February 20th: A Day of Cosmic Journeys, Poetic Rebels, and Quirky Celebrations
- Nicolette
- 1 day ago
- 7 min read
Welcome back to our February journey! We've explored revolutionary leaders, sacred beginnings, and historic battles.
Now, February 20th arrives as a day of remarkable contrasts; a day when humanity reached for the stars, when poetic souls were born to change the world, and when a delightful collection of quirky observances reminds us not to take life too seriously.
Here at LetsGoWherever.com, we believe every day is an adventure—and February 20 proves that adventures can be found in orbiting the Earth, fighting for social justice, waving away winter, and showing love to our furry friends.
What is Special about February 20th?
February 20th is a day when the cosmos and the calendar align in fascinating ways. Most significantly, it marks the anniversary of John Glenn's historic orbital flight aboard Friendship 7 in 1962, when he became the first American to orbit the Earth . His three orbits in just under five hours inspired a nation and cemented America's place in the space race.
But February 20th is also a day of profound artistic and cultural significance. It's the birthday of some of the most influential and beloved figures in music, film, and fashion from the grunge rebellion of Kurt Cobain to the global pop dominance of Rihanna, from the trailblazing dignity of Sidney Poitier to the iconic supermodel status of Cindy Crawford . These February 20th birthdays share a common thread: they are, as one astrologer put it, "the zodiac's poetic revolutionary—a cosmic cocktail of defiance and compassion" .
On the global stage, February 20th is observed as the World Day for Social Justice, a United Nations-designated day promoting equality, fairness, and human rights for all . And in one of the most delightfully named holidays of the year, it's also Northern Hemisphere Hoodie Hoo Day, when people across the northern half of the world go outside at noon, wave their hands over their heads, and shout "Hoodie Hoo!" to chase away winter and welcome the coming spring .
Whether you're celebrating with your pet on Love Your Pet Day, indulging in a slice of National Cherry Pie Day, or simply enjoying the cozy comfort of National Comfy Day, February 20th invites us to embrace the full spectrum of human experience .
National and International Holidays on February 20th
Global Observances
World Day for Social Justice: Established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2007, this day recognizes the critical importance of social justice in creating peaceful and prosperous societies . It promotes efforts to tackle issues like poverty, exclusion, and inequality, and encourages member states to work toward fair outcomes for all through employment, social protection, and dialogue. The day serves as a reminder that social justice is not a luxury but a fundamental principle for sustainable development and human dignity .
Northern Hemisphere Hoodie Hoo Day: Created in the early 1990s by Thomas and Ruth Roy of Wellcat Holidays, this uniquely quirky observance takes place annually on February 20 at high noon . Participants in the Northern Hemisphere are encouraged to go outside, wave their hands over their heads, and shout "Hoodie Hoo!" to chase away winter and welcome the approaching spring. It's a moment of shared silliness that connects people across cultures in a collective ritual of seasonal optimism .
United States Observances
Love Your Pet Day: This heartwarming observance, created in 2006 by celebrity pet lifestyle expert Colleen Paige, celebrates the unconditional love and companionship that pets bring to our lives . Whether you have a dog, cat, bird, fish, hamster, or something more exotic, today is the day to show them extra affection—with treats, extra playtime, a new toy, or simply quality time together. Paige, who also founded National Dog Day and National Cat Day, created this holiday to encourage pet adoption and responsible pet ownership .
National Cherry Pie Day: As part of Great American Pie Month, February 20 celebrates one of America's most beloved desserts . Cherry pie has deep roots in American culinary tradition, with recipes dating back to the colonial era. Whether you prefer it à la mode, with a lattice crust, or as hand pies, today is the day to indulge. Fun fact: George Washington's birthday (February 22) is often celebrated with cherry pie, connecting this holiday to the legendary (and almost certainly fictional) cherry tree story .
National Comfy Day: In our fast-paced, always-on world, National Comfy Day encourages us to slow down and embrace comfort . Whether that means slipping into your coziest sweatpants, wrapping up in a soft blanket, or simply taking time to relax without guilt, this day celebrates the simple pleasure of feeling comfortable in your own skin and your own space.
Clean Out Your Bookcase Day: For book lovers, this holiday offers the perfect excuse to organize, declutter, and rediscover forgotten treasures on your shelves . It's also an opportunity to donate books you no longer need to libraries, schools, or charitable organizations, sharing the joy of reading with others while creating space for new literary adventures.
National Leadership Day: Celebrated annually on the third Friday of February (which falls on February 20 in 2026), this day honors the qualities of effective leadership and encourages individuals to develop their leadership potential . Schools, businesses, and community organizations use this day to recognize outstanding leaders and offer workshops on communication, decision-making, and team building.
National Student Volunteer Day: Also falling on the third Friday of February, this observance celebrates the contributions of student volunteers across the country . It highlights the positive impact young people have on their communities through service and encourages more students to get involved in volunteer activities.
National Caregivers Day: Observed on the third Friday of February, this day honors the dedicated professionals who provide long-term care and support to those in need . Caregivers—whether family members, nurses, or home health aides—make tremendous sacrifices to ensure the well-being of others, and this day offers an opportunity to recognize and thank them for their compassion and hard work.
National Tartar Sauce Day: For seafood lovers, this first-Friday-of-Lent observance (February 20 in 2026) celebrates the tangy, creamy condiment that perfectly complements fried fish, shrimp, and calamari . Whether you prefer yours classic or with a twist, today is the day to dip with abandon.
Friday Fish Fry Day: Another Lenten Friday observance, this day celebrates the beloved tradition of fish fries, particularly popular in Midwestern Catholic communities . Churches, VFW halls, and restaurants across the region serve up fried fish with all the fixings, bringing communities together around shared meals and fellowship.
No Politics Day: In an increasingly polarized world, this unofficial holiday offers a much-needed break from political discussions, news, and arguments . For 24 hours, participants agree to set aside partisan debates and focus instead on common ground, human connection, and the things that unite us rather than divide us.
National Day of Solidarity With Muslim, Arab, and South Asian Immigrants: This observance stands in support of immigrant communities who have faced discrimination, prejudice, and marginalization . It encourages education about the contributions of these communities to American society and promotes policies that welcome rather than exclude.
National Handcuff Day: Celebrated on the anniversary of the patent for the modern adjustable handcuff, this day acknowledges the role of law enforcement and the tools they use . It's also a reminder of the importance of public safety and the rule of law.
National Muffin Day: Because sometimes you just need a muffin . Whether you prefer blueberry, banana nut, chocolate chip, or savory corn, today celebrates this portable, versatile baked good.
National Whistleblower Reward Day: This day recognizes the courage of whistleblowers who expose wrongdoing in government and corporations, often at great personal risk . It highlights the importance of protecting those who speak truth to power and ensuring they are not punished for their bravery.
Women in Blue Jeans Day: A celebration of women's comfort and style, this day encourages women to embrace blue jeans as a symbol of practicality, freedom, and self-expression .
Weekly Observances
February 20 falls during several important weeklong observances in 2026 :
Random Acts of Kindness Week (February 15-20): The final day to spread unexpected kindness
National Pancake Week (February 16-22): Perfect timing for a pre-Lenten breakfast
Brotherhood/Sisterhood Week (February 15-21): Promoting interfaith and interracial harmony
National Entrepreneurship Week (February 15-21): Celebrating innovators and business creators
Lent (February 18 - March 30): The 40-day season of reflection and preparation for Easter
Ramadan (Evening of February 17 - Evening of March 18): The holy month of fasting for Muslims worldwide
Astrology and Symbols
Those born on February 20th fall under the zodiac sign of Pisces (February 19 - March 20) .
Pisces Traits:
Element: Water
Ruling Planet: Neptune and Jupiter
Symbol: Two fish swimming in opposite directions, representing the duality of the Piscean nature
Strengths: Compassionate, artistic, intuitive, gentle, wise, musical
Weaknesses: Fearful, overly trusting, sad, desire to escape reality
As one astrologer notes, those born on February 20th are "the zodiac's poetic revolutionary—a cosmic cocktail of Aquarius' defiance and Pisces' compassion" . They challenge broken systems and heal hearts, making them natural fits for careers in social justice, trauma therapy, or radical art.
The birth flower for February is the violet, symbolizing faithfulness, loyalty, humility, wisdom, and hope, and the primrose, representing modesty, distinction, and virtue .
The birthstone for February is amethyst, a purple quartz symbolizing peace, courage, and stability .
Whether you're celebrating John Glenn's cosmic journey, honoring the birthday of your favorite artist or musician, waving away winter on Hoodie Hoo Day, showing extra love to your pet, or simply enjoying a slice of cherry pie in your comfiest clothes, February 20th invites us to embrace the full spectrum of human experience from the heights of space exploration to the simple pleasures of cozy comfort.
Where will this stellar day take you? Let us know in the comments!
Here are other dates in February we think you would like:
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