Globe Trottin' Kids

Çocuk Bayrami, Turkey
2026-04-23
Çocuk Bayrami is a Turkish holiday also known as National Sovereignty and Children’s Day.
It honors the founding of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey and is dedicated to children, symbolizing the importance of the younger generation in the country’s future.

Gathering of Nations
2026-04-24
The Gathering of Nations is one of the largest powwows in North America, bringing together Native American and Indigenous peoples to celebrate their diverse cultures through traditional dance, music, and arts. This annual event, held in Albuquerque, New Mexico, serves as a vibrant and significant gathering that fosters unity, cultural exchange, and the sharing of traditions among Indigenous communities.

ANZAC Day
2026-04-25
ANZAC Day commemorates the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) soldiers who served and sacrificed their lives in conflicts and wars. The day is marked by memorial services, dawn vigils, and parades to honor the bravery and contributions of these servicemen and women.

World Penguin Day
2026-04-25
World Penguin Day is a day to celebrate and raise awareness about these fascinating flightless birds and their habitats. The date coincides with the annual northward migration of Adelie penguins, signaling the end of the Antarctic summer and the beginning of the winter migration.

Freedom Day, South Africa
2026-04-27
Freedom Day in South Africa commemorates the first democratic elections held in 1994, which marked the end of apartheid and the beginning of a free and equal society.
Explore South Africa.
Mandela Day: 67 Minutes of Service

Koningsdag (King's Day), Netherlands
2026-04-27
Koningsdag, or King’s Day, is a national holiday in the Kingdom of the Netherlands marking the birth of King Willem-Alexander.
Koningsdag is known for its nationwide vrijmarkt (free market) where secondhand items are sold. It’s also a chance for oranjegekte (orange madness) for the national color, when people dye their hair orange for the celebration.

International Dance Day
2026-04-29
International Dance Day is celebrated every year on April 29th, the birthday of Jean-Georges Noverre (1727-1810) – the creator of modern ballet. The mission is to celebrate and bring people together with a common language – dance.

International Jazz Day
2026-04-30
In 2011, The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization officially designated April 30th as International Jazz Day. People and communities from all over the world come together to celebrate jazz as an art.

Poem in Your Pocket Day
2026-04-30
Poem in Your Pocket Day takes place during National Poetry Month in April.
Celebrate by selecting a poem, carrying it with you, and sharing it with others throughout the day! #pocketpoem

Lei Day
2026-05-01
Lei Day honors Hawaii’s people and their unique heritage. The common celebration of Lei Day includes giving gifts of leis to others.

Vesak
2026-05-01
Vesak is one of the most important Buddhist festivals. It is also known as Buddha Day, as it celebrates the founder of Buddhism. Observances include prayers, meditation, temple visits, chanting, and acts of kindness such as giving to the needy. Many Buddhists light lanterns and candles to symbolize enlightenment.
The festival is widely celebrated in Sri Lanka, India, Nepal, Thailand, and other Buddhist-majority countries, emphasizing compassion, peace, and wisdom.

Teacher Appreciation Week
2026-05-04
Teacher Appreciation Week in the U.S. is celebrated during the first full week of May each year. It is a time to express gratitude and recognition for the dedication and hard work of educators. It provides an opportunity for students, parents, and the community to show their appreciation through various gestures, such as cards, gifts, or special activities, honoring the crucial role teachers play in shaping the lives of their students.

Children's Book Week in May
2026-05-04
During Children’s Book Week, bookstores, libraries, and schools participate in various events to celebrate children’s books and the joy of reading.
Learn more at everychildareader.net

Kodomo no Hi
2026-05-05
Kodomo no Hi, also known as Children’s Day, is a Japanese national holiday celebrated on May 5th. It honors the well-being and happiness of children, featuring traditional decorations like Koinobori (carp-shaped streamers) and the display of samurai dolls, symbolizing strength and courage, in households with boys.
LEARN MORE HERE.

Cinco de Mayo
2026-05-05
Cinco de Mayo commemorates the Mexican army’s victory over the French forces at the Battle of Puebla in 1862. While often mistaken for Mexico’s Independence Day, Cinco de Mayo is observed with parades, music, traditional dances, and festive gatherings, particularly in the United States and the Mexican state of Puebla.

Teacher Appreciation Day
2026-05-05
Teacher Appreciation Day, also called National Teacher Day, falls on the Tuesday of Teacher Appreciation Week.
Thank a teacher!

Día de las Madres, Mexico
2026-05-10
In Mexico, Mother’s Day (Día de las Madres) is celebrated annually on May 10, regardless of the day of the week. It is one of the most important family celebrations, honoring mothers with flowers, gifts, music, and special meals.
Many families start the day with Las Mañanitas, a traditional song for mothers, often sung by mariachi bands. Schools and workplaces may host special events, and families gather for festive meals, typically featuring dishes like tamales, mole, or pozole. The day is marked by deep appreciation and gratitude for mothers.

Mother's Day
2026-05-10
Many countries, including the United States, celebrate Mother’s Day on the second Sunday of May. It is a day to honor and appreciate mothers, grandmothers, and maternal figures for their love and contributions. Families typically celebrate by giving cards, flowers, and gifts, as well as spending quality time together. Many people take their mothers out for brunch or prepare special home-cooked meals.

Limerick Day
2026-05-12
Limerick Day honors the birthday of Edward Lear, the English writer known for his nonsensical prose and poetry.

Celebrate World Poetry Day in the Elementary Classroom
Children’s Poetry Books
Poetry Writing Around the World

World Bee Day
2026-05-20
World Bee Day aims to raise awareness about the importance of bees and other pollinators for biodiversity, agriculture, and food production. The day emphasizes the need to protect bees and their habitats, highlighting their crucial role in sustaining ecosystems and global food security.

World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development
2026-05-21
“On 21 May, the World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development, UNESCO encourages people around the world to join us in celebrating cultural diversity and advocating for ways to protect and promote it in their own communities. In this way, all will be included and no one will be left behind.” — Audrey Azoulay, Director-General of UNESCO

Outdoor Classroom Day
2026-05-21
Outdoor Classroom Day is a global movement to inspire and celebrate outdoor play and learning, at home and at school. On Outdoor Classroom Day itself, which has two dates each year, teachers celebrate with a special day outdoors for their class.
Outdoor learning improves children’s health, engages them with learning and leads to a greater connection with nature. Play not only teaches critical life skills such as resilience, teamwork and creativity, but is central to children’s enjoyment of childhood.
Get more info and free resources HERE.

World Turtle Day
2026-05-23
World Turtle Day is celebrated annually on May 23 to raise awareness about turtle and tortoise conservation and the threats they face, such as habitat destruction and illegal wildlife trade. The day encourages people to learn about, protect, and appreciate these ancient reptiles. Activities include educational events, conservation projects, rescue efforts, and advocacy for stronger environmental protections.

African Liberation Day
2026-05-25
African Liberation Day honors the continent’s long struggle against colonialism and apartheid and celebrates African unity and self-determination.
Events include speeches, cultural performances, educational forums, and rallies.

Cheese Rolling Festival, UK
2026-05-25
The Cheese Rolling Festival is an annual English tradition in which several contestants attempt to chase a rolling cheese wheel down a very steep hill to win one of the most unique competitions in the world.

Memorial Day
2026-05-25
Memorial Day, observed on the last Monday of May, commemorates all men and women who have died in military service for the United States.

World Reef Awareness Day
2026-06-01
World Reef Awareness Day is a call to action for protecting the reef ecosystem within our oceans.

American Indian Citizenship Day
2026-06-02
American Indian Citizenship Day commemorates the passage of the Indian Citizenship Act in 1924, granting United States citizenship to all Native Americans born in the country.

World Bicycle Day
2026-06-03
World Bicycle Day celebrates the uniqueness, longevity, and versatility of the bicycle, which has been in use for two centuries. It’s a simple, affordable, reliable, clean, and environmentally fit sustainable means of transportation that fosters environmental stewardship and health.
Pedal Power: Celebrating World Bicycle Day

World Environment Day
2026-06-05
World Environment Day is celebrated annually on June 5 to raise global awareness and action for environmental protection. Each year, a different country hosts the event with a specific theme, addressing issues such as climate change, pollution, biodiversity, and conservation. Activities include tree planting, clean-up drives, educational campaigns, and policy discussions, encouraging people worldwide to take steps toward a healthier planet.
