Popeye Day is observed worldwide every January 17 to celebrate the beloved cartoon character Popeye the Sailor, who first appeared in the comic strip Thimble Theatre on this date in 1929. Created by American cartoonist Elzie Crisler Segar, Popeye quickly gained popularity, leading to his central role in the strip and its expansion into numerous newspapers. The character is known for his strength, originally derived from rubbing the head of Bernice the Whiffle Hen, but later famously linked to spinach, which boosted its sales during the Great Depression. Observances of Popeye Day include reading Popeye comic books, watching animated cartoons, enjoying the 1980 live-action film starring Robin Williams, hosting themed parties, and eating spinach. The origins of the holiday are unclear, but it serves as a tribute to the enduring legacy of this iconic character.