National Mule Day, also known as National Mule Appreciation Day, is observed worldwide every October 26 to celebrate mules, which are intelligent and hardworking hybrid animals resulting from the breeding of a male donkey and a female horse. The holiday traces its roots back to Breeder’s Day in Columbia, Tennessee, the "Mule Capital" of the world, which evolved from a mule market and livestock show that began in the 1840s. It was initiated in 1985 by U.S. Representative Jim Cooper following a petition signed by about 50,000 people, although it was not officially established by the Senate. The date commemorates the arrival of Spanish donkeys in the U.S. in 1785, which were instrumental in breeding the first American mules by George Washington. Celebrations typically involve learning about mules, visiting farms or zoos that feature these animals, and sharing information on social media using the hashtag #NationalMuleDay.