German-American Day
This holiday is featured in the Obscure Holiday Calendar app with emoji-style visuals, reminders, and daily fun facts.
Overview
German-American Day, observed annually on October 6th, celebrates the rich heritage and significant contributions of German Americans to the United States. This date commemorates the arrival of 13 German Quaker families from Krefeld, Germany, in Philadelphia in 1683, marking the first organized German immigration to America and leading to the founding of Germantown, Pennsylvania. The day honors the enduring cultural, economic, and social impact of millions of Americans with German ancestry.
Observed each year on October 6, German-American Day invites people to pause, share the story, and bring a little themed joy to their day.
Origin and story
The first organized German immigration to America occurred on October 6, 1683, when 13 families from Krefeld arrived in Philadelphia and founded Germantown.
German-American Day was originally celebrated in the 19th century but fell out of favor during World War I; it was officially re-established by President Ronald Reagan in 1983.
Quick facts
- DateOctober 6
- TypeCultural / community observance
- Great forFriends, Families, Classrooms, Teams
Also on this date
Ways to celebrate
- Share the story of German-American Day on social and tag it with #germanamericanday so others can join in.
- Bring German-American Day to work or school with a short shout-out in a meeting or group chat.
- Post a story with #german-american-day and invite others to try a tiny activity.
- Pair music, snacks, or décor that match the theme and enjoy a small break.
- German-American Day lands on October 6 — host a quick nod with Friends, Families and snap a photo.
Fun facts
- The first organized German immigration to America occurred on October 6, 1683, when 13 families from Krefeld arrived in Philadelphia and founded Germantown.
- German-American Day was originally celebrated in the 19th century but fell out of favor during World War I; it was officially re-established by President Ronald Reagan in 1983.
- Americans of German descent constitute the largest ancestry group in the United States, with over 43 million people identifying as such.
Sources and attribution
Source not provided.
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FAQ
- When is German-American Day?
- It is observed on October 6 each year.
- What is German-American Day?
- German-American Day, observed annually on October 6th, celebrates the rich heritage and significant contributions of German Americans to the United States. This date commemorates the arrival of 13 German Quaker families from Krefeld, Germany, in Philadelphia in 1683, marking the first organized German immigration to America and leading to the founding of Germantown, Pennsylvania. The day honors the enduring cultural, economic, and social impact of millions of Americans with German ancestry.
- How do people celebrate German-American Day?
- Share the story of German-American Day on social and tag it with #germanamericanday so others can join in.
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