There’s nothing in this world like the sound of your favourite song. Whatever may be your genre of choice, there is no denying that cranking up your favourite tunes instantly put you in a better mood! All the music junkies would know how it also benefits our overall well-being. And to celebrate the gift of music, every year, the 21st of June is marked as the World Music Day.
It is also called ‘Fete de la Musique’. Read on to find out why.
The concept of a un day for musicians to mark the summer solstice, i.e., the longest day of the year was first proposed by American artist Joel Cohen back in 1976. However, it was the French who incorporated the World Music Day as a day of national importance.
In October 1981, Maurice Fleuret, a French composer & music journalist, was appointed as the Director of Music and Dance in Paris. It is believed that he and (then) Minister of Culture, Jack Lang are responsible for this day. In 1982, Fleuret discovered a study on the cultural habits of the French. It stated that one young person out of two played a musical instrument. That’s when Fleuret began to dream of a way to bring people out on the streets with music. That is what led to ‘Fete de la Musique’ aka World Music Day! The first all-day musical celebration took place on the day of the summer solstice in Paris in 1982.
Ever since then, the festival has become an international phenomenon.
You’d be surprised to know; this festival is now celebrated in 700 cities and 120 countries! Among those are India, China, Italy, Greece, Germany, Russia, Australia, Canada, the United States, the U.K., Japan and more.
The festival’s purpose is to promote music in two ways:
- Beginners and professional musicians are encouraged to perform in the streets, under the slogan Faites de la musique – Which means ‘Make Music!’
- To make all genres of music available to the public, many free concerts are organized.
How is it celebrated?
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Image Source: Sortir a Paris 
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While of course your countries and cities celebrate this day in their way. However, usually, people are urged to play music in their neighbourhoods or in public spaces and parks. On this day, musicians play for fun and not for payment.
So turn on your favourite song and join the worldwide celebration of music!
