May 27 is an extremely busy day that combines military prowess, important professional achievements, care for one's health and nature, as well as several fun unofficial holidays. This article gathers the most interesting events of this day so that you can learn more about the traditions honored both in Ukraine and far beyond its borders — writes UNN
Special Operations Forces Day of the Armed Forces of Ukraine
In 2025, according to the Decree of the President of Ukraine, the celebration of SOF Day was moved specifically to May 27. This date was not chosen by chance: on May 27, 2014, soldiers of the special forces regiments conducted the first successful operation to liberate the new terminal of the Donetsk airport. The Special Operations Forces are an elite branch of the military that performs the most complex and dangerous combat missions deep behind enemy lines. SOF military personnel engage in reconnaissance, sabotage, counter-terrorism measures, and information-psychological operations. Today, their contribution to the protection of Ukraine's independence is invaluable, and their unprecedented professionalism commands admiration worldwide.
World Emergency Medicine Day
This day is dedicated to doctors, paramedics, emergency medical technicians, and dispatchers who are the first to respond to calls and save lives every second. The main goal of the holiday is to emphasize the vital role of emergency medical services and remind people of the need to provide them with the most modern equipment. In current Ukrainian realities, "emergency" workers operate in extremely difficult conditions, often directly under shelling, to provide aid to the wounded. Their daily exhausting work is true heroism, courage, and absolute dedication to their noble profession. The holiday also reminds society of the importance of basic skills, particularly the ability to correctly provide first aid before specialists arrive.
International Marketing Day
The date of this professional holiday was chosen in honor of the birthday of Philip Kotler — an outstanding theorist who is quite deservedly called the "father of modern marketing." An interesting fact: Kotler himself has direct Ukrainian roots, as his parents emigrated from the city of Nizhyn. Today, marketing has transformed from simple advertising into an extremely complex science of market needs, company development strategy, and communication with consumers. On this day, the professional community traditionally exchanges experiences, discusses new trends, and emphasizes the global impact of marketing technologies on the economy. This holiday unites creatives, analysts, PR specialists, and strategists from all over the world, inspiring them to new achievements.
World Otter Day
This important environmental holiday is traditionally celebrated on the last Wednesday of May, which in 2026 falls exactly on the 27th. Its creation was initiated by the International Otter Survival Fund to draw attention to the rapid decline in the population of these animals. Otters play a key role in maintaining the health of aquatic ecosystems, but they suffer greatly from water pollution and the hands of poachers. Sad statistics show that of the 13 existing species of otters, the vast majority are currently under serious threat of extinction. On this day, eco-activists hold various educational events, raise funds for animal protection, and call for the preservation of their natural habitat.
National Sunscreen Day
This useful international holiday aims to remind people of the critical importance of using sunscreen to maintain skin health. On the eve of the hot summer season, doctors and cosmetologists around the world actively talk about the hidden dangers of ultraviolet radiation. Regular application of cream with an SPF factor significantly reduces the risk of developing melanoma and effectively prevents premature aging. At the same time, it should always be remembered that reliable sun protection is needed not only on the beach but also during ordinary city walks. This day is a great occasion to check the expiration dates of your sunscreen supplies and, if necessary, consult a dermatologist.
Scotch Tape Birthday
It is on May 27 that the world unofficially celebrates the appearance of one of the most indispensable and ingeniously simple inventions — adhesive tape. The inventor of Scotch tape was American engineer Richard Drew, who worked for the 3M company and initially tried to create a tape exclusively for painters. Subsequently, transparent adhesive tape gained immense popularity in everyday life and began to be used literally everywhere — from gift wrapping to minor repairs. Today, there are hundreds of varieties of tape on store shelves: double-sided, colored, heavy-duty reinforced, and even special medical tape. This fun holiday once again reminds us how very simple things can make our daily lives much more convenient.
Sydir Bokohriy (Memorial Day of the Righteous John the Russian)
According to the new church calendar, on May 27, Ukraine honors the memory of the Righteous John the Russian — a holy confessor of Ukrainian origin who became famous for numerous miracles. In folk tradition, this day has long been known as Sydir Bokohriy (Sydir the Side-Warmer), symbolizing the final arrival of truly steady spring warmth. The name of the holiday is related to the fact that the sun stops being deceptive and begins to warm pleasantly and gently from all sides. Our ancestors sincerely believed: if the weather on Sydir is clear and cloudless, then the entire summer will surely be warm and rich in harvest. Usually, it was after this day that homeowners planted cucumbers in the open ground en masse, finally ceasing to fear sudden night frosts.
National Grape Popsicle Day
This popular American gastronomic holiday is gradually finding its devoted fans in many other countries around the world. Interestingly, the popsicle was invented completely by accident by an 11-year-old boy back in 1905, when he simply forgot a glass of sweet water out in the cold. Out of all the variety of flavors, rich grape is considered one of the most favorite and classic versions of this sweet treat. At the end of spring, when the air temperature begins to rise rapidly, such a cool dessert becomes perhaps the best way to refresh oneself. This day gives everyone a wonderful opportunity to make delicious homemade ice cream together with children, using only natural grape juice.