National Mule Day is celebrated on October 26 every year. The day is exactly what it says on the tin — National Mule Day is a day meant to celebrate mules. The day originated in Columbia, Tennessee, the self-determined mule capital of the world. Mule Day can be dated back to 1840. The day was originally referred to as “Breeders Day.” Since then, celebrations have spread from Columbia Tennessee to global locations. The modern National Mule Day began to shape into what we know today back in the 1930s when a parade and other celebratory events were added to the agenda.
History of National Mule Day
The mule happens to be the most common and earliest man-made hybrid animal. The mule, instead of being an originally wild animal that was domesticated by humans, was invented by humans. It is the offspring of a male donkey and a female horse. Donkeys and horses, it is important to note, are two entirely different species with different numbers of chromosomes.
Its invention likely took place in ancient ages in modern-day Turkey. Mules were fairly common in surrounding regions. They were frequently used in Egypt by 3000 B.C. to carry cargo. Egyptian common people also rode on mules as a form of transport. The mule probably arrived in Asia Minor in 800 B.C. In ancient Rome, mules were used for the transport of both humans and cargo. Their strength and endurance were well-known by everyone — so much so that when General Marius trained his soldiers to carry enormous loads of ammunition, they were called ‘Marius’ Mules.’
Christopher Columbus brought mules to the Americas when he set out to discover an alternate route to India and landed up in the Americas to colonize them. Interestingly, George Washington — the first American president — was called the father of the American mule because he produced over 50 mules at his home. Washington considered the mule important because they were docile and easy to maintain.
National Mule Day timeline
Mules are commonly used in ancient Egypt.
Homer writes of mules in Asia Minor.
Breeders Day is celebrated.
Parades and other events begin on National Mule Day.
National Mule Day FAQs
What is the “Mule Capital of the World”?
Columbia, Tennessee.
Why can't mules have babies?
Mules have an odd number of chromosomes, making them unable to reproduce.
Is a mule stronger than a horse?
Mules tend to be stronger than horses.
National Mule Day Activities
Learn about mules
Mules are fascinating creatures. Learn about them this National Mule Day.
Visit a zoo
If you’ve never seen a mule before, visit a zoo to see one this National Mule Day. Not only will you get to see one, but you’ll see how they interact in their habitats.
Talk about it on social media
Help National Mule Day get a bit more social media traction. Post about National Mule Day on social media.
5 Interesting Facts About Mules
Sterility
Mules are 99.9% sterile.
Life expectancy
The average life expectancy of a mule is 50 years.
Hooves
Mules have harder hooves than horses.
Kicks
Mules can kick sideways.
Mini mules
‘Mini mules’ are smaller mules that can weigh under 50 lb.
Why We Love National Mule Day
It’s an opportunity to learn about mules
Mules are fascinating creatures with an interesting history. National Mule Day is the perfect opportunity to learn more about them.
It highlights the important role mules have played in human history
Mules have been integral to the functioning of human civilization for millennia now. National Mule Day points out the various roles they’ve played to help humans.
It’s a reminder of human creation
Mules were the first-ever animal hybrids created by humans. National Mule Day celebrates them.
National Mule Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | October 26 | Sunday |
| 2026 | October 26 | Monday |
| 2027 | October 26 | Tuesday |
| 2028 | October 26 | Thursday |
| 2029 | October 26 | Friday |
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