National Cherry Day is observed worldwide on July 16 every year, celebrating the delicious fruit of the cherry. Originating in the United Kingdom in 2008, the holiday was part of a campaign to save traditional cherry orchards, which have significantly declined since the 20th century. Cherries, primarily from the species Prunus avium and Prunus cerasus, are enjoyed fresh or used in various desserts such as cherry pie, cherry cheesecake, and Black Forest cake. The holiday encourages people to visit local farmers' markets for fresh cherries or participate in cherry-related activities, like picking cherries at farms or joining cherry pit spitting contests. As mid-July aligns with the peak cherry harvest season in the UK, the celebration has evolved into a broader appreciation of cherries as a fruit.