International Friendship Day, celebrated on July 30, is a day recognized globally to celebrate the sacred bond of friendship and camaraderie. It is a special occasion that acknowledges and appreciates the contribution that friends make in our lives.
This day serves as a perfect opportunity to express gratitude towards our friends for always being there in the rollercoaster of life. It provides a platform to promote friendship and understanding between people, countries, and cultures, encouraging peace and unity worldwide.
History of International Day of Friendship
The International Day of Friendship is a global day celebrated and recognized by the United Nations (UN) whose goal is to promote peace through the fostering of friendships. The idea of an international day dedicated to friendship was introduced by the UN General Assembly in 2011.
The idea for the International Day of Friendship initially came from a proposition by UNESCO, identifying the Culture of Peace as a collection of values, attitudes, and behaviors that actively reject violence and work to preempt conflicts by addressing their underlying causes.
Before being formally recognized by the UN, numerous countries, primarily in South America, had been celebrating a day devoted to friendship for quite some time. A noteworthy example is Paraguay, where the first World Friendship Day was proposed in 1958 and has been observed ever since. Another such country is Argentina, where they have been celebrating Friendship Day since the early 1970s.
The UN's recognition of the International Day of Friendship was founded on the understanding that humanity is fundamentally interlinked, and fostering unity and togetherness is crucial for a harmonious society. It encourages governments, international groups, and civil society organizations to implement activities, events, and initiatives aimed at promoting dialogue amongst civilizations, fostering solidarity, encouraging mutual understanding, and facilitating reconciliation.
Each year on July 30, International Day of Friendship is commemorated globally through various activities and events celebrating the crucial role that friendship plays in fostering peace across diverse cultures worldwide.
Although it's not affiliated with any religious celebration, it parallels many familiar concepts of friendship and brotherhood found in various religious and cultural practices. Consequently, several communities, faith groups, and organizations have embraced it and blended it into their cultural and spiritual calendars and traditions.
International Day of Friendship Timeline
US Congress Proclamation
The United States Congress, proclaimed the first Sunday of August as National Friendship Day in the United States.
Dr. Artemio Bracho's Proposal
Dr. Artemio Bracho, a Paraguayan surgeon, proposed a World Friendship Crusade promoting friendship and fellowship among all human beings.
Winnie the Pooh as World's Ambassador of Friendship
United Nations named Winnie - the Pooh as the world's Ambassador of Friendship at the United Nations.
Declared International Friendship Day
The World Friendship Crusade proposed July 30 to be the International Friendship Day.
UN Officially Recognized International Day of Friendship
The United Nations General Assembly declared July 30 as official International Day of Friendship.
Social Media Influence
The day gained popularity through social media, and various countries started recognizing and celebrating it.
Ideas to Celebrate International Day of Friendship
Put Together a Photo Slideshow
Collect memorable snapshots of your friends and piece them together into a slide show. Broadcast it on social media and add a personalized message to each of your pals.
Harness the Power of Pen and Paper
Compose heartfelt letters to your buddies. Whether it is digitally or by hand, be sure to pour your emotions into it.
Organize a Theme-based Gathering
Organize a get-together with a common theme that everyone enjoys. This could be a favourite movie, a shared hobby, or anything mutually appealing.
Host a Digital Hangout
Coordinate a digital party via video chat if meeting in person isn't viable. Watch your favourite films, play online games or just chit-chat.
Friends' Culinary Adventure
Plan a cooking jam where everyone partakes. Whether it's online or face to face, preparing and having a meal together provides a warm sense of togetherness.
Plan an Outdoor Escapade
Engage in an outdoor activity. This can be a hike, a park picnic, a day at the beach, or catching a community sports game.
Capture Memories for a Digital Keepsake
Capture fun moments, take short videos throughout the day. Compile these into a virtual keepsake, to be revisited the next International Day of Friendship.
Interesting Facts About International Day of Friendship
Friends for Peace Concert
In 2015 to celebrate International Day of Friendship, UNO New York organized a concert named 'Friends for Peace'.
Friendship Day Vs. International Day of Friendship
An important distinction is that Friendship Day and International Day of Friendship are two disparate events. Joyce Hall, the creator of Hallmark cards, suggested Friendship Day in 1930 to be celebrated on August 2nd as a day to honor friendships with festivities. Nevertheless, the UN formally acknowledged July 30th as International Day of Friendship in 2011.
Significance of Friendship Bands
On this day, 'Friendship Bands' are commonly exchanged, particularly in India, Bangladesh, and several parts of South America. These bands are tangible tokens of their enduring friendships.
Diverse Ways of Celebrations
The mode of celebration differs across various countries. While some choose intimate gatherings with their comrades, others mark the occasion with grand events and musical performances. The day stresses the importance of forming new bonds, cherishing existing friends, and valuing the essence of companionship.
International Day of Friendship FAQs
Next International Day of Friendship Dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | July 30th | Sunday |
| 2024 | July 30th | Tuesday |
| 2025 | July 30th | Wednesday |
| 2026 | July 30th | Thursday |
| 2027 | July 30th | Friday |
| What is the pattern? | Every July 30th | |
International Day of Friendship Puzzle
- Harmony
- Friendship
- Respect
- Unity
- Acceptance
- Equality