There are a couple of theories as to how this day came to be celebrated as a cultural phenomenon across the world, but the most popular schools of thought are connected to France as the first to incorporate June 21 as a day of importance to celebrate World Music Day, which was later adopted by many countries.
Sure, we now have structured genres and styles, but at the core of it all is world music, and that’s the philosophy with which June 21 is celebrated as Fête de la Musique, or as it is more popularly known, World Music Day.
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This is a day when the world tunes in together to celebrate the magical gift of music. According to one theory, it was France-based American artist Joel Cohen who first proposed all-night music festivity to mark the summer solstice back in 1976. Since then, the idea has spread and World Music Day is now celebrated across many countries.
Another theory germinates from France as well, involving the French minister of culture in 1982, Jack Lang, who was very impressed with the findings of a study stating the positive impact that music could have on people, and the fact that five million people, one child out of two, played a musical instrument.
It was the same year that he started the Fête de la Musique, which was a way to bring people out on the streets and celebrate music.
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Since then, the festival has become a worldwide phenomenon, and is reportedly celebrated across 120 countries.
The best way to celebrate World Music Day is to spend the day listening to all your old favorites, and if you’re truly feeling adventurous start exploring YouTube for music from different cultures.
You can explore other world music, and then start digging into the folk music.
With sources like these, it’s easier than ever to explore the panorama of musical experiences the world has to offer, and you can do it all from the comfort of your own home.
Of course, you could always pick up an instrument and start adding your own voice to the choir!
Happy World Music Day!
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