World Storytelling Day (March 20)
Storytelling is a universal tradition that brings people together across cultures and generations. It is an art form that preserves history, teaches lessons, and inspires creativity.
World Storytelling Day, celebrated on March 20th, is a global event that highlights the power of stories and their impact on human connection.
Among the many weird holidays in March, this day stands out as a celebration of narrative and imagination.
Keep reading to learn more about this special day and its significance.
When is the Holiday?
This holiday is observed annually on March 20th. This global celebration takes place on the same day in various countries, encouraging people to engage with stories and storytelling events worldwide.
Who Invented It?
The holiday originated in Sweden in 1991. It was started by Swedish storytellers, led by Carl-Anders Säfström, who aimed to create an international day dedicated to the art of storytelling.
Over time, it expanded beyond Sweden and became a worldwide celebration of oral traditions.
The History of the Holiday
The first official celebration of the holiday took place in Sweden under the name “All Storytellers Day.”
Inspired by the success of this event, other countries adopted the idea, and it grew into a global movement.
By 2003, World Storytelling Day had become an international phenomenon, with storytelling events happening on every continent.
Each year, the celebration follows a unique theme, encouraging storytellers to craft narratives around a shared concept.
Top 5 Facts About the Holiday
- It has an annual theme – Each year, the holiday focuses on a different storytelling theme to inspire storytellers worldwide.
- It started in Sweden – The holiday was founded in 1991 and quickly gained popularity worldwide.
- It promotes cultural exchange – Storytelling allows people to share their traditions, beliefs, and experiences across cultures.
- Anyone can participate – Whether professional or amateur, anyone can share a story and take part in the celebrations.
- It embraces all storytelling mediums – From oral traditions to digital storytelling, all forms are encouraged and celebrated.
Activities to Celebrate
- Attend a storytelling event – Many communities host live storytelling performances where professional and amateur storytellers share their tales.
- Host a story swap – Gather friends or family and take turns telling stories from different cultures or personal experiences.
- Create a digital storytelling project – Use social media, podcasts, or video platforms to share your stories with a broader audience.
- Read a book of folktales – Explore traditional stories from different cultures and share them with children or friends.
- Write your own story – Encourage creativity by crafting a short story based on this year’s theme.
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Links to Resources
- Printable Writing Prompts for Kids – A great way to spark creativity and encourage young storytellers.
- The Storyteller’s Handbook – A great resource for beginners and experienced storytellers alike.
- Story Cubes – A fun tool to inspire storytelling and creative thinking.
- Writing Magic: Creating Stories That Fly – A book filled with tips and exercises for improving storytelling skills.
Related Holidays
- Tolkien Reading Day (March 25)
- National Typewriter Day (June 23)
- National Book Lovers Day (August 9)
- National Read a Book Day (September 6)
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