International Epilepsy Day 2026
awarenessMonday, February 8, 2027
146 days from today · next occurrence
About International Epilepsy Day
International Epilepsy Day is a global awareness observance held on the second Monday of February each year. It unites patients, families, caregivers, and medical professionals in shining a light on one of the world's most common neurological conditions, which affects tens of millions of people across every country and age group.
Despite how widespread epilepsy is, stigma and misinformation still surround it. Some people wrongly believe it is contagious or untreatable, and in certain places seizures are hidden from neighbors and even doctors. The day works to replace fear with facts: most people with epilepsy can live full lives, and a large share of cases can be controlled with medication or treatment.
The purple ribbon is the symbol of the cause, and landmarks around the world light up in purple to show support for everyone living with the condition and for the families who stand beside them.
When is International Epilepsy Day?
| Year | Date | Weekday |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | February 9, 2026 | Monday |
| 2027 | February 8, 2027 | Monday |
| 2028 | February 14, 2028 | Monday |
| 2029 | February 12, 2029 | Monday |
| 2030 | February 11, 2030 | Monday |
History of International Epilepsy Day
International Epilepsy Day was established in 2015 through a partnership between the International Bureau for Epilepsy and the International League Against Epilepsy, two organizations that have championed people with the condition for over a century. The observance is supported by the World Health Organization and is now marked in well over one hundred countries. Its launch built on decades of advocacy, including Purple Day, a separate grassroots awareness effort started in 2008 by a young Canadian student named Cassidy Megan. Together these campaigns have pushed for better access to treatment, stronger legal protections, and honest public conversations about seizures and first aid.
How to Celebrate International Epilepsy Day
- Learn seizure first aid: stay calm, clear the area, time the seizure, and never put anything in the person's mouth.
- Wear purple or share a purple ribbon to show support for people living with epilepsy.
- Donate to or volunteer with an epilepsy foundation that funds research and support services.
- Challenge myths by sharing accurate facts about epilepsy at school, work, or online.
- Attend a local awareness event, webinar, or hospital open house about the condition.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When is International Epilepsy Day?
- International Epilepsy Day falls on the second Monday of February every year. Because the date follows a Monday schedule, it shifts within a one-week window each February.
- Is International Epilepsy Day a public holiday?
- No. It is an international health awareness observance, not a public holiday. Workplaces and schools stay open, though many organizations hold awareness activities during the day.
- How is International Epilepsy Day observed?
- People observe the day by wearing purple, attending educational events, learning seizure first aid, and supporting advocacy organizations. Landmarks around the world are often lit in purple, and health agencies publish new information about treatment gaps.