30 Reasons to Celebrate in April

Special Days and Unconventional Holidays to Observe

As March fades away, spring flowers have started to bloom, the days are getting longer, and winter's chill is fading away. Do you still need more reasons to celebrate? We've created a calendar full of April celebrations, including foodie holidays, such as Peanut Butter and Jelly Day, and other national observances, such as National Pet Day, to make your month a little bit happier.

Here are 30 reasons to celebrate during the month of April.

April formerly was the second month of the year under the Roman calendar.

April 1: April Fool’s Day

Kick off the month with some lighthearted pranks. For example, serve a mashed potato "sundae" in a tall glass for dessert. But keep in mind that not everyone enjoys being on the other end of a joke, so take care to respect the wishes of those who may not appreciate the gesture.

April 2: Peanut Butter and Jelly Day

A peanut butter and jelly sandwich is a lunchtime staple, so it's no wonder the sweet and savory sammie gets its own day of celebration. The origin of this national day is unknown, but Boston writer Julia Davis Chandler was the first to mention pairing peanut "paste" with jelly on bread in an article written in 1901. Celebrate by spreading this perfect duo on a sandwich for yourself.

April 3: National Chocolate Mousse Day

Both airy and decadent, chocolate mousse makes a romantic dessert, whether you're cooking for two or looking to impress a crowd. The French developed edible chocolate around 1650, and a century later they began publishing recipes for the "mousse" technique. Try out the technique for yourself on National Chocolate Mousse Day.

April 4: World Rat Day

Pet rats are intelligent, social animals that are easily tamed. If you're looking for a new pet, learn more about rats to celebrate the animal's special day. World Rat Day was created in 2002 by two rat lovers who wanted to give recognition to their favorite animal.

April 5: National Caramel Day

April is a month of celebrating sweets and on this day you can celebrate a classic chewy candy: caramel. The form of chewy caramel everyone now loves dates back to the 18th century. Caramel is formed by heating a mixture of various types of sugar until the molecules break down to form a new compound—a process known as "caramelization." Try your cooking skills at making your own caramel today to celebrate (just remember caramel can be a little messy).

April 6: National Twinkie Day

National Twinkie Day was first formally celebrated in 2012, the same year Twinkie production was temporarily suspended due to Hostess Brands filing for bankruptcy. But this snack cake has been around since 1930, and fortunately it made a quick return to store shelves in 2013. Enjoy the day by indulging in this popular treat.

April 7: National Beer Day

National Beer Day commemorates the passage of the Cullen-Harrison Act of 1933, a piece of legislation that legalized the sale of 3.2 percent beer during Prohibition. To celebrate National Beer Day, skip your go-to six-pack, and try a new brew. From stouts to sours, there are many different beers to sample.

April 8: Draw a Picture of a Bird Day

Many areas see the return of more bird species in the spring. Whether you're an enthusiastic backyard birder or a dedicated hobbyist, almost everyone enjoys catching sight and sound of a pretty bird. Put your pencil to paper to capture the moment today. You don't have to be artistic to enjoy this activity. Just take a moment to observe and sketch some of the birds you see.

April 9: Cherish an Antique Day

Forget the saying: "Out with the old, in with the new." Cherish an Antique Day is meant for celebrating the older, refined items of years past. Whether you're an antique collector or simply like admiring items from previous decades, take some time today to shop for antiques, read up on their history, sort through family heirlooms, or add a piece into your home decor.

April 10: National Siblings Day

They might have annoyed you when you were younger, but few people know you as intimately as your siblings do. So take a moment today to call your brother or sister and reminisce about all those times you drove each other (and your parents) crazy.

April 11: National Pet Day

Pets can comfort you when you're feeling low, offer unconditional love, and provide entertainment. Sure, they might be a little weird and sometimes misbehave, but they're part of your family. Give your animal friends a little extra love, care, and some treats today.

April 12: Grilled Cheese Sandwich Day

Whether you love a simple slice of American cheese on white bread or aged brie on sourdough, grilled cheese always makes for an awesome meal. Whip up your favorite grilled cheese sandwich for breakfast, lunch, or dinner to celebrate today.

April 13: National Scrabble Day

Is "quijibo" really a word? Over the years, you may have had your fair share of surprise triple word scores, heated dictionary deliberations, and maybe some tile throwing. National Scrabble Day honors the birthday of game inventor Alfred Mosher Butts, born on April 13, 1899. It's a great day to invite over a few word-savvy friends, get out your Scrabble board, and learn some new words.

April 14: National Pecan Day

National Pecan Day has been celebrated in the U.S. since 1996 and was launched by the National Pecan Shellers Association. Celebrate this delicious, buttery nut by whipping up a batch of pecan candies, a classic pecan pie, or some other pecan desserts.

April 15: National Glazed Spiral Ham Day

There's more than one way to glaze a ham. Soda, maple syrup, pineapple,? and honey are all tried-and-true methods to sweeten a classic baked ham. Today's a perfect day to practice a method you've never tried before. You always can use leftover ham in a breakfast casserole or a sandwich.

April 16: National Eggs Benedict Day

What's brunch without eggs Benedict? Rich hollandaise sauce, a perfectly yolky egg, a fluffy biscuit, and thick slices of Canadian bacon make up the classic dish that'll have you licking your lips before noon. Try making your own version at home today, or treat yourself to a delicious meal out.

April 17: Haiku Poetry Day

A form of poetry originating in Japan, a Haiku usually consists of three lines. The first and third contain five syllables, and the middle line contains seven. Celebrate this beautiful art form by writing some of your own, checking out a poetry book at the library, or finding a few to read online. You may even have some poetry books in your home library you can dust off and read.

April 18: National Velociraptor Awareness Day

The velociraptors became a fan favorite in the “Jurassic Park” franchise. And today you can celebrate these ferocious creatures. Take a moment to learn something new about raptors, predators, and other dinosaurs today. And compare the scientific facts to how they are portrayed in the movies.

April 19: National Garlic Day

National Garlic Day is dedicated to celebrating this "stinking rose" in the kitchen and in history. After all, people once thought garlic could cure the Bubonic plague, and in fact it does offer several health benefits. Garlic is surprisingly simple to grow and can thrive in a vegetable garden or planter. Make your favorite garlic-filled dish today to celebrate.

April 20: National Look-Alike Day

Has anyone ever told you that you look like a certain celebrity or that you and your best friend are always matching? You don't have to be a twin to have a look-alike. To celebrate National Look-Alike Day, try to find the celebrities your family and friends look like. Or purposely wear matching clothes with your family, friends, or even pets.

April 21: United Kingdom's National Tea Day

Anglophiles everywhere should set aside April 21, the United Kingdom's National Tea Day, for special observance. This is the day that Brits celebrate the hot drink that has been their favorite for centuries. Create a traditional English tea setting to get into the spirit of the day.

April 22: Earth Day

April 22, 1970, was the first Earth Day, and the date has been observed every year since as the anniversary of the birth of the modern environmental movement. Mother Earth may only officially get full attention one day a year, but you can try to take care of the planet every day. Today's the day to learn some ways you can help protect the environment.

April 23: National Picnic Day

The word "picnic" derives from the French piquenique, meaning a meal eaten outdoors. A picnic truly became an activity during the early 19th century when a group of wealthy London residents formed The Picnic Society, featuring shared dishes and informal entertainment. To celebrate the day, pack a picnic lunch, and soak up some spring sunshine.

April 25: World Penguin Day

Forever dressed in formal attire and waddling around, penguins are charming oddities of the bird world. There are actually 18 distinct penguin species, and today's the day to celebrate all of them. Learn about ways you can help penguins survive in their wild habitats, and consider donating to a wildlife group that supports penguins.

April 26: National Pretzel Day

Pretzels may be a go-to snack for modern-day sporting events, but the origin of this salty baked good can be traced back to monks in the Middle Ages. Dipped in mustard or chocolate, wrapped around a hot dog, or shaped into a roll, pretzels are a bit tricky to make from scratch. However, they're well worth the effort. Use today to try your hand at making homemade pretzels.

April 27: National Prime Rib Day

Often considered the "king of meats," prime rib arguably is the finest cut of beef there is. You can celebrate this day by making your favorite prime rib recipe (wear an apron to avoid staining), or enjoy prime rib from your favorite restaurant.

April 28: National Blueberry Pie Day

April 28 gives you the perfect excuse to indulge your sweet tooth, thanks to National Blueberry Pie Day. Make a blueberry pie today to share with friends or family. Add a scoop of ice cream, and you've got yourself the perfect spring treat. Or better yet, learn how to grow blueberries in your own yard.

April 29: National Peace Rose Day

National Peace Rose Day is observed on the anniversary of when the rose's name was announced publicly: April 29, 1945. A popular hybrid tea rose, the peace rose certainly will bring serenity to any garden. If you have the space, consider planting some of these beauties in your garden.

April 29: Arbor Day* (last Friday)

Since 1872, Arbor Day has been observed as a day to encourage tree planting and to raise awareness of the importance of trees and forests. If you have the space in your yard, today's the day to plant a new tree. Otherwise, look for events to help with local tree plantings or green space cleanup.

April 30: National Adopt a Shelter Pet Day

Adopt a Shelter Pet Day was created to raise awareness for the millions of animals awaiting adoption in shelters across the U.S. If you're looking to add a pet to your home, today's the day to visit your local shelter or look at adoption sites online. Many rescue groups even have adoption specials to celebrate the day. If you don't have space for another critter, you can still help by volunteering or donating to a rescue group.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is April best know for?

April is known for warmer weather, April showers, and the budding of spring flowers in the Northern Hemisphere. In the Southern Hemisphere, it's autumnal, feeling much like October does in the northern part of the globe.

How did April get its name?

In the ancient Roman calendar, April is the second of 10 months of the year. It means "the following or next." The name for April is also related to the Latin word "aprilis," which means to open. The word is believed to be derived from the Etruscan word "Apru" for the Greek goddess of love, Aphrodite.

What are some important historical events that occurred in April?

In 1513, on April 2, Spanish explorer Ponce De Leon sighted Florida (current day St. Augustine) and claimed it for Spain. The American Revolution began on April 19, 1775. The country's first president, George Washington, was inaugurated on April 30, 1789. Noah Webster copyrighted the first Webster dictionary on April 14, 1828. The world mourned the sinking of the Titanic on April 15, 1912. American President Lyndon Johnson signed the Civil Rights Act of 1968 on April 11.

* Denotes that date changes each year

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