International Harry Potter Day
Every year, Potterheads around the world unite to celebrate International Harry Potter Day on May 2nd. This magical occasion honors the legacy of J.K. Rowling’s beloved wizarding world, bringing fans together to relive the adventures of the Boy Who Lived.
Why is International Harry Potter Day on May 2
May 2nd was officially declared International Harry Potter Day by former UK Prime Minister David Cameron as a tribute to the Battle of Hogwarts, which took place on May 2, 1998.
This was the day Harry Potter and his allies defeated Lord Voldemort, bringing an end to the Second Wizarding War. It’s a day of remembrance, celebration, and a whole lot of wizarding fun!
How to Celebrate This Day Like a True Potterhead
- Join virtual quizzes, fan discussions, or live-streamed readings of the books. Many Potterhead communities organize events on this day.
- Relive the magic by watching the movies or reading your favorite book from the series. Bonus points if you do it with friends or family!
- J.K. Rowling created Lumos, a charity supporting vulnerable children. You can donate or do small acts of kindness in the spirit of Harry’s bravery and compassion.
- Post your favorite quotes, memories, outfits, or art using #InternationalHarryPotterDay and connect with fellow Potterheads!
Interesting Facts
- Harry’s loyal owl, Hedwig, was portrayed by seven different snowy owls throughout the films! The main one was named Gizmo.
- It’s no surprise that the mischievous Weasley twins were born on April 1st, 1978, the ultimate prankster’s holiday. Talk about destiny!
- J.K. Rowling once revealed that the correct pronunciation of Voldemort should be "Vol-de-more" (silent ‘t’), though this is often ignored in the movies.
- Some spells in Harry Potter come from real Latin phrases, but others are inspired by The Book of Abramelin, a 15th-century spellbook.
- In a 2014 interview, Rowling admitted that she felt Hermione should have ended up with Harry instead of Ron, saying their personalities were more compatible. However, she stuck with the original plan to give Ron the happy ending he deserved.
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