International Tea Day
From misty hillsides to your cup — the world's second most consumed drink.
About
International Tea Day on May 21 celebrates tea — the world's second most consumed beverage after water — and highlights its cultural, economic, and health dimensions. Tea is grown in over 35 countries and provides livelihoods for millions of small-scale farmers, particularly in South Asia and East Africa. The day also examines sustainability challenges including fair wages for tea workers, climate change's effect on growing regions, and expanding consumer knowledge about tea's origins.
History
International Tea Day was first observed in 2005 in tea-producing countries including India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Nepal, driven by labour and social movements. The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) established May 21 as an official UN observance in 2019, recognising tea's global significance. The date aligns with the harvest season in many Northern Hemisphere tea regions.
Where It's Observed
Cultural Context
US United States
Americans are predominantly coffee drinkers, but tea consumption has grown steadily. The speciality tea market — matcha, bubble tea, and premium loose-leaf teas — has surged. World Tea Day raises awareness about fair trade sourcing in an industry largely invisible to American consumers.
KR South Korea
Korea has a refined tea culture rooted in Buddhist ceremony traditions and the jeong (tea mind) philosophy. Traditional Korean teas — nokcha (green tea), omija (five-flavour berry), and barley teas — coexist with the booming bubble tea market. Tea Day celebrates this heritage.
JP Japan
Tea is woven into the fabric of Japanese identity — from the precise rituals of the chanoyu (tea ceremony) to the matcha craze in modern desserts and drinks. Shizuoka Prefecture's tea farms are a point of national pride, and International Tea Day highlights Japan's unique tea culture worldwide.
How to Participate
- 01Try a tea variety from a country you've never visited — Darjeeling, Ceylon, or Taiwanese oolong
- 02Learn about where your usual tea comes from and who grew it
- 03Host a simple tea ceremony or tasting with friends or family
- 04Support fair-trade certified tea brands
Frequently asked questions
When is International Tea Day?+
International Tea Day is observed annually on May 21. The date is fixed each year — May 21 — and does not shift based on the lunar calendar or weekday.
What is International Tea Day?+
International Tea Day on May 21 celebrates tea — the world's second most consumed beverage after water — and highlights its cultural, economic, and health dimensions. Tea is grown in over 35 countries and provides livelihoods for millions of small-scale farmers, particularly in South Asia and East A…
Is International Tea Day a public holiday?+
International Tea Day is an international observance or awareness day, not a public holiday in most countries. It does not typically result in days off work or school closures, though some countries and organisations hold official events.
How can I participate in International Tea Day?+
Try a tea variety from a country you've never visited — Darjeeling, Ceylon, or Taiwanese oolong Learn about where your usual tea comes from and who grew it Host a simple tea ceremony or tasting with friends or family These are some of the most accessible ways to engage with the day's purpose.
Which countries observe International Tea Day?+
Global — especially strong in South Asia and East Asia.
Mark the date
Download a free printable calendar for 2026 and never miss International Tea Day.