May 22: Holidays, Historical Events, Famous Birthdays & Zodiac Sign
On May 22, 2010, a programmer bought two pizzas for 10,000 bitcoins — the first real-world crypto purchase, now worth billions.
About May 22
May 22 is a day where the digital frontier meets the natural world. Bitcoin Pizza Day commemorates the moment Laszlo Hanyecz completed what is widely considered the first commercial bitcoin transaction, trading 10,000 bitcoins for two Papa John's pizzas. Those coins would be worth hundreds of millions today, but the purchase proved cryptocurrencies could function as actual money — a watershed moment for the entire blockchain movement.
Meanwhile, the International Day for Biological Diversity reminds us that not all valuable assets are digital. The United Nations established this observance to spotlight the staggering variety of life on Earth and the urgent need to protect it as habitats shrink and species vanish at accelerating rates.
Geminis, represented by the celestial twins, are known for their curiosity and adaptability — fitting for a date that spans cryptocurrency, conservation, and the legacy of civil rights pioneer Harvey Milk, whose birthday is honored today across California and beyond.
Fun & National Days on May 22
- Bitcoin Pizza Day — Order a pizza and marvel that two of them once cost 10,000 bitcoins — the first-ever crypto purchase.
- Canadian Immigrants Day — Celebrate the diverse stories and contributions of people who chose to make Canada their new home.
- Don't Fry Day — Slather on sunscreen, grab a hat, and pledge to protect your skin before summer's rays kick in.
- Harvey Milk Day — Honor the trailblazing activist's legacy by supporting LGBTQ+ rights and visibility in your community.
- International Being You Day — Embrace every quirky, wonderful thing that makes you uniquely you — no apologies required.
- International Day for Biological Diversity — Step outside and appreciate the astonishing variety of living things sharing this planet with us.
- National Buy a Musical Instrument Day — Pick up that guitar, keyboard, or ukulele you've always wanted and start making some noise.
- National Cooler Day — Pack your favorite cooler with snacks and drinks — picnic and road trip season has officially arrived.
- National Craft Distillery Day — Toast the small-batch artisans crafting distinctive spirits with local ingredients and bold creativity.
- National Death Busters Day — Brush up on road safety habits to help reduce traffic fatalities as summer travel season begins.