19 Offbeat Holidays You Can Celebrate in February

It might be a short month, but there are plenty of unconventional holidays to celebrate.
1. FEBRUARY 1: ROBINSON CRUSOE DAYWikimedia Commons // Public Domain
On February 1, 1709, Scottish sailor Alexander Selkirk was rescued from the uninhabited island of Juan Fernández, where he'd been put ashore at his own request following a fight with his captain. The story was the basis for Daniel Defoe's Robinson Crusoe, and can now be the basis for your adventurous start to the month.
2. FEBRUARY 2: HEDGEHOG DAY
And you thought this was just the groundhog's day.
3. FEBRUARY 4: MEDJOOL DATE DAY
They brighten your smoothies, breakfast bars, desserts, and appetizers all year long. Take this day to salute the humble date.
4. FEBRUARY 5: WORKING NAKED DAY
It's also National Wear Red Day (for cardiovascular health), so there's something for everyone.
5. FEBRUARY 5: WEATHERPERSON'S DAY
It's the middle of winter. Time to thank your local weatherperson.
6. FEBRUARY 7: DUMP YOUR "SIGNIFICANT JERK" WEEKThis holiday lasts all week and gives you just enough time to upgrade before Valentine's Day.
7. FEBRUARY 9: READ IN THE BATHTUB DAY
It's also Mardi Gras/Fat Tuesday/Pancake Tuesday/Paczki Day, so take a soak after you've stuffed your face.
8. FEBRUARY 11:PRO SPORTS WIVES DAY
They're the real stars, after all.
9.
Assert your independence and maybe even buy yourself a heart-shaped box of chocolates.
10: FEBRUARY 13:GET A DIFFERENT NAME DAY
If celebrity baby names have you wishing your name was a little more inventive, this is the day to take the leap.
11. FEBRUARY 17:MY WAY DAY
If it was good enough for Frank Sinatra, it's good enough for you.
12. FEBRUARY 20:HOODIE-HOO DAY
If you live the Northern Hemisphere, at high noon go outside, wave your hands in the air, and yell "Hoodie-Hoo" to chase winter away and prepare for spring. Yep, it's a real thing.
13. FEBRUARY 23:CURLING IS COOL DAY
Literally, and figuratively.
14:
FEBRUARY 23:
SINGLE-TASKING DAY
This is less of a celebration and more like a challenge.
15. FEBRUARY 24:GREGORIAN CALENDAR DAY
Because there should be a day celebrating the very thing that gives us days on which to celebrate. Or something.
16. FEBRUARY 25:NATIONAL CHILI DAY
Football season might be over, but chili season never has to end.
17. FEBRUARY26: FOR PETE’S SAKE DAY
Who is Pete and why do we do things for his sake? Take this day to consider it.
18. FEBRUARY 27:WORLD SWORD SWALLOWERS DAY
A holiday that needs no explanation.
19. FEBRUARY 28:NATIONAL TOOTH FAIRY DAY
Santa works one night shift a year and gets all the love, but this woman spends all year collecting teeth and doling out dough. It's high time we gave her some well-earned love.
Holidays found in Chase's Calendar of Events 2016. All photos courtesy of iStock unless otherwise noted.