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Friendship Day Celebration Dates Around the World

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Country-wise Table of Friendship Day Observances and Local Names

Did you know that not all countries celebrate Friendship Day on the same date? The countries which celebrate Friendship Day in different months reflect diverse histories and customs worldwide. From July festivities in South America to February observances in Mexico, let's explore how International Best Friends Day unites people across nations—at different times of the year!


Table: International Countries Which Celebrate Friendship Day in Different Months


Country Month of Observance Name of the Celebration Traditions & Customs
India August (first Sunday) Friendship Day Friends exchange bands, notes, gifts
Argentina July 20 Día del Amigo Gatherings, messages, gifts among friends
Brazil July 20 Dia do Amigo Celebrations and social media tributes
Uruguay July 20 (also June 20 in some areas) Día del Amigo Phone calls, get-togethers, small gifts
Mexico February 14 Día del Amor y la Amistad Valentine's & Friendship festivities, cards, flowers
Ecuador February 14 Día del Amor y la Amistad Celebrations with friends, exchanging gifts
Paraguay July 30 Día de la Amistad Friendship dinner, game “secret friend”
USA June 8 (National Best Friend Day) & First Sunday of August National Best Friend Day / National Friendship Day Social media messages, meetups
Spain July 20 Día del Amigo Friendship parties, gatherings
Finland & Estonia February 14 Ystävänpäivä (Friend’s Day) Greetings and gifts for friends

While some countries, like India, celebrate Friendship Day in August, others mark this special occasion in February, June, or July. Each country brings unique history and customs to International Best Friends Day, making it a truly global celebration.


Why Do Countries Celebrate Friendship Day in Different Months?

The countries which celebrate Friendship Day in different months do so due to cultural, historical, or social influences. The tradition first began in 1930 in the USA, and in 2011, the United Nations declared 30 July as International Friendship Day. Yet, many nations chose their own dates, often inspired by special meanings, local heroes, or global milestones.


  • In India, Friendship Day 2025 in India will be the first Sunday of August.

  • Mexico and Ecuador combine love and friendship on February 14 (“Día del Amor y la Amistad”).

  • The moon landing in 1969 inspired Argentina, Brazil, and Uruguay to celebrate on July 20, symbolizing worldwide unity.

  • USA recognizes both National Best Friend Day (June 8) and National Friendship Day (first Sunday of August).

  • Scandinavian countries celebrate friendship alongside Valentine’s—on February 14, focusing more on friends than romance.


Explore related General Knowledge topics

How International Countries Celebrate Friendship Day: Customs and Traditions

International countries which celebrate Friendship Day in different months have creative ways to honor this special bond. From friendship bands in India to “secret friend” gift exchanges in Paraguay, every nation adds its flavor to the celebrations. Some mark the event on the same dates as International Best Friends Day, while others tie it to local festivals.


  • Argentina and Brazil host parties and send heartfelt messages on July 20.

  • Paraguay plays “amigo invisible” (secret friend), where gifts are exchanged anonymously.

  • Finland and Estonia focus on celebrating all friendships on “Ystävänpäivä.”

  • In the USA, people share National Best Friend Day quotes and social media posts to show appreciation.

  • Spain and Uruguay enjoy gatherings, phone calls, and reunions for “Día del Amigo.”


Learn more about Friendship Day’s Indian traditions

Important Dates: When is Friendship Day and Other Related Celebrations?

Curious about when is International Friendship Day, or when is National girl Best Friends Day? While “is today Friendship Day” is a popular search, here’s a quick guide to key dates worldwide. Mark your calendar to celebrate your friendship—whether it’s in February, June, July, or August!


  • When is Friendship Day in India? First Sunday of August (August 3, 2025).

  • When is International Friendship Day? July 30 (as per the United Nations).

  • When is National Friendship Day? First Sunday of August in the USA (August 3, 2025).

  • When is National girl Best Friends Day? June 8 in the USA.

  • Bestfriend Day 2025: June 8 (USA), July 20 (Latin America).


Interesting Facts & Significance of Friendship Day Across the Globe

Did you know the idea for World Friendship Day came from a simple greeting card suggestion? Or that the Apollo 11 landing inspired South American celebrations? Countries which celebrate Friendship Day in different months demonstrate friendship as a powerful, unifying force, transcending culture and time zones.


  • World Friendship Day traces its roots to 1930, started by Joyce Hall in the USA.

  • The UN officially recognized July 30 as International Friendship Day in 2011.

  • Some countries, like the USA, have National Best Friends Day and Friendship Day on separate dates.

  • Friendship Day celebrations bring together classmates, families, and communities—regardless of the month.

  • Many popular “National Best friend Day quotes” trend on social platforms each year.


From February to August, the countries which celebrate Friendship Day in different months remind us that friendship is for everyone, everywhere. Each region brings its story—sometimes inspired by historical events, sometimes by culture. Whether you celebrate with a friendship band, a secret gift, or meaningful words, honor your friends in the spirit of International Best Friends Day. Vedantu encourages students to discover and appreciate these beautiful global connections!

FAQs on Friendship Day Celebration Dates Around the World

1. Which country celebrates Friendship Day on 3 August?

Friendship Day in India is celebrated on the first Sunday of August, which sometimes falls on 3 August.
Key facts:

  • India: First Sunday of August each year (date changes annually, can be 3 August)
  • The day honors friendship with bands, gifts, and messages
This is commonly asked in exams relating to GK and important days.

2. Is Friendship Day in July or August?

Friendship Day is celebrated on different dates around the world—most often in July or August depending on the country.

  • July: Most Latin American countries (e.g., Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay - 20 July)
  • August: India, Bangladesh, Nepal (First Sunday in August)
  • International Friendship Day (UN): 30 July
Always check the specific country for the correct observance month.

3. Which countries celebrate Friendship Day in July?

Several countries celebrate Friendship Day in July, each with their own local traditions.

  • Argentina: 20 July (Día del Amigo)
  • Brazil: 20 July (Dia do Amigo)
  • Uruguay: 20 July
  • Spain: 20 July
  • Bolivia: 23 July
  • Paraguay: 30 July (International Day of Friendship)
July is especially significant in South American countries for Friendship Day celebrations.

4. When is Friendship Day in India?

Friendship Day in India is observed on the first Sunday of August every year.

  • It is a popular event in schools, colleges, and social groups
  • Common customs include exchanging friendship bands and gifts
For exams, remember that India's Friendship Day is in August.

5. When is International Friendship Day as per the United Nations?

International Friendship Day as proclaimed by the United Nations is celebrated on 30 July each year.

  • Adopted by UN General Assembly in 2011
  • Aims to promote peace, solidarity, and cross-cultural understanding
  • Recognized in many countries alongside local observances
This date is important for current affairs and international GK questions.

6. Why do different countries celebrate Friendship Day on different dates?

Different countries celebrate Friendship Day on various dates due to historical, cultural, and organizational choices.

  • Originated in the USA (1930s) but adapted globally
  • Some countries follow traditional local customs (Argentina, Brazil)
  • UN declared 30 July to encourage global unity
  • India and others adopted August dates for local convenience
This variation is frequently highlighted in competitive exam questions.

7. What is the significance of Friendship Day?

Friendship Day is significant worldwide for promoting friendship, peace, and understanding among people of different backgrounds.

  • Encourages mutual respect and unity
  • Highlights the importance of social bonds
  • Recognized officially by the United Nations (since 2011)
  • Often marked by events, messages, and cultural practices
It's a key topic in GK and social studies exams.

8. Is Friendship Day only celebrated in India?

No, Friendship Day is celebrated in many countries across the world, each choosing their own date and manner of observation.

  • India: First Sunday August
  • USA: July 30 (International), Last Sunday July (National)
  • Argentina, Brazil, Spain: July 20
  • Finland, Estonia: February 14
It is a global event with varied traditions.

9. What are some other special friendship-related days?

Besides Friendship Day, there are other global observances focused on friendship.

  • National Best Friends Day (USA): 8 June
  • National Girl Best Friends Day (USA): 1 August
  • International Day of Friendship (UN): 30 July
These days recognize different aspects and bonds of friendship.

10. How is Friendship Day traditionally celebrated in India?

Friendship Day celebrations in India focus on expressing gratitude to friends and strengthening bonds.

  • Exchanging friendship bands and gifts among friends
  • Special gatherings, social events, and messages
  • School and college students often organize group activities
These customs make the day memorable and help reinforce social harmony.

11. When was the International Day of Friendship established by the United Nations?

The United Nations General Assembly officially declared 30 July as the International Day of Friendship in 2011.

  • Encourages global peace and understanding
  • Promotes international goodwill
Remember this for current affairs and UN-related questions.

12. What are the local names for Friendship Day in different countries?

Friendship Day is known by different names around the globe.

  • Argentina, Spain: Día del Amigo
  • Brazil: Dia do Amigo
  • Paraguay, Bolivia: Día de la Amistad
  • Finland, Estonia: Ystävänpäivä
These local terms may appear in exam questions on world culture.