Important Days of May 2021

Topic: Important Days

May 1: May Day

May Day is also called International Workers’ Day or Labour Day. The date, May 1, was chosen to commemorate the Haymarket affair. It occurred in Chicago on 4 May 1886.

First Labour Day in India: The first Labour Day in India was hosted by the Labour Kisan Party in Madras in 1923. It was initiated from the Labour Union Movement.

Labour Union Movement: The Labour Union Movement began in response to the attacks of industrial capitalism. In Europe, the Labour Union Movement began during the industrial revolution.

May 03: World Press Freedom Day 2021

The World Press Freedom Day (WPFD) is an annual celebration of press freedom, observed on 3rd May every year. The main celebration is organized by the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The theme for WPFD 2021 is “Information as a Public Good”.

May 8: World Thalassemia Day

Every year the World Thalassemia Day is celebrated on May 8. The day is celebrated to encourage the patients suffering from Thalassemia. This year, the World Thalassemia Day is celebrated under the following theme:

Theme: “Addressing Health Inequalities Across the Global Thalassemia Community”.

May 8: World Migratory Bird Day

Every year, the World Migratory Day is celebrated on second Saturday of May and October. This year, it is celebrated on May 8th. The previous World Migratory Bird Day was celebrated on October 10th.

The main objective of celebrating the World Migratory Day is to increase awareness of migratory birds and their importance in international cooperation to conserve them. It also creates awareness for conserving the habitats of the migratory birds, especially the wetlands.

This year, the World Migratory Bird Day (that falls in the month of May) is celebrated under the following theme: “Sing, fly, Soar – Like a Bird”.

May 11: National Technology Day

Every year, India celebrates National Technology Day on May 11. This year, the National Technology Day is being celebrated under the theme: “Science and Technology for a Sustainable Future”.

The Ministry of Science and Technology organises several events across the country to celebrate the day.

The National Technology Day is celebrated in India for two reasons namely:

To mark the anniversary of Pokhran Nuclear tests that were conducted in 1998

To highlight the importance of technological advancements for the country.

May 12: International Nurses Day

Every year, the International Nurses Day is celebrated on May 12. The birth anniversary of Florence Nightingale is celebrated as the International Nurses Day. The day is celebrated to mark the contributions made by the nurses to the society. This year, in 2021, the International Nurses Day is celebrated under the following theme: “Nursing the World to Health”.

About International Nurses Day:

The International Nurses Day has been celebrated by the International Council of Nurses since 1965. Every year, on International Nurses Day, the International Council of Nurses distributes educational and public information materials to be used by nurses everywhere.

May 15: International Day of Families

Every year, the International Family Day is celebrated on May 15. It is also called the World Family Day. This year, the day is celebrated under the following theme: “Families and New Technologies”.

May 18: World AIDS Vaccine Day

Every year, the World AIDS Vaccine Day is celebrated on May 18. The day is also called the HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) Vaccine Awareness Day. This year, in 2021, the World AIDS Vaccine Day is celebrated under the following theme: “Global Solidarity”.

May 18: International Museums Day

International Museum Day is observed on 18th May every year to raise awareness among people about the museums. 2021 Theme: “The Future of Museums: Recover and Reimagine”.

May 20: World Bee Day

World Bee Day is observed annually by the United Nations on 20th May. This day is observed to create awareness about the importance of bees for this planet and nature. Also, World Bee Day is observed on 20th May to commemorate Anton Janša.

Anton Janša: Anton Janša, born in Slovenia is said to be the pioneer of modern day beekeeping techniques. Her birthday also coincides with the World Bee Day. (20th May)

May 21: International Tea Day

Every year, on May 21, the United Nations observes International Tea Day. The resolution to celebrate International Tea Day was adopted in 2019 by the United Nations food and Agriculture Organization.

May 23: World Turtle Day 2021

World Turtle Day was celebrated on May 23, 2021. It is observed to raise awareness among people about turtle & tortoise and their habitats. Celebration of the day is sponsored by a non-profit organisation “American Tortoise Rescue (ATR)” since 2000. Theme for 2021 is- ‘Turtle Rocks!’.

Aim of World Turtle Day:

World Turtle Day is celebrated every year on May 23 with the aim of bringing attention to turtles and tortoise besides increasing knowledge and respect for them. This day also encourages human action to help the turtles and tortoise survive and thrive. The day is considered among most effective of species awareness days which increases search for information on turtles online.

May 31, 2021: World No Tobacco Day

World No Tobacco Day is being observed on May 31, 2021 under the theme “Commit to Quit”.  It is observed since 1987 after member states of World Health Organisation created “World No Tobacco Day” to bring global attention towards tobacco epidemic and associated preventable death.