Darwin Day

Darwin Day History

Darwin Day is a global celebration that honors the birthday and life of the eminent biologist, Charles Darwin, known for his ground-breaking contribution to the science of evolution. Established by various educational and scientific institutions, this annual recognition emphasizes the importance of science in our daily lives and inspires a new generation of thinkers.

Darwin Day traces back to 1909, on the 100th anniversary of Darwin's birth when scientists and scholars globally convened to celebrate his contributions. In America, the tradition began in 1995 when molecular and cell biologist Dr. Robert Stephens proposed the establishment of Darwin Day Celebration, an independent, non-profit organization.

The day is typically celebrated by organizing public outreach programs that present Darwin's contributions and achievements in evolutionary biology and emphasize the importance of science in modern society. Debates, symposiums, and dinners are common celebratory events on this day. Darwin's birthday, February 12th, offers people across the globe the opportunity to deeply reflect on the principles of intellectual bravery, perpetual curiosity, and the hunger for truth that form the foundation of scientific discovery.

Top 9 Facts for Darwin Day in 2026

• One of the most peculiar traditions of the observance is the Phylum Feast, where participants consume a meal consisting of as many different biological phyla as possible to celebrate the vast diversity of life on Earth.
• Scientists recently addressed a long-standing puzzle known as Darwin's Abominable Mystery through 2024 and 2025 research into the explosive diversification of flowering plants, a phenomenon that originally troubled Darwin because it seemed to contradict his theory of gradual evolution.
• Although he is the primary figure associated with the theory of evolution, the famous phrase survival of the fittest was actually coined by philosopher Herbert Spencer and only later adopted by Darwin in the fifth edition of On the Origin of Species.
• The 2026 observance of Religion and Science Weekend is centered around the theme Truth Matters, highlighting the compatibility of scientific inquiry and religious faith.
• A significant point of historical interest is that Darwin was not originally hired as the official naturalist for the HMS Beagle; instead, he was brought aboard primarily as a social companion for Captain Robert FitzRoy to help prevent the captain from succumbing to the isolation and depression common during long voyages.
• In 2008, the Church of England issued a formal posthumous apology to the scientist, acknowledging that they had been over-defensive and had misunderstood his groundbreaking work during the 19th century.
• The 2009 film Creation, starring Paul Bettany, explores the deeply personal conflict Darwin faced between his scientific discoveries and his wife Emma’s religious beliefs while he struggled to complete his most famous manuscript.
• Public interest often peaks around the display of rare specimens like the 14th known fossil of Archaeopteryx, which was recently described in a 2025 study and serves as a vital transitional link between non-avian dinosaurs and modern birds.
• Before dedicating his life to natural science, Darwin actually dropped out of medical school at the University of Edinburgh because he was too distressed by the sight of surgery performed without anesthesia.

In the News and Trending for Darwin Day

Top things to do for Darwin Day

• Participate in an event commemorating Charles Darwin and his work. Browse local events near you.
• Watch informational videos explaining evolutionary theory to learn more about evolution and its processes.
• Learn more about the theory of evolution with scientists like Gregor Mendel, Theodosius Dobzhansky, E. B. Ford, and Richard Lewontin. All have committed themselves to better understanding and communicating evolution.
• Watch a film about Charles Darwin and his efforts to explain evolution. Here are our suggestions:
  Creation (2009)
  Charles Darwin and the Tree of Life (2009)
  The Darwin Adventures (1972)