World Fiddle Day is an annual music celebration day celebrated on the Third Saturday of May. This year it will be observed on May 20. Even though World Fiddle Day was created in 2012, it gained popularity all over the world within a few years. It was created to celebrate and teach the playing of bowed string instruments throughout the world by conducting participatory and inclusive events. The fiddle is a bowed string musical instrument, used by players in all genres including classical music.
“The second fiddle. I can get plenty of first violinists, but to find someone who can play the second fiddle with enthusiasm.” – Leonard Bernstein
History of World Fiddle Day
In 2012, Donegal Fiddler Caoimhin Mac Aoidh created World Fiddle Day. May Month was chosen to coincide the day with the death of Italian violin craftsman Antonio Stradivari in 1737. It was first celebrated in the year 2013. Then Canada changed World Fiddle Day to National Fiddle Day in 2015. In 2015, celebrations were conducted in Owen Sound, Ontario, St. John’s, Newfoundland, and Toronto. In 2016, the celebrations were held on May 21 at Fort York in Toronto. On that day, Yosvani Castaneda Valdes demonstrated Cuban fiddling, while Dan MacDonald performed and presented a workshop about Cape Breton fiddling style. Other events were also conducted in places like Owen Sound, Ontario, and Scartaglin, County Kerry, Ireland.
Other Celebrations on May 20
May 20 is also celebrated as
- National Pick Strawberries Day
- National Be a Millionaire Day
- Weights and Measures Day
- National Quiche Lorraine Day
- International Clinical Trials Day
- International Plant a Lemon Tree Day
- World Whisky Day
- National Learn To Swim Day
- Armed Forces Day
How to Celebrate the day
If you know how to play the violin, then get out your fiddle and play a couple of tunes! If didn’t know how to play a fiddle, then listen to some of the fantastic performances by string artists which can easily be found on Youtube. You can also celebrate this day by learning how to play the fiddle. Post pictures and share your thoughts on social media about Fiddle Day by using the hashtag #WorldFiddleDay.
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