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Dying to Know Day

Dying to Know Day is your chance to talk about death and find out more - join the conversation and explore life's most difficult topic.

Saturday

August 2026

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATEAugust 8

OBSERVED INInternationally

CATEGORYAwareness

SUBCATEGORYPublic Health

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

Get ready to celebrate Dying to Know Day on August 8! This day was founded in 2014 by a team of educators and clinicians as an opportunity for people around the world to discuss death openly. It's a great chance for us all to gain insight into our own mortality, explore cultural differences related to death, and even plan ahead for the future.

TIMELINE

Dying to Know Day Timeline

Initial Concept

The first concepts of Dying to Know Day began to be discussed among a team of Australian-based educators and clinicians.

First Dying to Know Day

The first official Dying to Know Day was observed in Australia on August 8, promoting open discussions about death, dying and bereavement.

Growing Awareness

Dying to Know Day gained more attention in 2015 with increased media coverage and events across Australia.

Worldwide Recognition

The concept of Dying to Know Day began to be recognized in other countries, promoting international conversations about death.

Diverse Conversations

Dying to Know Day evolved to stimulate not only conversations about death, but also cultural differences, self-care and advanced care planning.

COVID-19 Impact

With the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, Dying to Know Day gained even greater significance as people worldwide faced unprecedented mortality rates.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate Dying to Know Day

Visit a cemetery

Visit a cemetery in your area and take the time to reflect on those who have passed away. Consider bringing flowers or other mementos.

HOLD

Hold a memorial service

Gather with family and friends to remember those who have passed away. Share stories and memories of the deceased to honor them.

WRITE

Write a letter to the deceased

Take some time to write a letter to those who have passed away, telling them about your life and how much you miss them. You can also tell them stories about their lives and share memories.

DONATE

Donate to a cause

Donate to a cause that helps those in need or helps the families of those who have passed away. It's a great way to honor those who have passed away and help those in need.

RESEARCH

Research your family history

Research your family tree to learn more about your ancestors. You may be surprised at what you find, and it's a great way to learn more about the people who have passed away.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why We Love Dying to Know Day

It helps destigmatize death

Death is something that society often frowns upon talking about. But Dying to Know Day helps desensitize the topic and show that discussing death can be a positive experience. By bringing these conversations out in the open it helps demystify death and makes it less intimidating or uncomfortable for everyone involved.

It encourages meaningful conversations

Dying to Know Day promotes conversations between family members and friends about subjects such as their health, wishes for the end of life, and other topics that are typically considered taboo. It reminds us that these conversations can be meaningful experiences that help bring us closer together and offer important insights into our lives.

It raises awareness of end-of-life care

Dying to Know Day not only encourages people to have meaningful conversations about end-of-life issues, it also shines a spotlight on important topics such as advance planning, legal documents, hospice care, pain management, and more. This is essential if we are to ensure everyone has access to quality end-of-life care.

Related holidays

Dying Matters Week

Dying Matters Week is a time to have important conversations about death and end of life care - let's break the taboo and start talking.

National Grief Awareness Day

Honor and remember your loved ones on National Grief Awareness Day - take time to reflect, share stories, and cherish memories.

National Death Doula Day

On National Death Doula Day, we honor those who provide compassionate end-of-life care and support. Let's recognize their important role in our lives.

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Oct 2026