures in history

Wednesday, Feb. 2

• Candlemas Day
• Groundhog Day
• National Girls and Women in Sports Day
• National Hedgehog Day
• National Signing Day
• National Tater Tot Day
• National Ukulele Day

Groundhog Day in the US

Groundhog Day is not a public holiday. Businesses have normal opening hours. However, areas around parks and some streets may be busy or congested in towns, such as Punxsutawney, where Groundhog Day events are popular.

Although some states have in some cases adopted their own groundhogs, the official groundhog, Punxsutawney Phil, lives at Gobbler’s Knob near Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. The town has attracted thousands of visitors over the years to experience various Groundhog Day events and activities on February 2.

The Punxsutawney Groundhog Club plays an important role in organizing Groundhog Day in the town. Club members, news reporters, locals, and visitors meet at Gobbler’s Knob on February 2 each year to await Phil’s appearance and his weather prediction. Pennsylvania’s governor has been known to attend Groundhog Day ceremonies.

Punxsutawney held its first Groundhog Day in the United States in the 1800s. The first official trek to Gobbler's Knob was made on February 2, 1887. It is said that Punxsutawney Phil (the groundhog) was named after King Phillip. He was called Br'er Groundhog prior to being known as Phil. Canada also celebrates Groundhog Day.

The movie “Groundhog Day” from 1993, starring comedian Bill Murray, made Punxsutawney Phil in Pennsylvania famous worldwide. The film's plot added new meaning to the term “Groundhog Day” as something that repeats itself endlessly.

Thursday, Feb. 3

• Doggy Date Night
• National Carrot Cake Day
• National Golden Retriever Day
• National Women Physicians Day

Friday, Feb. 4

• Give Kids A Smile
• National Bubble Gum Day
• National Homemade Soup Day
• National Thank a Mail Carrier Day
• National Wear Red Day
• World Cancer Day

Rosa Parks Day

Rosa Parks Day is an American observance to honor civil rights activist Rosa Parks, who was known for refusing to give up her seat on a bus.

Rosa Parks Day promotes equal opportunities, civil rights, and fairness across communities in the U.S. Church leaders, politicians, and organizational leaders unite in states like California and Ohio to promote the day with a range of events and activities.

Many schools have classroom activities that focus on Rosa Parks' struggles for equality and achievements against discrimination.

On December 1, 1955, African American seamstress Rosa Parks was travelling in a Montgomery City bus when the bus driver asked her to vacate her seat for a white man. The driver's request was standard practice of racial segregation in buses at the time. Rosa Parks refused to leave her seat on the grounds of fairness, freedom and equality. As a result, she was arrested and convicted of violating the laws of segregation, known as the "Jim Crow" laws. She appealed her conviction and formally challenged the legality of segregation. At the same time, civil rights activists, including Martin Luther King Jr, boycotted the Montgomery bus system.

The boycott lasted for 381 days, into December 1956, when the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the segregation law was unconstitutional and the Montgomery buses should be integrated. This boycott kick-started other civil rights protests throughout the U.S. Over the years, the Rosa Parks bus has become a symbol of the fight for equal rights. It has been fully restored and is now displayed in the Henry Ford Museum. Rosa Parks' Day, on February 4, is also known as the Day of Courage.

National Wear Red Day

National Wear Red Day Feb 4

The first Friday of February has been designated by the awareness campaign, Heart Truth, as National Wear Red Day in the United States. On this day, men and women are encouraged to wear red as a symbol of their support of women’s heart health.

People wear red as a way to bring attention to the problem of heart disease in women. Many women wear red dresses, the identifying symbol for the day. Health organizations hold seminars and public outreach events to educate people about prevention and screening of heart disease.

Saturday, Feb. 5

• Kashmir Solidarity Day
• National Chocolate Fondue Day
• National Eat Ice Cream for Breakfast Day
• National Shower with a Friend Day
• National Weatherperson's Day
• World Nutella Day

Sunday, Feb. 6

• Bob Marley's Birthday
• National Frozen Yogurt Day
• National Lame Duck Day
• Super Bowl Sunday
• Time to Talk Day

Ronald Reagan Day

This is not a public holiday. Government and public offices, businesses, and schools are not closed on this day but may hold special events and outreach programs to commemorate the annual observation.

Super Bowl Sunday

Super Bowl Sunday, also known as Super Sunday or Big Game, takes place every year on the first Sunday of February. It is the day of the final game of the National Football League championship and marks the end of football season, which starts on the previous year after Labor Day. Although not recognized as a public holiday, many think of Super Bowl Sunday as an Unofficial National Holiday, because it is so widely celebrated in the country.

The first official game final of a football championship happened on January 15 1967, and at the time was named the AFL and NFL World Championship Game, and was played between the champions of each league, who were the American Football League’s Kansas City Chiefs and the National Football League’s Green Bay Packers. The game took place in the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum and was broadcast in many television networks.

It wasn’t until the third final championship game in 1969 that the match was dubbed Super Bowl, a term invented by Lamar Hunt, the founder of the AFL, who is thought to have taken inspiration from a toy named the Super Ball.

In 1970 the two leagues were merged into just the NFL, and two conferences were made inside the NFL - the National Football Conference, and the American Football Conference. The Super Bowl game is now played by the winners of each conference.

In 1971, the league adopted roman numerals to mark each Super Bowl, instead of the year that the games take place in, and all apart from the Super Bowl 50 in 2016 have been numbered by roman numerals.

One of the most celebrated days in the United States, on Super Bowl Sunday families and friends gather at home or in sports bars to party and watch the game together. Even people who are not usually fans of football enjoy joining everyone on their viewing parties and feel the spirit of sports. Football fans will be sporting their teams’ jerseys and merchandise on this day.

Super Bowl Sunday is so widely celebrated, that it is the second day in the year where more food is consumed in America (after Thanksgiving) with the most popular food being chicken wings - a total of 1.25 billion chicken wings are consumed every year during the Big Game.

It is also the most-watched show in America every year, with television networks fighting in the months prior to the game, to be able to be the one broadcasting it. Kick-off time is usually at 6:30 pm ET, with the average Super Bowl game time being 3 hours and 46 minutes. The 2015 Super Bowl XLIX was the most-watched show in American history, with 168 million people tuning it to watch the game. During this Sunday, the whole day is dedicated to game-related programming, featuring films, retrospectives, game coverage and pregame shows.

It is no surprise then that commercial time during the Super Bowl is highly coveted by brands, who pay very high values to be able to have their averts aired during the game. Jointly with the Super Bowl match, the Halftime Show is also an event that millions tune in for, it happens during the game break, and it usually features a hugely popular pop star of a musician performing a big show.

Monday, Feb. 7

• e-Day
• National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day
• National Fettuccine Alfredo Day
• National Periodic Table Day
• National Send a Card to a Friend Day
• National Sickie Day

Tuesday, Feb. 8

• National Boy Scout Day
• National Kite-Flying Day
• Safer Internet Day

Wednesday, Feb. 9

• National Pizza Day
• National Toothache Day

National Pizza Day

February 9th is National Pizza Day! Whether you prefer it the Italian way with a thin crust, deep dish, or Chicago-style, no one can resist a slice of cheesy pizza, so it's no wonder this is one of America's most popular food holidays. With all the different possibilities there are for toppings, pizza is a food that anyone can enjoy. It is foolproof party food, it brings people together, and it is also the perfect comfort food to enjoy on the sofa. Impossible to resist! And on this day, everyone has the perfect excuse to enjoy their favorite pizza.

Pizza is so popular in America that there are countless holidays to celebrate it. There is National Deep Dish Pizza Day on April 5, National Pizza Party Day on May 15, National Pepperoni Pizza Day on September 20, and International Beer and Pizza Day on October 9, amongst many others.

During the 19th century, the United States saw a big wave of immigration coming in from Italy. Immigrants from Naples brought over their pizzas, first to New York, then gradually to other cities such as Boston, Chicago and St. Louis. The flavors of pizza quickly won the heart of Americans, and the first pizzeria of the United States, G. Lombardi's, opened in New York's Little Italy in 1905.

However, it wasn't until after World War II that pizza exploded in the United States, becoming one of the most popular and favorite foods in America. Soldiers that had fought the war in Italy developed a taste for the dish, and Italian-Americans began spreading across the country, from cities to suburbs. Pizza boomed in the United States, and was now seen as a fun and delicious food, and no longer an "ethnic" treat. Funnily enough, pizza only became Italy's national food after it rose to popularity in America.

Although of Italian origins, pizza is now a staple of American food, with many variations having been invented in different American cities. There is deep-dish, stuffed pizza, pockets and turnovers, and grilled pizza. There is also an ongoing argument about which American city offers the best slice of pizza.

This is the best thing about National Pizza Day: you celebrate it by eating it!

Thursday, Feb. 10

• National Umbrella Day

Friday, Feb. 11

• Don't Cry Over Spilled Milk Day
• International Day of Women and Girls in Science
• National Foundation Day
• National Guitar Day
• National Inventors' Day
• National Make a Friend Day

Saturday, Feb. 12

• Abraham Lincoln's Birthday
• Darwin Day
• National Freedom to Marry Day
• National Plum Pudding Day

Georgia Day

This is not a public holiday. Government and public offices, businesses, and schools are not closed on this day but may hold special events and outreach programs to commemorate the annual observation.

Lincoln's Birthday

Lincoln's Birthday is a public holiday in 6 states, where it is a day off for the general population, and schools and most businesses are closed. Many government offices are closed within most these states. Some schools are open, so it is best to check with your local school district. Some businesses also remain open. Not all states observe the day on the same date. Lincoln’s Birthday is also absorbed into Presidents’ Day in other parts of the United States, such as Arizona, Maryland, Michigan, and Ohio. It is a legal observance in Florida.

Various activities such as re-enactments, concerts and birthday parties are often organized for the day. Organizations such as the Indiana Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission, Kentucky Lincoln Heritage Trail, and the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum often plan large-scale events to honor and remember Lincoln on or around his birthday.

A wreath-laying ceremony and reading of the Gettysburg Address at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington DC are traditional events on February 12. Republican Party members may also hold Lincoln Day fundraising dinners because he is known as the first president of the Republican Party.

Sunday, Feb. 13

• Galentine's Day
• Get a Different Name Day
• National Tortellini Day
• World Radio Day

Super Bowl Day in the United States

One of the biggest annual sporting events in the United States, the Super Bowl, also sometimes known as the Big Game, is the final championship game of the National Football League (NFL). One of the biggest annual sporting events in the United States, the Super Bowl, also sometimes known as the Big Game, is the final championship game of the National Football League (NFL).

The Super Bowl, also sometimes known as Superbowl, is the most-watched sporting event in the United States and even though it is not an official holiday, many people treat it like a national holiday. To celebrate it, people get together with family and friends to watch the event on television at home or in restaurants and bars.

Super Bowl parties are held all over the country, where people wear the colors or jerseys of their favorite teams. Bars and restaurants usually set up special viewing areas for the live telecast of the game and may offer specials on food and drinks.

Food and drinks are a major part of super bowl parties. Some favorite Big Game foods include chips with Guacamole or Buffalo Chicken Dip, chicken wings, Chili, and pizza. Beer is one of the most-consumed beverages on Super Bowl Sunday.

The Super Bowl is the final game of the NFL season, a campaign that usually begins on the Thursday after Labor Day during the previous year. With the exception of the Kickoff Game, most other games are played on Sundays and Mondays, though sometimes, games can be scheduled on other days of the week. 32 teams play 17 games each, making the season 272 games long.

Galentine's Day

Galentine's Day is a pop-culture holiday, celebrated on February 13. It originated in the TV show Parks and Recreation and was quickly adopted by people in real life. Galentine's Day is like Valentine's Day for female friendships, a day to celebrate your women friends and shower them with gifts and appreciation. Female friendships are one of the strongest bonds between people, women love to support their friends, they are great listeners, and are always there for their friends, so it's no wonder this fictional holiday became so popular!

"Galentine's Day" is the name of an episode from the TV Show Parks and Recreations, released on February 11, 2010. In it, the main character Leslie Knope throws the annual Galentine's Day party on the day before Valentine's Day and celebrates it with all her female friends. In it, Leslie declares that the way platonic female love between friends should always be celebrated with a long brunch, many balloons, and an exchange of presents and life stories.

In Leslie Knope's words “Every February 13, my ladyfriends and I leave our husbands and our boyfriends at home, and we just come and kick it, breakfast-style. Ladies celebrating ladies.”

After the episode aired, this holiday quickly became popular with women in real-life, and many adopted the celebration for their friend groups. This is a display of how important friendships have become in later years. Whereas before friendships were considered to be secondary to relationships such as marriage, kids and family, nowadays more people acknowledge that friendships play a huge role in shaping who we are, and friends are crucial people in everyone's lives, helping us navigate the world, offering support and advice, and always being there for a good time. Especially for younger people, friendships provide stability and meaning and complement all other relationships.

The day is especially popular on social media, where people share posts with their girlfriends with the hashtag #GalentinesDay. Many businesses also take advantage of the popularity of this day to sell Galentine's Day cards, merchandise, spa deals, and discounts on brunches.

If you and your friends are getting together to celebrate Galentine's Day, you must do it over brunch! Whether you all get together at your favorite restaurant or do it virtually over a video call, Leslie intended for this day to be filled with waffles, frittatas, and bottomless drinks.

Take this day to catch up on each other's lives, reminisce about the good times you've spent together, and make plans for the future. There is nothing like a good chat with your friends to put you in a good mood.

And in true Parks and Recreation fashion, don't forget to treat yo'selves! Go shopping together, enjoy a spa session, or get together for mani-pedis. This day is all about you and your girlfriends.

Monday, Feb. 14

• Library Lovers’ Day
• National Clean Out Your Computer Day
• National Donor Day
• Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day

Valentine’s Day, or alternatively Saint Valentine’s Day or Feast of Saint Valentine, takes place every year on February 14th. As it is not a federal holiday, businesses and schools hold normal working hours. Many people also take the opportunity of this day to declare their affection for their crushes, often disguised as a secret admirer.

While no one is sure of who the original Saint Valentine was, many believe that the character is created from a combination of Catholic Church saints and martyrs who lived in ancient Rome.

The most popular theories are of a Priest who lived in the 3rd century during the reign of Emperor Claudius II. Claudius outlawed marriage for young men, as he believed single men would perform better as soldiers, and it was harder for married men to join the army. However, Valentine continued to marry young men and women in secret and was sentenced to death by Emperor Claudius II for it. Another Valentine who may have lent his name to this holiday is one that was also killed in ancient Rome for helping prisoners escape prison. A prisoner himself, he is known for writing a card to his prison guard’s daughter, who visited him while he was incarcerated, declaring his love for her. He signed it “From your Valentine”, which is still the most popular way for people to sign their cards today.

Today, St. Valentine is the patron saint of love, lovers, couples, young people, travellers and greetings.

The exchange of Valentine’s Day cards with declarations of love goes back to the 1500s, with people making their own handmade cards, often decorating them with ribbons and lace. In the late 1700s, romantic cards started being commercialized, and they usually depicted the image of the god of love, Cupid, and hearts, images that still prevail on this day, as symbols of Valentine’s day.

The Greeting Card Association estimates that in America, every year, around 145 million Valentine’s Day cards are exchanged.

Valentine’s Day: History, Meaning, Facts and Stories Valentine's Day is celebrated annually on February 14 and a celebration of romance and love in many regions of the world. Stay tuned to ...

National Donor Day

National Donor Day, also known as National Organ Donor Day, is observed annually on February 14. There are currently around 120,000 Americans on the waitlist for a life-saving organ transplant, National Donor Day raises awareness about this and how signing up to be an organ donor can save so many lives. This is also a day to honor all of the hero donors who have saved so many people by donating their organs, tissues, blood, and marrow. This is known as the ultimate act of love and support for fellow humans in need.

The Saturn Corporation, together with the United Auto Workers, founded National Donor Day in 1998. This was supported by the United States Department of Health and Human Services and other health organizations.

The aim was to encourage people to discuss organ donation and convince them to sign up as blood and organ donors, in order to help the thousands of people in America that are in need of transfusions and transplants.

Join one of the many events taking place around the country on National Donor Day, such as the blood and bone marrow drives, or the Donor Dash, a 5k run/walk that raises funds for organ transplants and honors donors and those who are waiting for transplants.

How to sign up as an Organ Donor - Signing up as an organ donor couldn't be easier, there are two ways to do it:

When you're applying for or renewing your driver's license tick the "yes" box for organ donation. Alternatively, you can visit the DMV website.

Register as a donor with your state's registry by visiting the Donate Life America website or organdonor.gov.

It is important to note that even if you register as a donor you always have the right to change your mind.

You will be given a donor card, but you don't have to carry it with you all the time as you will be registered with your state. As you are registered, you may be asked to be a living donor if the system finds you are compatible with someone in need of a transplant.

Tuesday, Feb. 15

• National Gumdrop Day
• Singles Awareness Day

Susan B. Anthony's Birthday

Tributes are made in honor of Susan B Anthony's achievements on February 15. Memorial services are held at her grave in Rochester, New York, and in other places like Washington DC.

Susan B Anthony Day is a legal observance in some states including California, Florida, New York and Wisconsin.

Susan Brownell Anthony is best known for promoting women's rights and starting up the women's suffrage in the United States. She was born in Adams, Massachusetts, on February 15, 1820, and devoted most her life to anti-slavery and women's rights issues, including the right to vote. She died of heart disease and pneumonia in Rochester, New York, on March 13, 1906. In 1920, the "Anthony Amendment" was made to the U.S. constitution, which gave women the right to vote. She was the first American woman to have her likeness on a coin in the U.S.

February 2022 filled with lots of romance and food, there are also great holidays that will serve your sweet tooth. For example, you can eat lots of chocolate on National Dark Chocolate Day, National Chocolate Souffle Day, World Nutella Day and National Chocolate Fondue Day. Although the second month of the year is incredibly cold, it'll be a great time to spend time with your friends and family indoors by sitting near the fireplace and watch movies.

Wednesday, Feb. 16

• National Almond Day
• Paczki Day

Elizabeth Peratrovich Day

Every year on February 16, Alaskans honor Elizabeth Wanamaker Peratrovich (1911—1958) "for her courageous, unceasing efforts to eliminate discrimination and bring about equal rights in Alaska" (Alaska Statutes 44.12.065).

For many, Elizabeth Peratrovich is the face of Alaska Native civil rights. She was one of the main driving forces to ensure the passing of the territory's Anti-Discrimination Act of 1945, which was the first anti-discrimination law in the United States.

On February 16, Alaskans honor her memory with gatherings and some visit the gravesite where she is buried alongside her husband, Roy Peratrovich.

Peratrovich has awards, monuments, and buildings named in her honor, including the Elizabeth Peratrovich Award, the Peratrovich Gallery in the Alaska House of Representatives, and a theater in Ketchikan's Southeast Alaska Discovery Center is also named after her. A park in downtown Anchorage is named for her and her husband.

Elizabeth Peratrovich Day is a local observance in Alaska where some offices, institutions, and shops may be closed.

Elizabeth Peratrovich was born on July 4, 1911 in Petersburg, Alaska. She was an Alaska Native of the Lukaax̱.ádi clan of the Tlingit nation (also spelled Tlinkit), an indigenous people of the Pacific Northwest Coast of North America. While she was still very young, she was adopted by Andrew and Mary Wanamaker, a Tlingit couple, and named Elizabeth Wanamaker.

In 1931, she married Roy Peratrovich (1908–1989), and together they spent their lives fighting for civil rights and against widespread discrimination against Alaska Natives.

In her testimony before the territorial Senate voted on the Anti-Discrimination Act, she famously responded to derogatory comments made by a senator: “I would not have expected that I, who am barely out of savagery, would have to remind gentlemen with 5,000 years of recorded civilization behind them, of our Bill of Rights.”

Peratrovich’s effort and testimony are considered to have been decisive in ensuring that the law passed, nearly 20 years before the US Congress established the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

On February 6, 1988, the Alaska Legislature established February 16 as Elizabeth Peratrovich Day. February 16 was chosen as it was the day the Anti-Discrimination Act was signed in 1945.

Thursday, Feb. 17

• Random Act of Kindness Day

Random Acts of Kindness Day

On February 17 let yourself be inspired by Random Acts of Kindness Day to bring joy to the people you come across. The day encourages people to do good deeds, and celebrate the pay it forward mentality. It also reminds us that doing something kind for someone else can have a big impact not only on their day, but also on ours - being kind to others makes us happier, and makes us realize we need to be kinder to ourselves too. An act of kindness doesn't have to be a big gesture either, sometimes the smallest act can have the biggest impact.

So, on Random Acts of Kindness Day, do kind things for others. It is easy, it is free, and it will put a smile on everyone’s face.

Random Acts of Kindness Day was inspired by the Random Acts of Kindness Foundation (RAK), a nonprofit organization founded in 1995 in Denver, Colorado. A few years later, in 2004, a man named Josh de Jong started celebrating Random Acts of Kindness Day in New Zealand, and the day quickly grew in popularity and spread across the world.

Friday, Feb. 18

• National Caregivers Day
• National Drink Wine Day

Saturday, Feb. 19

• National Chocolate Mint Day
• Tug of War Day

Sunday, Feb. 20

• National Cherry Pie Day
• National Love Your Pet Day
• National Muffin Day
• Rihanna’s Birthday

National Love Your Pet Day

February 20 is National Love Your Pet Day, a holiday where people show love and appreciation for their companions and best friends, their pets! The bond between humans and their pets is very strong, and National Love Your Pet Day is all about celebrating that relationship. Pets love us unconditionally, so today is all about doing the same for them.

National Love Your Pet Day is about making all pets feel special, whether they are dogs, cats, fish, reptiles, birds, or rodents, it does not matter.

While it is unclear who created National Love Your Pet Day, and when, there are some records of this day being celebrated since the early 2000s.

However, one thing we do know: humans have had pets for thousands of years! The bond between humans and domesticated animals has always been a strong one, and in ancient times some pets were even buried alongside their owners. It is possible that the first animal to live with humans was the wolf, so it is no wonder that dogs are considered to be men's best friend.

Monday, Feb. 21

• Family Day
• National Sticky Bun Day
• Nova Scotia Heritage Day
• Presidents' Day

Presidents' Day

Presidents' Day is a public holiday in most US states

Washington's Birthday, also known as Presidents' Day, is a federal holiday held on the third Monday of February. The day honors presidents of the United States, including George Washington, the USA's first president.

Initially established as a federal holiday in 1885 to celebrate George Washington’s birthday on the 22nd of February, it was changed in 1971 when it became known simply as Presidents' Day and its celebration date was moved to a Monday, as part of the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, which was passed in Congress as a way to create more three-day long weekends for American workers.

Originally a day to celebrate George Washington and Abraham Lincoln, it is now meant to honor all U.S. Presidents, past and present, although several states still have individual holidays honoring the birthdays of Washington, Lincoln and other presidents.

Known by Americans as “The Father of Our Country”, George Washington was not only the first U.S. President, he also commanded the Continental Army, leading the American colonies to victory during the Revolutionary War against the British in 1783, earning him the status of one of the most iconic and important figures in American history, and making his birthday one that was, and is, celebrated with patriotic enthusiasm.

Americans started celebrating Washington’s birthday just months after his death. However, the holiday only became official when President Chester Alan Arthur signed a bill in 1885 making Washington’s birthday, the 22nd of February, into a federal holiday. Meanwhile, President Lincoln’s birthday on the 12th of February was only celebrated as a state holiday on the states outside of the old Confederacy.

Currently, Presidents' Day is one of only 11 permanently established holidays in the U.S.A. Every year, on this date, there are public ceremonies in Washington D.C., hosted by the current President of the U.S.A, as well as celebrations throughout the country.

As part of the celebrations, it has been a tradition for decades for “George Washington’s Farewell Address” to be read in the Senate annually, prompting Americans to reflect on the founding values of their nation.

In many states, schools are also obliged to organize events and lessons where students can learn more about American presidents’ lives and accomplishments, with a special focus on George Washington and Abraham Lincoln.

Since the 1970s stores have also taken advantage of the three-day weekend holiday to host sales and advertise their “Presidents' Day” bargains.

President Day - Washington's Birthday: History, Significance and Activities Presidents' Day born as a federal holiday taking place on the third Monday in February to honor the first president of the United States, George ...

International Mother Language Day

On February 21st countries around the world celebrate linguistic diversity on International Mother Language Day. International Mother Language Day was officially established as an International United Nations observance on November 17, 1999, during the 30th General Assembly of UNESCO. If you are interested in this topic, the Mother Tongue Film Festival is held every year on International Mother Language Day in Washington D.C.

Daisy Gatson Bates Day

Daisy Gatson Bates Day honors the life of Daisy Gatson Bates, a civil rights activist who played a key role in an integration crisis at Little Rock Central High School in 1957. Daisy Gatson Bates Day is a state holiday in Arkansas, the United States, on the third Monday of February, together with Washington’s Birthday.

Many people in the United States, including in Little Rock, Arkansas, take the time to remember the life and achievements of Daisy Gatson Bates on the third Monday of February. Educational institutions may incorporate classroom activities for students to learn about the importance of civil rights and leaders such as Bates around this time of the year. Local events may also take place to honor of Bates and her achievements on the day.

Daisy Gatson Bates Day coincides with Washington’s Birthday and is a public holiday in Arkansas. Schools, government offices and many businesses are closed on this day.

Daisy Lee Gatson Bates was born in Huttig, Arkansas, in 1913 or 1914. She was a foster child who attended the city’s segregated public schools. She married LC Bates in 1942 and lived in Little Rock. Her husband started a newspaper, known as the Arkansas State Press, which stressed the need to improve conditions for African Americans. This resulted in many businesses withdrawing their advertisements.

She and her husband were actively involved in the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). Bates’ popularity as a civil rights advocate heightened in 1956 during the pre-trial proceedings of the federal court case, Aaron v Cooper, which set the stage for Little Rock Central High School’s desegregation in 1957.

Bates led a protest against the Little Rock schools system’s slow plan for racial integration within schools. She personally guided and advised African American students enroll into Little Rock Central High School on September 25, 1957, with National Guard units and about 1000 paratroopers to help enforce integration. She remained active in the civil rights programs throughout her life. Bates died of a heart attack at the Baptist Medical Center in Little Rock on November 4, 1999.

A state holiday was named in her honor on February 19, 2001. The third Monday in February of every year (the same day as President's Day, officially known as Washington’s Birthday) will now also be Daisy Gatson Bates day in Arkansas.

Tuesday, Feb. 22

• National Margarita Day
• National Walking the Dog Day
• World Spay Day

World Thinking Day

World Thinking Day is celebrated every year on February 22 by millions of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts around the world. On this day, the girls are encouraged to celebrate their sisters from all different countries and think about them and the impact that the Guides and the Scouts have on a global scale. Eventually, each World Thinking Day has observed a different theme each year with a focus on important international issues that affect each of the five world regions where Girl Guides and Girl Scouts exist. This gives the girls an opportunity to learn about other cultures, and be more aware and sensitive to different global concerns.

World Thinking Day has been celebrated since 1926. During the 4th Girl Scout International Conference, held at Camp Edith Macy in the United States, delegates of the Girl Scouts and the Girl Guides thought there was a need for a day where the girls could celebrate being part of an international movement, and the impact that this has had in so many girls from different countries. This also allowed them to take some time to show their appreciation for their sisters and the Scout movement.

They chose February 22 to hold this celebration as it is the birthday of both Lord Baden-Powell, the founder of the scout and guide movement, and his wife Olave Baden-Powell, who was the First World Chief Guide.

World Thinking Day brings girls from around 150 countries together, in a celebration of friendship and the impact of Scouting and Guiding on their lives. To this day, World Thinking Day is one of the most important dates in the Girl Scouts and Guides' calendar, as it inspires them to think about global issues and acts as an important fundraising event for WAGGS which keeps the Movement going.

The Girl Scouts and Girl Guides organize many individual and international events on World Thinking Day that allows them to have their own celebrations as well as connect with girls from other countries. The events and activities usually focus on the year's theme.

Around the world, girls connect on ScoutLink or over amateur radio for Thinking Day on the Air. This allows them to talk to each other and celebrate the founders of the Movement. Another way girls stay connected is by following the long-standing tradition of sending letters and postcards to other Scouts and Guides.

Of course, most packs organize fundraising events, such as bake sales, for World Thinking Day.

Wednesday, Feb. 23

• International Dog Biscuit Appreciation Day
• National Banana Bread Day
• National Dog Biscuit Day

Thursday, Feb. 24

• National Chili Day
• National Tortilla Chip Day

National Chili Day

Celebrating the ultimate winter comfort food, National Chili Day is observed every year on the fourth Thursday in February. Traditionally known as chili con carne, this spicy dish is made with mincemeat, beans, chili peppers, tomatoes, garlic, and onion, but many people have their own variations and ingredients that they add to the basic chili recipe. Chili is so popular in America that there are often city and state-wide competitions to choose the ultimate chili recipe.

National Chili Day was created in 2006 by Rich Kelly, the owner of the Hard Times Cafe in Arlington. The day has since spread through America, and is celebrated annually with pot lucks and cook-offs that chili lovers take very seriously!

Push away the winter blues by indulging in a big comforting bowl of chili today! Whether you have an old family recipe, or this is your first time cooking chili, take some time today to cook a delicious chili. Invite friends or family to come over and gather around the table warming up with some comforting chili.

See if there are any chili cook-offs around you and attend one to see just how competitive people can get over chili. As an alternative, invite some friends to make their own chili recipes and to come over so you can all decide once and for all who's the best chili cook.

Friday, Feb. 25

• Carnival of Brazil
• National Clam Chowder Day
• National Skip the Straw Day
• Yukon Heritage Day

George Rogers Clark Day

This is not a public holiday. Government and public offices, businesses, and schools are not closed on this day but may hold special events and outreach programs to commemorate the annual observation.

Saturday, Feb. 26

• Letter to an Elder Day
• National Pistachio Day

Sunday, Feb. 27

• International Polar Bear Day
• National Pokemon Day
• National Protein Day
• National Strawberry Day

Monday, Feb. 28

• National Chocolate Souffle Day
• National Public Sleeping Day
• Rare Disease Day

Rare Disease Day

Rare Disease Day is observed on the last day of February. It raises awareness about rare diseases that are not commonly known, it aims to make treatment and medical representation more accessible for people who suffer from a rare disease, and to give their families more resources to learn about the diseases and how to care for their loved ones.

Rare Disease Day was created by the European Organisation for Rare Diseases on February 29, 2008, and observed by several European countries and Canada. The EURORDIS picked February 29 because it is a rare day, as it only happens every four years. However, Rare Disease Day is celebrated even if it's not a leap year, it is just observed on February 28 instead.

Even though there have been many efforts to raise awareness about rare diseases, most people are still unaware of them and the struggles of people who suffer from them. Do your part by sharing stories of people with rare diseases on your social media, with family and friends. Do it by using the hashtag #RareDiseaseDayUSA to join your voice with others who are bringing these issues to light.

If you know anyone with a rare disease or would like to help with treatment and research in the future, there are many ways to educate yourself on this matter. In the United States there are big events and activities happening across many states, such as conferences, walks, fun runs, and exhibitions that anyone can attend.

Show your support to the plight of people with rare diseases by donating to NORD, the official US sponsor of Rare Disease Day who provides resources and help for people with rare diseases and their families.

Linus Pauling Day

Linus Pauling was one of the most important researchers in immunology and is the only person who has won two undivided Nobel Prizes. His achievements are annually commemorated at Oregon State University.

Dr. Pauling is the only person who has won two undivided Nobel Prizes. In 1954 he won the Prize for Chemistry. Eight years later he was awarded the Peace Prize for his opposition to weapons of mass destruction. Pauling also many other awards, including forty-seven honorary doctorates.

After receiving the degree of B.Sc. in chemical engineering in 1922 from Oregon State College, he went on to an appointment as a Teaching Fellow in Chemistry in the California Institute of Technology. In 1925 he was awarded his Ph.D. in chemistry, with minors in physics and mathematics.

Pauling did extensive research on immunology, the structure of hemoglobin and the nature of sickle cell anemia.

The atom bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki were a turning point in Pauling's life. Together with other scientists he spoke and wrote against the nuclear arms race, and he was a driving force in the Pugwash movement. It sought to reduce the role of nuclear arms in international politics and was awarded the Peace Prize in 1995.

In 1959, Pauling drafted his famous Hiroshima Appeal, a document issued after the Fifth World Conference against Atomic and Hydrogen Bombs.

He was one of the prime movers who urged the nuclear powers the USA, the Soviet Union and Great Britain to conclude a nuclear test ban treaty, which entered into force on 10 October 1963. On the same day, it was announced that Linus Pauling had won the Nobel Peace Prize held over from 1962.

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