National Friendship Day is a chance to celebrate the people who stand by us through thick and thin. But when exactly is this day observed in Canada? The answer isn’t as straightforward as you might think because Canada recognizes multiple friendship-related observances throughout the year.
When is National Friendship Day in Canada?
National Friendship Day is celebrated on the first Sunday of August each year, which falls on August 3 in 2025. This day honours the value of friendships and the support friends provide in life
However, Canada also observes the International Day of Friendship on July 30, as designated by the United Nations in 2011. This day promotes peace, cultural understanding, and global unity through friendship
Additionally, Canadians celebrate National Best Friends Day on June 8, a day dedicated to appreciating the closest bonds we share with our best friends
So, if you’re wondering when to mark your calendar, here’s a quick rundown:
- National Friendship Day: First Sunday of August (August 3, 2025)
- International Day of Friendship: July 30
- National Best Friends Day: June 8
Each day has its own focus but all celebrate the importance of friendship in our lives.
The Origins of National Friendship Day
National Friendship Day started as a marketing idea in the 1930s by Hallmark Cards founder Joyce Hall. He chose August 2 as the date to encourage people to send cards to their friends. The idea caught on, and by 1935, the U.S. Congress declared the first Sunday of August as National Friendship Day
The day’s purpose was simple: to remind people to appreciate their friends. Over time, it grew beyond card-sending to include gatherings, gift-giving, and public celebrations.
The United Nations took the idea further by naming Winnie the Pooh the Ambassador of Friendship in 1998 and establishing the International Day of Friendship on July 30 in 2011
Why Does Canada Celebrate Multiple Friendship Days?
Canada’s multicultural society embraces different ways to honour friendship. The International Day of Friendship reflects Canada’s commitment to global peace and cultural diversity. It encourages Canadians to build bridges across communities and nations
Meanwhile, National Best Friends Day focuses on the personal, close-knit relationships that shape daily life. It’s a chance to celebrate those who know you best and stand by you no matter what
National Friendship Day, with its roots in North American tradition, offers a broader celebration of friendships, including old friends, new friends, and those who have impacted our lives in meaningful ways
How Do Canadians Celebrate These Days?
Celebrations vary widely but often include:
- Spending quality time with friends in person or virtually
- Sending cards, messages, or small gifts to show appreciation
- Hosting get-togethers, dinners, or outdoor activities
- Sharing photos and memories on social media using hashtags like #NationalFriendshipDay or #FriendshipDay
In schools and communities, events may focus on promoting kindness, inclusion, and understanding among diverse groups
The Importance of Friendship in Canadian Life
Friendship is more than just social; it’s essential for mental and physical health. Studies show strong friendships reduce stress, improve longevity, and boost happiness. For Canadians, who often live in vast and diverse regions, friendships help create a sense of belonging and support
Friendships also reflect Canada’s values of respect, acceptance, and multicultural harmony. Celebrating friendship is a way to reinforce these ideals in everyday life.
Friendship is the glue that holds us together. Whether you celebrate on July 30, June 8, or the first Sunday of August, take the time to reach out. A simple message or a shared laugh can brighten someone’s day and strengthen bonds that last a lifetime.
Friendship Day isn’t just a date on the calendar. It’s a reminder that the people we choose to call friends are part of our chosen family. So, mark your calendar, gather your friends, and celebrate the ties that make life richer.