If you’ve glanced at your calendar lately and felt a weird sense of "wait, what day is that?" you aren't alone. It’s a common mid-month brain fog. January 23rd, 2026, falls on a Friday. That’s the basic answer. But honestly, it’s a bit of a weird Friday. For some, it’s just the gateway to the weekend. For others, it’s a day of significant cultural weight or even a bank holiday depending on where you're sitting.
The 23rd is basically the tipping point of the month. You’ve either stuck to your resolutions or you’ve completely abandoned them by now.
Why January 23rd 2026 is More Than Just a Friday
It’s Friday. But it’s a Friday with baggage.
In the United States, we’re looking at National Handwriting Day. This isn’t just some random "Hallmark holiday" invented to sell pens. It actually falls on January 23rd because it’s the birthday of John Hancock. Yeah, the guy with the massive signature on the Declaration of Independence.
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Writing by hand is dying. We type everything. But neuroscientists like Dr. Claudia Aguirre have pointed out that handwriting actually sparks different brain circuitry than typing does. If you want to remember something, write it down on a post-it on the 23rd. Don't just put it in your iPhone Notes app.
A Day of Truth and Freedom
There's something heavy happening this year specifically in the Midwest. In Minnesota, January 23rd has been designated as the Day of Truth and Freedom.
This stems from recent tensions and protests regarding federal immigration enforcement actions in the region. Organizations like the National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) have been vocal about using this specific day to stand in solidarity with local communities. It's a reminder that while one person is celebrating a "fun" holiday, someone else is participating in a civil rights movement.
Global Holidays and Bank Closures
If you’re doing business internationally, keep an eye on your clocks.
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- India (Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Jayanti): This is a huge deal. It’s also known as Parakram Diwas. In states like West Bengal, Tripura, and Odisha, banks are closed. People are celebrating the birth of a major independence leader.
- Hindu Traditions: This year, the 23rd aligns with Vasant Panchami (or Basant Panchami). It's the festival dedicated to Saraswati, the goddess of knowledge and arts. Expect to see a lot of yellow—it’s the traditional color of the day representing the ripening of mustard crops.
- Iceland: It’s Thorrablot. This is a midwinter festival where people eat traditional (and often very pungent) Icelandic food. Think fermented shark. Maybe skip that if you have a sensitive stomach.
The Weird Stuff: Pies and Feet
Okay, let's lighten it up. Most people searching for "what day is the 23rd of this month" are just trying to plan their errands. But if you want to lean into the absurdity of modern calendars, January 23rd is also National Pie Day.
Not Pi Day (that's March 14th). This is the "let's eat a double-crust apple pie" day.
"Pie is the food of the hero." — This is a common sentiment among the American Pie Council, who officially sponsors this day to celebrate the heritage of the dish.
Then there is National Measure Your Feet Day. I have no idea why this exists. Apparently, feet change size as you age, and this is the annual reminder to make sure you aren’t wearing the wrong shoe size. It sounds silly, but podiatrists actually recommend it because wearing the wrong size can lead to bunions or nerve damage.
Historical Context: Why This Date Matters
History isn’t just a list of dates. It’s a series of weird coincidences.
On January 23rd, 1849, Elizabeth Blackwell became the first woman to receive a medical degree in the United States. She graduated from Geneva Medical College in New York. The male students actually voted to let her in as a joke, thinking she’d never show up. She showed up. She won.
Fast forward to 1960. This was the day the USS Trieste reached the bottom of the Mariana Trench. Jacques Piccard and Don Walsh went deeper than any human had ever gone. 10,911 meters.
And for the music geeks? In 1986, the first group of artists was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. We’re talking Elvis Presley, Chuck Berry, and James Brown. A Friday in January changed music history forever.
Practical Advice for Your Friday
Since the 23rd is a Friday, your focus is probably on finishing the work week.
- Check your bank: If you have vendors in India, expect delays.
- Eat some pie: It’s literally the national day for it. No excuses.
- Write a letter: Grab a pen. Use that "handwriting brain" for five minutes.
- Watch the news: With the "Day of Truth and Freedom" events, it’s going to be a busy news cycle for the Midwest.
Honestly, the 23rd is a bit of a "choose your own adventure" day. Whether you're honoring a revolutionary leader, measuring your toes, or just trying to survive until 5:00 PM, you've now got the full picture.
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Your January 23rd Checklist
Instead of just letting the day pass by, take a second to use the "Friday energy."
Verify your weekend travel plans if you're heading toward Minnesota or any major metro areas where rallies are expected. If you're in the corporate world, remember that the end of January is the peak for "resolution drop-off," so it’s a great day to check in with your team’s morale before the February slump hits.
Check your shoe size. Grab a slice of rhubarb pie.
Write a handwritten note to someone you haven't talked to this year. It's Friday—make it count.