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International Day of Friendship

Celebrate International Day of Friendship with your closest pals - share stories, create memories, and show them how much you care!

Thursday

July 2026

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

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YEARLY DATEJuly 30

OBSERVED INInternationally

CATEGORYRelationships

SUBCATEGORYFriendship

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

Celebrate International Day of Friendship on July 30 and show your friends how much they mean to you! This day was created in 2011 by the United Nations General Assembly with the purpose of celebrating friendship between people, cultures, and countries. It's a great opportunity to recognize all that our friends bring into our lives, from laughter to support during difficult times.

TIMELINE

International Day of Friendship Timeline

UN Announces International Day of Friendship

The United Nations General Assembly officially declares July 30 the International Day of Friendship with the aim of strengthening bonds among people regardless of race, culture, and religion.

First Celebrations Worldwide

The first celebrations of International Day of Friendship take place across the globe, with activities promoting unity and mutual respect.

Growing Recognition

More countries begin to recognize and participate in the International Day of Friendship, promoting its message through various events and media outlets.

Globalizing Friendship

The holiday gains significant recognition, with elaborate celebrations in various countries including parades, concerts, and friendship-themed events likely influencing many people to observe the day annually.

Friendship in the Pandemic

Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the importance of friendship becomes more vital than ever as people seek emotional support and connection during a time of social distancing.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate International Day of Friendship

Plan a picnic

Organise a picnic with your friends. Get together some blankets, good food, drinks and games and have a relaxing time in the sunshine.

HOST

Host a movie night

Invite your friends over for an evening of movies. Have everyone bring their favourite snacks, create a movie marathon list and enjoy the night.

Go on a road trip

Head out on an epic road trip with your friends to explore new places, visit tourist attractions or even attend an event. Pack up the car and let the adventure begin!

THROW

Throw a party

Gather your friends and throw an International Day of Friendship themed party. Decorate with balloons and streamers, serve fun snacks, play music and enjoy each other's company.

SEND

Send cards

Write out some cards to all your friends telling them how much you appreciate them. Send it either through email or snail mail and spread the love!

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why We Love International Day of Friendship

Friends bring joy into our lives

Having good friends can make life fun and exciting! We can share new experiences, laugh until we cry, and create cherished memories together. Friends bring out the best in us and remind us to appreciate each other's company - something that is valuable beyond measure.

Friends provide emotional support

Having strong friendships in our lives can be a great source of emotional support and comfort. Knowing that we have people to turn to in difficult times can help us push through any challenge. Friends also provide unconditional love and understanding, no matter what life throws at us.

Friends are with us every step of the way

One of the best parts about having friends is that they accompany us through all the ups and downs of life. Good friends are always there to celebrate our successes, as well as hold us up during our darkest moments. They may even surprise us by showing up in unexpected places.