International Coffee Day: A Celebration of Culture, Community, and Connection

International Coffee Day is a global celebration held every year on October 1st to honor one of the world’s most beloved beverages and the people behind every cup. From farmers and roasters to baristas and coffee lovers, this day highlights coffee’s journey from bean to brew. Coffee is more than just a morning ritual—it’s a cultural bond, a community builder, and an economic lifeline for millions of people worldwide.

What is International Coffee Day?

The first official International Coffee Day was launched in Milan, Italy, on October 1, 2015, during Expo 2015, organized by the International Coffee Organization (ICO). However, coffee days have been celebrated for decades in different countries. Japan’s Coffee Association marked it first in 1983, the U.S. embraced an unofficial Coffee Day in the early 2000s, and coffee-producing nations like Brazil and Ethiopia host their own local celebrations.

While traditions vary—from Italian espresso bars to Ethiopian coffee ceremonies—love for this aromatic drink unites people across the globe. Events on this day include tastings, roastery tours, café promotions, fair trade campaigns, and global coffee challenges.

Why does International Coffee Day matter?

Over 125 million people rely on coffee for their livelihood, with 70% of global production coming from smallholder farmers. Yet many live below the poverty line, facing market instability, climate change, and lack of resources. International Coffee Day raises awareness of these struggles, encouraging fair trade, direct partnerships, and sustainable practices. It also reminds us that every latte has a story—of fields, farmers, and fragile ecosystems in need of support.

Ways to celebrate International Coffee Day

• Support sustainable coffee brands certified by Fairtrade or Rainforest Alliance.

• Visit an independent café or roastery and learn about their bean sources.

• Host a coffee-tasting with friends, exploring roasts and brewing methods.

• Discover the story of your coffee’s origin, from farm to cup.

• Donate to organizations helping coffee-farming communities.

• Share your coffee moment on social media with hashtags and farmer quotes.

• Reduce waste by using reusable cups and composting coffee grounds.

Fun facts about coffee

• Coffee is the world’s second most traded commodity after crude oil.

• Finland leads global consumption, with over 12 kg of coffee per person annually.

• The global coffee market is worth more than $100 billion yearly.

• Coffee beans are actually seeds inside the coffee cherry fruit.

• Climate change threatens future coffee harvests by impacting yield and quality.

• The world’s largest cup of coffee exceeded 20,000 liters, made in Colombia.

• The word “coffee” comes from the Arabic “qahwa,” later adapted by Turks (“kahve”) and Dutch (“koffie”).

• Coffee is one of the richest natural sources of antioxidants, linked to better health when consumed in moderation.

Arab songs celebrating coffee

• “Ahwa” by Asmahan – expressing refined passion through coffee.

• “Etfaddal Ahwa” by Amr El Gezaoui – one of the most iconic Arab songs about coffee.

• “Ala El Ahwa” by Hamza Namira – highlighting coffee shops as spaces of connection and belonging.

• “Billah Tesbou Halgahwa” by Samira Tawfik – a traditional Jordanian folk song.

• “Fi Ahwa Ala El Mafraq” by Fairuz – a classic by the Rahbani brothers.

• “Qahwat Wada’” by Hussain Al Jassmi – a poetic metaphor of farewell through a coffee cup.

• “Qar’et El Fengan” by Abdel Halim Hafez – inspired by Nizar Qabbani’s love for coffee.

• “Hila Ya Hila” by Talal Maddah – a Saudi song celebrating the aroma of dark coffee and cardamom.

International Coffee Day, at its heart, is about justice, joy, and gratitude—for the communities who grow coffee, the artistry of its preparation, and the culture it weaves across borders.