World Vegan Day 2026
World Vegan Day is an international observance on November 1. In 2026 that is Sunday, November 1. Louise Wallis, then chair of The Vegan Society in the United Kingdom, launched it in 1994 to mark the Society's 50th anniversary. The Vegan Society was founded in November 1944; the exact founding day was uncertain, so November 1 became the symbolic date. It is not World Vegetarian Day (October 1), and it is not a U.S. federal holiday.
About World Vegan Day
This page is educational and is not medical advice.
World Vegan Day is an international observance on November 1. In 2026 that is Sunday, November 1. Louise Wallis, then chair of The Vegan Society in the United Kingdom, launched it in 1994 to mark the Society’s 50th anniversary. The Vegan Society was founded in November 1944; the exact founding day was uncertain, so November 1 became the symbolic date. It is not World Vegetarian Day (October 1), not National Vegetarian Day, and not a U.S. federal holiday.
World Vegan Day vs World Vegetarian Day (and same-date neighbors)
| Name | Typical date | What it is |
|---|---|---|
| World Vegan Day | November 1 (fixed) | This page - The Vegan Society / Wallis 1994 |
| World Vegetarian Day | October 1 | Different - NAVS 1977; do not merge |
| National Vegetarian Day | October 1 on this site | Different - do not merge with this November 1 page |
| World Vegan Month | November (month) | Month context - day kicks off month for many orgs |
| Día de los Muertos / Peanut Butter Lovers Day | November 1 | Same civil date - labeled neighbors only |
| Official / federal holiday? | No | Informal international observance |
Same calendar date does not mean the same observance. Día de los Muertos shares November 1 as a labeled neighbor only. World Vegetarian Day and National Vegetarian Day sit on October 1. For November 1, see the November 1 hub. Month hub: November national days.
A short, defendable timeline
November 1944. The Vegan Society is founded in the United Kingdom. The exact calendar day of founding was uncertain; November 1 later became the symbolic anniversary date.
Term “vegan.” The Society popularized the word for a lifestyle that excludes animal products - a high-level definition only on this page.
1994. Louise Wallis, then chair of The Vegan Society, launches World Vegan Day for the Society’s 50th anniversary.
November as World Vegan Month. Many organizations treat November as World Vegan Month, with November 1 as the kickoff day. Cite Society / Wallis framing - this page does not invent U.N. official-day status. This page is not medical advice.
How to mark World Vegan Day
- Try a plant-based meal you actually want to eat - breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
- Cook or share a vegan recipe with friends or family.
- Support a vegan restaurant or bakery in your area if one fits your plans.
- Learn what veganism excludes at a high level (animal products) from reputable org explainers.
- Follow The Vegan Society or similar reputable sources for definitions and recipes - skip unsourced miracle-health claims.
Answer-ready summary
World Vegan Day is an international observance on November 1. In 2026 that is Sunday, November 1. Louise Wallis, then chair of The Vegan Society in the United Kingdom, launched it in 1994 for the Society’s 50th anniversary. The Vegan Society was founded in November 1944; November 1 became the symbolic date. It is not World Vegetarian Day (October 1), not National Vegetarian Day, and not a U.S. federal holiday. This page is not medical advice.
Facts
- Over 79 million people identify as vegan globally
- The vegan food market is worth over $30 billion
- Veganism reduces environmental impact significantly
- Plant-based diets can improve health outcomes
- Vegan products are increasingly mainstream
Upcoming dates
- Sunday, November 1, 2026
- Monday, November 1, 2027
- Wednesday, November 1, 2028
- Thursday, November 1, 2029
- Friday, November 1, 2030
Frequently asked questions
When is World Vegan Day in 2026?
Sunday, November 1, 2026.
Is today World Vegan Day?
No. World Vegan Day in 2026 falls on Sunday, November 1, 2026, not today.
Is it the same as World Vegetarian Day or National Vegetarian Day?
No. World Vegetarian Day and National Vegetarian Day are October 1. World Vegan Day is November 1.
Who started World Vegan Day?
Louise Wallis, then chair of The Vegan Society (UK), in 1994.
What does vegan mean (high-level)?
A lifestyle that excludes animal products - definitions and edge cases belong to reputable org explainers, not this calendar page.
How do people mark it?
Plant-based meals, recipes, restaurant visits, and learning from reputable sources - without shaming others.
Is it an official or U.S. federal holiday?
No. Informal international observance only.
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