Annual observance

National High-Five Day

April 18 Kindness / Community 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 High-Five Day, observed annually on April 18th, is a lighthearted holiday dedicated to celebrating the simple, powerful gesture of the high-five. It encourages people to spread positivity, offer congratulations, show support, and build camaraderie by physically connecting with friends, colleagues, and even strangers through this iconic hand slap, fostering a sense of shared success and good will.

Observed each year on April 18, National High-Five Day invites people to pause, share the story, and bring a little themed joy to their day.

Why it matters: National High-Five Day on April 18 celebrates the uplifting power of a simple gesture that fosters connection and community. By encouraging the act of high-fiving, this holiday promotes positivity and camaraderie among friends, coworkers, and even strangers, reinforcing the importance of shared moments of joy and support.

Origin and story

The earliest widely recognized high-five is often attributed to Dusty Baker and Glenn Burke of the Los Angeles Dodgers during a baseball game on October 2, 1977.

The holiday itself originated in 2002 at the University of Virginia, where a group of students decided to dedicate a day to the high-five.

Quick facts

  • DateApril 18
  • TypeKindness / Community
  • Great forCommunity groups, Friends, Coworkers

Also on this date

Ways to celebrate

  • Post a story with #national-high-five-day and invite others to try a tiny activity.
  • Pair music, snacks, or décor that match the theme and enjoy a small break.
  • Share one fast fact about National High-Five Day: The earliest widely recognized high-five is often attributed to Dusty Baker and Glenn Burke of the Los Angeles Dodgers during a baseball game on October 2, 1977.
  • Do one small favor quietly for a friend or coworker.
  • Plan a 10-minute activity that fits the kindness / community vibe and make it a mini tradition.

Fun facts

  • The earliest widely recognized high-five is often attributed to Dusty Baker and Glenn Burke of the Los Angeles Dodgers during a baseball game on October 2, 1977.
  • The holiday itself originated in 2002 at the University of Virginia, where a group of students decided to dedicate a day to the high-five.
  • The high-five is a universal gesture, understood across many cultures as a sign of greeting, celebration, agreement, or success, transcending language barriers.

Sources and attribution

Source not provided.


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FAQ

When is National High-Five Day?
It is observed on April 18 each year.
What is National High-Five Day?
National High-Five Day, observed annually on April 18th, is a lighthearted holiday dedicated to celebrating the simple, powerful gesture of the high-five. It encourages people to spread positivity, offer congratulations, show support, and build camaraderie by physically connecting with friends, colleagues, and even strangers through this iconic hand slap, fostering a sense of shared success and good will.
How do people celebrate National High-Five Day?
Post a story with #national-high-five-day and invite others to try a tiny activity.

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