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International Reggae Day

Let's groove and celebrate International Reggae Day with music, dancing, and good vibes!
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When it is?
July 1
Location Icon
Country
International
Introduction

Let's get ready to celebrate International Reggae Day on July 1! This special day has been around since 1996 and honors the unique sound, culture and influence of reggae music all over the world. Reggae originated in Jamaica in the late 1960s, and it quickly gained popularity for its rhythmic beats, soulful melodies and political messages. Over the decades, it has evolved into a truly global phenomenon with artists from all corners of the globe embracing this musical style. So let's come together to honor this incredible genre on International Reggae Day!

History of International Reggae Day

International Reggae Day Dates

International Reggae Day Timeline

<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1960s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Reggae Originates in Jamaica</div><div class='timeline-text'>Reggae music was born in Jamaica in the late 1960s, characterized by a heavy bass line and rhythmic beats.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1972</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Bob Marley Gains International Fame</div><div class='timeline-text'>Renowned reggae artist Bob Marley released his hit album "Catch A Fire", thrusting reggae music into the international spotlight.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1985</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Reggae Sunsplash Festival Goes Global</div><div class='timeline-text'>Reggae Sunsplash, a Jamaican festival dedicated to reggae music since 1978, started international tours, spreading reggae culture globally.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1994</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>"Legend" Album Certified Diamond</div><div class='timeline-text'>Bob Marley's compilation album "Legend" becomes the best-selling reggae album of all time, receiving the RIAA’s Diamond certification.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1996</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Inception of International Reggae Day</div><div class='timeline-text'>International Reggae Day was launched, dedicating July 1 to celebrate reggae music and its influence across the globe.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2010</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Reggae Music's UNESCO Recognition</div><div class='timeline-text'>UNESCO added reggae music to its list of global cultural treasures, recognizing its historical, cultural, and social significance.</div></div></div>

How to Celebrate International Reggae Day

<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Listen to reggae music</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>The best way to celebrate International Reggae Day is to listen to the music. Put on your favorite reggae songs, create a playlist, and enjoy the day.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Go to a reggae concert</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Check out local concerts or look for festivals that are celebrating International Reggae Day. Going to a live show is always a great way to enjoy the music.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Throw a reggae party</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Invite your friends over and plan a reggae party. Create decorations that reflect the reggae style, cook some Jamaican food, and of course, play some reggae music.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Learn about reggae history</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Take some time to read up on the history of reggae and its influence on popular culture throughout the world. Learn about the various artists who have made an impact in the genre.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Support local reggae artists</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Find out if there are any local reggae bands or artists in your area and go check out their shows when you can. Buying tickets to their concerts is one of the best ways to support them.</p></div></div>

Why We Love International Reggae Day

<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Reggae is uplifting</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Reggae music has a unique ability to lift your spirits and make you feel optimistic. The music is often driven by a laid back beat, but the lyrics speak to topics of justice, peace and love - creating an atmosphere of positivity that's hard to resist.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Reggae celebrates Jamaican culture</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>International Reggae Day is an official celebration of Jamaican culture and music. On this day we honor the legacy of legendary artists like Bob Marley and Peter Tosh, who brought reggae to the world stage and shaped it into the genre we know and love today.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Reggae brings people together</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Reggae music has the power to break down cultural barriers and bring people together. It's more than just a type of music; it's a way of life that unites us in our shared appreciation for a good groove and laidback vibes!</p></div></div>

5 Unheard Facts about International Reggae Day

<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>International Reggae Day Celebrates the Birthday of a Legend</h3><p class='facts-content'>July 1 is also the birthday of Monty Alexander, a legendary piano-banging Jamaican jazz musician, who fuses his Caribbean rhythmic heritage with traditional jazz sounds.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Roots Reggae Fuels Rastafarianism’s Growth</h3><p class='facts-content'>Reggae music has been instrumental in popularizing Rastafarianism, a spiritual movement that began in Jamaica, with key themes often incorporated into reggae songs.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Reggae Inspired a New Dance Style</h3><p class='facts-content'>Reggae birthed a style of dance called skanking, which embodies the spirit of the music involving rhythmic stepping and moving arms in a sort of running or punching motion.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Reggae Has Its Own Grammy Category</h3><p class='facts-content'>Recognizing its global impact, the Grammy Awards started a category for Best Reggae Album in 1985, further legitimizing the genre in the global music industry.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Reggae’s Rhythmic Influence on Other Genres</h3><p class='facts-content'>Many popular genres today, including hip hop, dubstep and drum and bass, owe their rhythmic structures to influences from reggae music.</p></div></div>

International Reggae Day FAQs

When is International Reggae Day?

International Reggae Day is celebrated on July 1 every year. In 2024 International Reggae Day will occur on a Monday.

International Reggae Day Dates

Year
Date
Day

2023

Jul 1

Saturday

2024

Jul 1

Monday

2025

Jul 1

Tuesday

2026

Jul 1

Wednesday

2027

Jul 1

Thursday

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