March 20
World Storytelling Day
A cultural observance on March 20 celebrating the art of oral storytelling, encouraging people worldwide to tell and listen to stories in as many languages and places as possible.
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Community Origin
The observance originated from a Swedish national storytelling event around 1991-1992 organized for March 20. It spread through the Ratatosk Scandinavian network around 2001-2002 and became an international event by 2003, with storyteller Ulf Arnstrom credited by some sources with proposing the global version during a 2001 festival.
Introduction
Mark your calendar for World Storytelling Day on March 20th, a day dedicated to the power of stories! For centuries, people have used storytelling as a way to connect with one another and share their experiences. Stories can be about anything—from personal anecdotes to fantastical tales of faraway lands. They can evoke emotions like laughter or tears, inspire imagination, and transport us to different times and places. So don’t miss out on this special day where we celebrate the timeless art of storytelling!
World Storytelling Day Timeline
How to Celebrate World Storytelling Day
1
Tell your own story
Gather your friends, family, and neighbors together to share your own story. Whether it is a personal story, a family history, a legend, or a folktale, sharing your personal narrative is a great way to celebrate World Storytelling Day.
2
Attend an event
Check out local events in your area. Many cities and towns host storytelling events in honor of World Storytelling Day. You may even find professional storytellers performing at libraries, bookstores, and museums.
3
Write a story
Sit down and write your own story. Whether it's fiction or nonfiction, writing a story is a great way to express yourself and have fun. You can even share the story with your friends and family.
4
Read a classic
Pick up one of the classics of storytelling such as Homer's Odyssey or The Iliad, Norse myths or Native American legends. Immerse yourself in the words of these epic stories.
5
Host a storytelling party
Invite some friends over for an evening of storytelling. Have everyone bring their favorite tale and each person can take turns telling stories around the room. It's a great way to get together and share stories with friends.
Why World Storytelling Day is Important
Preserve oral culture
Storytelling is a powerful way to preserve cultural values, wisdom and traditions. By celebrating World Storytelling Day, we are acknowledging the importance of these narratives and encouraging communities around the world to pass on their stories for generations to come.
Inspire creativity
The timeless art of storytelling encourages creativity, imagination and expression. Listening to stories - whether they're from another culture or your own - can spark ideas and help us look at the world in new ways.
Promote understanding
By listening to stories from different cultures, we gain insight into their beliefs, customs and values. This helps us cultivate empathy for those who may come from different backgrounds than our own, bridging divides and creating a more compassionate and connected global community.
Holiday Dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Monday | |
| 2024 | Wednesday | |
| 2025 | Thursday | |
| 2026 | Friday | |
| 2027 | Saturday |
