On this day, itâs time to celebrate the music of one of the worldâs most favorite string instruments, the violin. Or the fiddle, as it is sometimes affectionately known.
World Fiddle Day happens once a year and is meant to celebrate everything that everyone loves about the chirpy, fun and feisty art of fiddle music. Youâll see it being celebrated on the third Saturday of each May.
Around the world, this day is celebrated with dancing, music, and of course plenty of fiddle playing!
The History of World Fiddle Day
This day was founded in 2012 by one Caoimhin Mac Aoidh, a professional fiddler from Donegal in Ireland. The day was birthed from a deep respect for one of the most expert and revered violin makers in history.
This month was chosen to coincide with the anniversary of the death of the Italian violin craftsman Antonio Stradivariâs way back in 1737.
Stradivari is today considered the most significant creator of violins in history, with his surviving instruments today seen as the most prized and finest ever created. Although he also made the larger string instruments cellos and violas, itâs the violins which he lovingly crafted that he is most well-known and remembered for.
Though only a couple of hundred of his works still exist, they have been known to capture some huge prices at auction and are especially sought-after amongst professional violin players.
How to Celebrate World Fiddle Day
If you ever learned how to play the violin in school, or you frequently play it either for pleasure or for work, today is a great day to get out your fiddle and play a couple of tunes! Perhaps play a little for friends or family, or show your children how to play some simple themes.
If you arenât lucky enough to have learned how to play this string instrument, you can celebrate its day by listening to some of the fantastic performances by string artists easily found on Youtube or Spotify. Add a spring to your daily commute with some Mozart, Barber or Brahms!
And if youâve always fancied trying your hand at the violin, perhaps today you could take a trial lesson learning how to play? Who knows â by the time the next World Fiddle Day comes along, you could be able to play along with everyone else who is fiddling away!
Whatever you get up to, have a great World Fiddle Day!
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