Annual observance

National Catfish Day

June 25 Cultural / community observance Updated 2025-12-17

This holiday is featured in the Obscure Holiday Calendar app with emoji-style visuals, reminders, and daily fun facts.

Overview

National Catfish Day, observed annually on June 25th, celebrates the significance of catfish in American culture, particularly its role in aquaculture and cuisine. Established by presidential proclamation, the day aims to recognize the economic contributions of the farm-raised catfish industry and to promote the consumption of this versatile and nutritious freshwater fish.

Observed each year on June 25, National Catfish Day invites people to pause, share the story, and bring a little themed joy to their day.

Why it matters: National Catfish Day, observed on June 25, highlights the cultural and economic significance of catfish in American society, particularly in aquaculture and culinary traditions. This day serves to recognize the contributions of the farm-raised catfish industry and to promote awareness of its nutritional benefits.

Origin and story

President Ronald Reagan officially proclaimed June 25th as National Catfish Day in 1987, acknowledging the growth and importance of the U.S. farm-raised catfish industry.

The proclamation specifically recognized farm-raised catfish as a lean, healthy, and economical food source.

Quick facts

  • DateJune 25
  • TypeCultural / community observance
  • Great forFriends, Families, Classrooms, Teams

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Ways to celebrate

  • Share the story of National Catfish Day on social and tag it with #nationalcatfishday so others can join in.
  • Bring the theme into your day—decorate a workspace, cook or bake something inspired by National Catfish, or play music that matches the mood.
  • Write a note or journal entry on why National Catfish Day matters, then set a reminder for next year.
  • National Catfish Day lands on June 25 — host a quick nod with Friends, Families and snap a photo.
  • Post a story with #national-catfish-day and invite others to try a tiny activity.

Fun facts

  • President Ronald Reagan officially proclaimed June 25th as National Catfish Day in 1987, acknowledging the growth and importance of the U.S. farm-raised catfish industry.
  • The proclamation specifically recognized farm-raised catfish as a lean, healthy, and economical food source.
  • Catfish are named for their prominent barbels, which resemble a cat's whiskers and are sensory organs used to locate food in murky waters.

Sources and attribution

Primary note: President Ronald Reagan officially proclaimed June 25th as National Catfish Day in 1987, acknowledging the growth and importance of the U.S. farm-raised catfish industry.


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FAQ

When is National Catfish Day?
It is observed on June 25 each year.
What is National Catfish Day?
National Catfish Day, observed annually on June 25th, celebrates the significance of catfish in American culture, particularly its role in aquaculture and cuisine. Established by presidential proclamation, the day aims to recognize the economic contributions of the farm-raised catfish industry and to promote the consumption of this versatile and nutritious freshwater fish.
How do people celebrate National Catfish Day?
Share the story of National Catfish Day on social and tag it with #nationalcatfishday so others can join in.

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