World Vegan Day 2023: Theme, History, What is Veganism?

World Vegan Day is observed every year on November 1 by the vegans all over the world. The aim of this day is to promote the benefits of veganism for humans and the natural environment. Vegan Day is celebrated through various activities organized such as hosting potlucks, setting up stalls, distributing flyers with advantages of veganism, etc. This special day was launched by Louise Wallis in 1994. The day also commemorates the anniversary of founding of the The Vegan Society and invention of the terms “vegan” and “veganism” in 1944. However, the exact date of the establishment is not known.

World Vegan Day 2023 Date

You may go through the schedule of world vegan day in 2023 and coming years:

Event	Date	Day
World Vegan Day 2023	November 1	Wednesday
World Vegan Day 2024	November 1	Friday
World Vegan Day 2025	November 1	Saturday
World Vegan Day 2026	November 1	Sunday
World Vegan Day 2027	November 1	Monday

World Vegan Day 2023 Overview

Event	World Vegan Day, International Vegan Day
Date	November 1, 2023
Day	Wednesday
Declared by	Louise Wallis (Chair of The Vegan Society in 1994)
Observed by	Worldwide
Purpose of celebration	To celebrate the benefits of veganism for humans and the natural environment through various activities.

What is Veganism?

Veganism is the practice of refraining from using animal products, normally in diet, but there is a related philosophy that rejects the commodity status of animals. Any person who follows the vegan diet or philosophy of veganism is called a vegan. There are different types of veganism such as dietary vegan, ethical vegan and environmental vegan. Dietary vegans do not consume meat, eggs, dairy products, and any other animal-derived substances.

Someone who not only follows a plant-based diet but extends the philosophy into other areas of their lives are termed as ethical vegans. Environmental vegans are those who avoid animal products on the premise that the industrial farming of animals is environmentally damaging and unsustainable.

Benefits of turning Vegan

Veganism is not only beneficial for humans but has its benefits over animals and environment too. Let us check out the different benefits of turning vegan and encourage yourself to turn vegan this World Vegan Day.

For human- By turning vegan and strictly following healthy eating guidelines, one can get all the nutrients required by the body. Veganism provides a great opportunity to learn more about nutrition and cooking as well.
For animals- Veganism offers a way to prevent the exploitation of animals and is one of the key factors that encourage people to adopt a vegan life. Going vegan stops animal cruelty by ensuring that less animals suffer and die on farms and in slaughterhouses.
For environment- From recycling our household rubbish to cycling to work, we’re all aware of ways to live a greener life. By avoiding animal products, carbon footprint can be lowered.

Check: Other special days in November

History of World Vegan Day Observation

World Vegan Day was established in 1994 by vegan animal rights activist and president of the Vegan Society, Louise Wallis who was looking for an opportunity to celebrate the anniversary of founding of the Vegan Society. The society was founded in 1944 and 1994 was the year of its 50^th anniversary.

The aim was not only to emphasize the continued existence of a vegan association, but also to draw attention of the people all over the world to the word ‘vegan’. The word vegan was coined in 1944 by Donald Watson and his wife Dorothy Morgan.

November 1 was chosen because it falls between Halloween (October 31) and All Souls’ Day (November 2). Wallis liked the idea of this date coinciding with Halloween and All Souls’ Day provides a traditional time for feasting and celebration and vegan day fit in perfectly between them.

How is World Vegan Day celebrated?

On World Vegan Day numerous events are organized by vegan associations in different parts of the world. Food stalls and potluck dinners are organized in communities and among friends and families to promote veganism. You can also arrange dinner parties at your house or in neighborhood to promote the benefits of turning vegan. Take this day as an occasion to teach yourself more about vegan way of life and to try delicious vegan food and drinks. You can also print flyers from vegan websites and distribute it among others to promote this day.

Vegetarian Awareness Month

World Vegan Day is celebrated in continuity with Vegetarian Awareness Month celebrated all October. The month begins with World Vegetarian Day observed on October 1 and celebrates food security, reverence for life in all species, faith-based vegetarianism, animal advocacy, and more. World Vegan Day is followed by World Vegan Month that is observed all November. November 2 is commemorated as Dynamic Harmlessness Day and is the birthday of the founder of the American Vegan Society, H. Jay Dinshah.