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World Vegetarian Day

Make a difference this World Vegetarian Day - go meatless and enjoy delicious plant-based meals that are good for the planet and your health!

Thursday

October 2026

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

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YEARLY DATEOctober 1

OBSERVED INInternationally

CATEGORYHealth

SUBCATEGORYNutrition

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

Celebrate World Vegetarian Day on Oct. 1 and enjoy the many benefits of a plant-based diet! This day was created in 1977 to raise awareness about vegetarianism and veganism, and to promote a healthier lifestyle for all. Throughout history, vegetarianism has been practiced by societies around the world for religious, philosophical, or health reasons. Whether you’re an experienced vegetarian or just starting out, there are so many delicious recipes that you can try. Eating more fruits and vegetables is good for your health and for our planet – so let’s celebrate World Vegetarian Day with enthusiasm!

TIMELINE

World Vegetarian Day Timeline

Vegetarian Society Founded

A group of non-conformist members formed the Bible Christian Church, credited as one of the earliest Western vegetarian societies.

Vegetarianism Goes Official

The first Vegetarian Society was founded in England, officially putting vegetarianism on the global map.

Birth of Veganism

The term "vegan" was coined by Elsie Shrigley and Donald Watson to designate vegetarians who abstain from all animal products.

Meatless Monday Movement

Meatless Monday is born during World War I when U.S. Food Administration encouraged families to reduce consumption of key staples to aid the war effort.

"Diet for a Small Planet"

Author Frances Moore Lappe publishes "Diet for a Small Planet," a book advocating vegetarianism and illustrating how a vegetarian diet could feed more people with less impact on the environment.

First World Vegetarian Day

The North American Vegetarian Society establishes World Vegetarian Day to encourage the vegetarian way of life and promote its benefits for human health and the natural environment.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate World Vegetarian Day

Cook a vegetarian meal

Find a great vegetarian recipe and whip up a delicious meal. There are lots of options from lentil soup to veggie stir fry. Get creative and have fun!

TRY

Try a new vegetarian restaurant

Look for vegetarian restaurants in your area or search online for the best spots in your city. Enjoy some tasty food and explore the vegetarian cuisine.

PLAN

Plan a vegetarian potluck

Invite some friends to bring over their favorite vegetarian dish and enjoy an evening of good food and company.

ATTEND

Attend a cooking workshop

Look online for cooking workshops in your area. You'll learn how to make healthy vegetarian dishes and get some new ideas for your own cooking.

ORGANIZE

Organize a veggie garden

Get outside and start growing your own vegetables. Plant some tomatoes, peppers, beans, carrots, and other veggies and enjoy the fruits of your labor.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why We Love World Vegetarian Day

It's an opportunity to explore new flavors

Global cuisine offers some amazing flavor combinations that don't include any animal products at all. From Asian dishes like General Tso's tofu and Thai green curry, to Italian favorites like eggplant Parmesan and vegetable lasagna - there are plenty of delicious ways to enjoy a meal without meat. So take this opportunity to explore something new and add some exciting veggie dishes to your repertoire!

It's good for the environment

By reducing or eliminating your consumption of animal products, you can make a positive impact on the environment. Animal agriculture contributes to significant levels of carbon emissions, pollution and water waste - so if you want to do something positive for the planet, World Vegetarian Day is the perfect time to start!

It's a healthful way of eating

Going vegetarian not only helps reduce your environmental footprint, but it can also have a direct effect on your physical wellbeing too. Eliminating animal products from your diet can potentially reduce your risk for heart disease, stroke and certain types of cancer - so adopting a vegetarian lifestyle could be one of the healthiest decisions you ever make!