World Fiddle Day 2023: Date, History, Facts, Activities

World Fiddle Day, observed annually on the third Saturday of May, is a commemoration of fiddle music. This year’s date is May 20. World Fiddle Day is celebrated all over the world, notably in regions where the fiddle is popular. Numerous events are planned and organised for this occasion. Caoimhin Mac Aoidh established the holiday in 2012. The date was chosen to coincide with the anniversary of the demise of Antonio Stradivari, the legendary Italian violin maker.

The Background of World Fiddle Day

The mediaeval fiddle first appeared in Europe in the 10th century, deriving from the Byzantine lira, an instrument of similar construction and function. The Byzantine lira was a string instrument with a bow that is considered the progenitor of most European string instruments with bows.

In 900 A.D., the Persian geographer Ibn Khurradadhbih compared the lira (‘lr’ in Arabic) to the ‘rabb,’ an early variant of the fiddle played in the Islamic Empires.

During the 11th and 12th centuries, European authors used the terms ‘fiddle’ and ‘lira’ interchangeably when referring to bow-equipped instruments.

Throughout the centuries, Europe continued to have two distinct varieties of violins, one of which is roughly square-shaped, held in the arms, and became known as the ‘viola da braccio,’ which translates to ‘arm viol’ and later evolved into the violin. The other variety of violin played by placing the instrument’s neck on the player’s shoulders while the lower portion is held between the knees was the viola da gamba, which literally translates to ‘leg viol.’ The elegant gamba was an important instrument during the Renaissance, but it was ultimately replaced by the louder (and initially less aristocratic) ‘viola da braccio’ family.

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WORLD FIDDLE DAY ACTIVITIES

Enjoy mandolin music.

Listening to fiddle music at a concert or online is an excellent way to commemorate World Fiddle Day. Go ahead, get a-fiddling today!

Publish to social media

Whatever you do to celebrate World Fiddle Day, be sure to post about it on social media using the hashtag #WorldFiddleDay. Not only is it a great method to spread the word, but it’s also an excellent way to meet other fiddle enthusiasts.

Perform the violin

Whether you play the fiddle professionally or as a hobby, World Fiddle Day is an opportunity to demonstrate your skill. What greater occasion exists for celebration?

5 Interesting Facts Concerning the Fiddle

The violin has existed for centuries, but it did not gain popularity until the 17th century.

The violin and the fiddle are identical instruments.

The bow of a violin is made of horsehair, while the body of the instrument is made of wood.

Given the materials used to construct a fiddle, the instrument is typically quite sturdy, hence the expression “fit as a fiddle.”

The fiddle is one of the most prominent Irish folk instruments.

WORLD FIDDLE DAY DATES