Darwin Day - Wikipedia

Many events and campaigns have celebrated Darwin Day but very few have achieved status of a public holiday.

In the UK, the celebration of Darwin's work and tributes to his life have been organized sporadically since his death on April 19, 1882, at age 73. Events took place at Down House, in Downe on the southern outskirts of London where Darwin and members of his family lived from 1842 until the death of Emma Darwin in 1896. In 1909, 265 scientists and dignitaries from 167 countries met in Cambridge, England, to honor Darwin's contributions and to discuss vigorously the recent discoveries and related theories contesting for acceptance.

Some advocates would like a public holiday declared for 12 February 2009. Robert Beeston was successful in championing a public holiday in Des Moines, Iowa, in 2003 (No reference).

Note: Since 2000 Charles Darwin has appeared on the Bank of England ten-pound note and has been celebrated on postage stamps in several countries.