The World Milk Day was first celebrated in 2001 on the initiative of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). Since then, the tradition has gained wide popularity in many countries around the world.
The aim of the holiday is to popularize milk and dairy products among people and to inform the public about activities related to milk and dairy production.
According to scientists, milk contains necessary calcium, magnesium, selenium, riboflavin, vitamin B12, and pantothenic acid (vitamin B5) for the body. Children are recommended to drink (if there are no medical contraindications) at least one glass of cow's milk per day, which provides 21% protein, 8% calories, and essential micronutrients.
Porridge for breakfast, thin classic pancakes, a milkshake, and cottage cheese dishes - milk is an indispensable ingredient in many healthy and tasty recipes.
Why is World Milk Day celebrated on June 1? The fact is that in some countries that supported the good idea of the UN, there was already a tradition of celebrating National Milk Day. Almost in all these countries, this holiday fell on June 1 or on days close to this date. Therefore, it was decided to appoint the official day of milk on the first day of summer.
By 2008, 40 different countries from around the world simultaneously took part in celebrating Milk Day, and in most of them, the holiday was celebrated on a large scale and spectacularly. For example, in Argentina, a farmers' association organized a large-scale campaign to promote milk consumption under the slogan "The country where milk and honey flow like a river." In Germany, a national holiday was held under the slogan "Faster, Stronger, Smarter. All thanks to milk!" and was supported by 11 federal states. In Norway, the National Council of Dairy Products held an online competition for the best milk story, the author of which received a cash prize.
By the way, despite the "worldwide" status of the holiday, some countries have decided to celebrate their separate Milk Day. For example, in Australia, it falls on September 26, in Denmark - on September 24, in the USA - on June 1, but in different states, it may be celebrated on different days. Regardless of the exact date, the main goal of the holiday remains the same - to draw attention to the benefits of milk and dairy products and to promote their consumption among the population.
