Frog Jumping Day 🐸

Overview

Frog Jumping Day, celebrated annually on May 13th, is a quirky, unofficial holiday that commemorates Mark Twain's famous 1865 short story, "The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County." It's often marked by frog jumping contests, most notably in Angels Camp, California, where the story is set, bringing a fun and unique competitive spirit to the day.

Observed each year on May 13, Frog Jumping Day invites people to pause, share the story, and bring a little themed joy to their day.

Origin and story

The holiday directly references Mark Twain's first widely successful short story, originally titled "Jim Smiley and His Jumping Frog."

Angels Camp, California, hosts the annual Calaveras County Fair and Jumping Frog Jubilee, a multi-day event inspired by Twain's tale, where competitors enter frogs to compete.

Quick facts

• DateMay 13
• TypeCultural / community observance
• Great forFriends, Families, Classrooms, Teams

Also on this date

Ways to celebrate

• Plan a 10-minute activity that fits the cultural / community observance vibe and make it a mini tradition.
• Pair music, snacks, or décor that match the theme and enjoy a small break.
• Write a note or journal entry on why Frog Jumping Day matters, then set a reminder for next year.
• Frog Jumping Day lands on May 13 — host a quick nod with Friends, Families and snap a photo.
• Share one fast fact about Frog Jumping Day: The holiday directly references Mark Twain's first widely successful short story, originally titled "Jim Smiley and His Jumping Frog."

Fun facts

• The holiday directly references Mark Twain's first widely successful short story, originally titled "Jim Smiley and His Jumping Frog."
• Angels Camp, California, hosts the annual Calaveras County Fair and Jumping Frog Jubilee, a multi-day event inspired by Twain's tale, where competitors enter frogs to compete.
• The current world record for a triple jump by a frog is 22 feet 7.5 inches (6.89 meters), set by a frog named "Rosie the Ribeter" in 1986 at the Calaveras County Fair.

Sources and attribution

Source not provided.

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FAQ

When is Frog Jumping Day?

It is observed on May 13 each year.

What is Frog Jumping Day?

Frog Jumping Day, celebrated annually on May 13th, is a quirky, unofficial holiday that commemorates Mark Twain's famous 1865 short story, "The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County." It's often marked by frog jumping contests, most notably in Angels Camp, California, where the story is set, bringing a fun and unique competitive spirit to the day.

How do people celebrate Frog Jumping Day?

Plan a 10-minute activity that fits the cultural / community observance vibe and make it a mini tradition.

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