National and International Days in May 2025: What to Celebrate and When
May is packed with meaningful, quirky, and inspiring observances that offer the perfect chance to connect with audiences, raise awareness, or simply have fun. From global awareness days like World Press Freedom Day and Mental Health Month to fan-favorites like Star Wars Day and International Museum Day, there’s something for everyone this month.
Whether you're a brand looking to align content with key dates, a teacher creating themed lessons, or just someone who loves keeping track of celebrations, this calendar will help you plan ahead.
Here's a breakdown of the most notable national and international days happening in May 2025—each with a one-sentence description so you know what it’s all about.
National and International Days in May 2025
Month-Long Observance
Mental Health Month
A time to raise awareness around mental health challenges, encourage open conversations, and promote emotional well-being.
Key May 2025 Dates
May 1 – International Labor Day
Celebrates workers' rights and the contributions of the labor movement worldwide.
May 3 – World Press Freedom Day
Highlights the importance of independent journalism and freedom of expression.
First Saturday (May 3) – Free Comic Book Day
Comic book shops give away free comics to promote literacy and the comic book industry.
First Sunday (May 4) – World Laughter Day
Promotes laughter as a tool for health and global peace.
May 4 – Star Wars Day
A global fan celebration of the Star Wars franchise, marked by themed content and events.
May 5 – Cinco de Mayo
Commemorates Mexico’s victory at the Battle of Puebla and is widely celebrated in the U.S. with cultural festivities.
May 6 – Early May Bank Holiday (UK)
A public holiday in the UK celebrating the arrival of spring.
May 12 – Mother’s Day (US & others)
Honors mothers and maternal figures with family gatherings, gifts, and appreciation.
May 12 – International Nurses Day
Recognizes the dedication and impact of nurses around the world.
May 13 – Cannes Film Festival / World Cocktail Day
Celebrates cinematic excellence in Cannes and the art of mixology worldwide.
May 14 – World Fair Trade Day Promotes ethical trade practices and fair working conditions for producers globally. May 15 – International Day of Families Raises awareness of family-related issues and the importance of strong family bonds. May 16 – National Bike to Work Day (US) Encourages greener commuting and healthier lifestyles through cycling. May 17 – World Telecommunication Day / IDAHOBIT / FA Cup Final / Eurovision Celebrates communication technology, LGBTQ+ rights, football culture, and European music. May 18 – International Museum Day / World Baking Day Promotes cultural education through museums and celebrates the joy of baking. May 19 – Start of National Vegetarian Week (UK) A week encouraging plant-based diets for health, sustainability, and ethics. May 20 – World Bee Day / Rescue Dog Day / Chelsea Flower Show / Be a Millionaire Day Focuses on bee conservation, pet adoption, floral art, and aspirational wealth. May 21 – World Day for Cultural Diversity / ONS Housing Data Release Promotes cultural understanding and coincides with UK rental market statistics release. May 22 – International Day for Biological Diversity Highlights the need to protect Earth’s biodiversity and ecosystems. May 23 – Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning (film release) Launch of the next chapter in the high-stakes action film franchise. May 25 – National Wine Day / Monaco Grand Prix / French Open Celebrates wine appreciation alongside elite motorsports and tennis tournaments. May 26 – Spring Bank Holiday (UK) / Cheese Rolling / Memorial Day (US) A public holiday in the UK, quirky local events, and a solemn day of remembrance in the US. May 27 – Sunscreen Day / Spring Bank Holiday (UK)
May 28 – National Hamburger Day
A day to enjoy and celebrate one of the world's most iconic fast foods.
May 29 – Start of National BBQ Week (UK)
Encourages outdoor cooking and social gatherings with barbecue culture.
May 31 – UEFA Champions League Final / World No Tobacco Day
Concludes the European football season and promotes tobacco-free living.
How PR Professionals and Marketers Can Use Awareness Days to Generate Media Coverage
National and international awareness days offer built-in news hooks that public relations experts, marketers, and content creators can use to gain media traction for clients. These observances are already on the radar of journalists and editors, making them ideal opportunities to align brand messaging with timely, relevant themes.
Here’s how professionals can capitalise on them effectively:
- Create timely, themed pitches: Tie your client’s product, service, or story to the topic of the day. For example, a wellness brand might launch a mental health campaign during Mental Health Month, while a fintech company could offer savings tips on Be a Millionaire Day.
- Plan editorial calendars in advance: Journalists and media outlets often work weeks or months ahead, especially for evergreen content. Incorporating awareness days into your content calendar allows you to pitch early and improve your chances of securing coverage.
- Leverage social media and hashtags: Most awareness days come with trending hashtags (e.g., #InternationalNursesDay, #WorldPressFreedomDay), giving brands a platform to join wider conversations and increase reach.
- Offer expert commentary or unique data: Position your client as a thought leader by offering expert insight or releasing exclusive research tied to the day’s theme—this works especially well with health, tech, finance, and social impact topics.
- Host or sponsor relevant events: From webinars to giveaways, real-world or virtual events timed with awareness days can increase visibility and create shareable media moments.
- Collaborate with nonprofits and campaigns: Aligning with the official organizations behind these days can add authenticity and strengthen outreach, especially on cause-driven occasions like World Bee Day or the International Day Against Homophobia.
By using these observances as content and campaign anchors, agencies can not only increase a client’s exposure but also improve the relevance, timeliness, and impact of their storytelling.
