World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day is observed on May 8 every year to celebrate the principles of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.

May 8 is the birth anniversary of Jean-Henry Dunant (born on May 8, 1828), the founder of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the recipient of the first Nobel Peace Prize. The first Red Cross Day was celebrated on 8 May 1948. The official title of the day changed over time and became "World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day" in 1984.