World Vegan Day originated in England in 1994, when vegan animal rights activist Louise Wallis was looking for a suitable setting to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Vegan Society. As President of the Vegan Society, her aim was not only to emphasise the continued existence of a vegan association, but also to draw attention to the fact that the word ‘vegan’ had found its way into the English language.

Wallis set 1 November as the date, as it falls exactly between Halloween (31 October) and the Mexican Day of the Dead (2 November).

Since November 1, 1994, World Vegan Day has thus provided a welcome occasion for vegans world wide to celebrate and further promote veganism and all its positive aspects.