International Friendship Month

Categories:: Relationship
Tags:: Appreciation Friendship Love
Where:: International
Date change rule:: Every February
Holiday emoji:: 🫂

International Friendship Month celebrates the invaluable spirit of companionship throughout February. This entire month is dedicated to honoring the friends who stand by us, share our joys, and offer support through life’s challenges. Reach out, plan gatherings, and express gratitude to your chosen family.

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Expected International Friendship Month Deals

Throughout International Friendship Month, expect brands to launch campaigns centered on connection and shared experiences. Retailers like Hallmark and Paper Source often feature special promotions on cards and gifts for friends. Food and beverage companies such as Starbucks and Domino’s may offer ‘buy one, get one’ deals or special bundles perfect for sharing. Online services like Netflix or Disney+ could highlight friend-themed content. Look for local restaurants and entertainment venues to host ‘friends eat free’ or ‘group discount’ nights. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as February approaches.

Platform Guide for International Friendship Month

Instagram

Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #InternationalFriendshipMonth. Share photos and reels of you and your friends, highlighting special moments and inside jokes.

Facebook

Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #InternationalFriendshipMonth. Create a group event to plan a virtual or in-person get-together with your closest pals.

TikTok

Tag @www.nationaltoday.com and use #InternationalFriendshipMonth. Film short videos showcasing your favorite friend traditions, challenges, or funny stories.

International Friendship Month Hero

Aristotle

The ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle (384–322 BC) wrote extensively about the nature and importance of friendship in his Nicomachean Ethics. He identified three types of friendship: utility, pleasure, and virtue, with virtue being the highest form. His work remains a foundational text for understanding human relationships and the profound value of true companionship.

History of International Friendship Month

Earmarking days of the year to cherish important relationships is instrumental to our culture. But not every special day can be inclusive to all. While Father’s Day and Mother’s Day leave some people behind, there is one celebration we can universally be a part of — friendship. Long-distance, neighbors, short, long, family, acquaintances, and so on, friends come in all shapes and sizes, and boy should we be thankful for them.

Renditions of Friendships Day have been in celebration since the early 20th century. In 1930, an American entrepreneur and founder of Hallmark Cards, Joyce Hall, led an effort to designate August 2 as National Friendship Day to celebrate the spirit of friendship that embodies our lives. His efforts were shot down by critics as gimmicks of business promotion. It wasn’t until the late 1950s when South American countries picked up on the trend and proclaimed days of the year in celebration of relationships.

In 1958, Paraguay became the first country to announce Friendship Day, which was to be celebrated on July 30. As the world reels from unprecedented times, we need international solidarity now more than ever. The friendship between nations and their citizens is essential to global prosperity, and celebrating this spirit of brotherhood and commonality is the key essence behind the day.

While we celebrate Friendship Day on the first Sunday of August, the month-long celebration of friendship in unison with the world falls in February. The origin and designation of this observation remain unclear, but the intention does not. International Friendship Day honors the beauty and necessity of friendships in our lives and is a call to bridge the gap between strangers and acquaintances.

International Friendship Month timeline

1930

The Beginning of a Celebration

Joyce Hall, the founder of Hallmark Cards, proclaims August 2 as National Friendship Day.

1958

International Echoes of Friendship

Paraguay celebrates the first-ever Friendship Day on July 30.

2010

First Friendship Month

The U.K.'s Oddfellows Friendly Society proclaims that September will be celebrated as Friendship Month, inspiring the International Friendship Month.

2011

The U.N.’s Proclamation

The United Nations designates July 30 as International Friendship Day in its 65th session.

How Businesses Can Celebrate International Friendship Month

Local businesses can embrace International Friendship Month by hosting ‘bring a friend’ promotions, such as two-for-one deals at cafes or discounted entry for pairs at entertainment venues. Retailers could curate ‘friendship gift’ sections, while spas might offer ‘duo’ packages. Encouraging customers to share stories of friendship on social media with a branded hashtag can also foster community and engagement throughout February.

International Friendship Month FAQs

When is International Friendship Month?

In 2027, International Friendship Month will also take place all through February, from Monday, February 1, to Sunday, February 28. It’s a perfect opportunity to strengthen your connections with friends.

How many people value friendship?

Across various cultures, the importance of friendship is deeply ingrained, with research indicating that individuals with strong social ties, including friendships, often report higher levels of happiness and life satisfaction. This highlights its widespread value.

What is the history of International Friendship Month?

The idea of dedicating an entire month to friendship likely emerged from a desire to extend the recognition beyond a single day, allowing for more sustained reflection and celebration of these vital relationships throughout the shortest month of the year.

What are the benefits of friendship?

Beyond emotional well-being, strong friendships can also contribute to physical health, with studies linking robust social connections to increased longevity and resilience. They enrich our lives by providing diverse perspectives and mutual encouragement.

International Friendship Month Activities

Write a letter to a childhood friend
International Friendship Month is a month-long observation. Now that you don’t have an excuse of running out of time, why not ring a childhood friend and reminisce about the good old days of bleeding knees and ice cream lollies.
Organize a weekend getaway
February is a great month for early spring picnics and ski trips. As we transcend into the grueling months of the year ahead, take this opportunity to surprise your friends with a quick weekend trip and shower them with love and care.
Have a friendship movie marathon
It’s time to turn on the “First Wives Club” or “Bridesmaids” and enjoy the final stretch of hot cocoa and weighted blankets with your besties. As you wrap this beautiful month of February and celebrate the spirit of friendship, end your nights with your favorite movies of the same.

5 Iconic On-screen Friendships That’ll Make You Ring Your Best Friend

Harry, Hermoine, and Ron (“Harry Potter”)
You say friendship, we think “Harry Potter.” Just like Harry’s journey would have been incomplete without his friends, our lives are incomplete without ours.
Cher and Dionne (“Clueless”)
From fighting for your grades to crushing on your step-brother (ew!), high school can be hard. Thankfully, Dionne had Cher’s back and vice versa.
Timon and Pumba (“The Lion King”)
Timon and Pumba’s sincere affection and everlasting bond of friendship prove one thing: humans do not have a monopoly on friendship.
Han Solo and Chewbacca (“Star Wars”)
Life’s easier when you have your best pal Chewie by your side. Don’t believe us? Ask Solo.
Thelma and Louise (“Thelma & Louise”)
All’s fair in love, war… and friendship. That’s what the ‘do or die’ bond of Thelma and Louise teaches us.

Why We Love International Friendship Month

A day is not enough
While we have a day dedicated to our friends, it is simply not enough, right? Friendship deserves a month-long celebration. International Friendship Month also allows us to reignite our correspondence with our long-term and long-distance friends.
It’s time to make new friends
In February, you not only get to celebrate your existing friendships but also get a chance to make brand new friends. On the 11th day of the month, we celebrate National Make a Friend Day. Ain’t this a perfect sign to get out of your comfort zone and make new friends.
It’s a call to renew our bonds
Friendships, if not handled with care over the years, can turn to stone. As we grow up, bills and deadlines hog up all of our time, and it becomes harder to stay in touch with our friends. Thankfully, we have the entire month of February to renew our bonds and catch up with old pals. Hey! No excuses now.