World Vegan Day
A plant-based world is possible — World Vegan Day shows how.
About
World Vegan Day on November 1 marks both the start of World Vegan Month and the anniversary of the founding of the Vegan Society in the UK in 1944. Veganism — avoiding all animal products in diet and lifestyle — has grown from a fringe movement to a mainstream lifestyle choice practiced by an estimated 79 million people worldwide. The day celebrates the environmental, health, and ethical case for plant-based living.
History
The Vegan Society was founded on November 1, 1944 by Donald Watson in the UK. Watson also coined the term 'vegan' to distinguish those who avoided all animal products from vegetarians. World Vegan Day was established to mark this founding anniversary. The explosion in plant-based food products, vegan restaurants, and media coverage has brought veganism into mainstream culture.
Where It's Observed
Cultural Context
US United States
America's vegan market is the world's largest, driven by innovations from companies like Beyond Meat and Impossible Foods. World Vegan Day prompts plant-based restaurant promotions and social media campaigns. Environmental veganism is a growing movement among young Americans.
KR South Korea
Korean veganism is growing, particularly among young women influenced by health and environmental concerns. Korean Buddhist vegetarian cuisine provides a rich plant-based heritage, and innovative vegan adaptations of Korean dishes are gaining traction.
JP Japan
Japan's shōjin ryōri (Buddhist temple cuisine) provides a traditional framework for plant-based eating. Modern veganism is growing in urban areas, though Japan's food culture faces challenges adapting deeply embedded animal product uses like dashi (fish stock).
How to Participate
- 01Try a fully vegan day — use it as a creative cooking challenge
- 02Visit a vegan restaurant or try a plant-based recipe from a cuisine you love
- 03Learn about the environmental impact of animal agriculture
- 04If you already eat plant-based, share a recipe with someone curious about trying it
Frequently asked questions
When is World Vegan Day?+
World Vegan Day is observed annually on November 1. The date is fixed each year — November 1 — and does not shift based on the lunar calendar or weekday.
What is World Vegan Day?+
World Vegan Day on November 1 marks both the start of World Vegan Month and the anniversary of the founding of the Vegan Society in the UK in 1944. Veganism — avoiding all animal products in diet and lifestyle — has grown from a fringe movement to a mainstream lifestyle choice practiced by an estima…
Is World Vegan Day a public holiday?+
World Vegan 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 World Vegan Day?+
Try a fully vegan day — use it as a creative cooking challenge Visit a vegan restaurant or try a plant-based recipe from a cuisine you love Learn about the environmental impact of animal agriculture These are some of the most accessible ways to engage with the day's purpose.
Which countries observe World Vegan Day?+
Global — particularly strong in UK, US, Germany, Australia.
Mark the date
Download a free printable calendar for 2026 and never miss World Vegan Day.