On May 13th, we celebrate a quirky and little-known holiday called "Frog Jumping Day." This peculiar celebration is inspired by Mark Twain's famous short story, "The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County," which was first published in 1865.

In the story, a man named Jim Smiley trains a frog named Dan'l Webster to jump higher than any other frog. The tale revolves around a bet made between Smiley and a stranger, which ultimately leads to an unexpected twist.

To honor this literary masterpiece and the humorous tradition it spawned, people gather annually in Angels Camp, California, to participate in the Calaveras County Fair and Jumping Frog Jubilee. During this event, participants bring their most athletic amphibians to compete in a frog jumping contest, attempting to break the record for the longest jump.

The current world record for the longest frog jump was set in 1986 by a frog named Rosie the Ribeter, who achieved an impressive leap of 21 feet, 5.75 inches (6.55 meters). Frog enthusiasts and curious spectators alike flock to this event to witness the incredible leaps and to celebrate the enduring legacy of Mark Twain's storytelling.

So, on this May 13th, whether you find yourself in Angels Camp or not, take a moment to appreciate the whimsy and humor of Frog Jumping Day. Perhaps you can even find a way to incorporate a little frog-themed fun into your day, in honor of this obscure yet delightful holiday.
2025-05-13T09:51:24.512Z