Usually, you’d have to travel to Nashville or Austin to really understand what it’s like to have music around every corner. But during Fête de la Musique, more than 120 countries around the world become one giant music box. And it’s awesome.
Also known as Make Music Day or World Music Day, the concept of Fête de la Musique is to promote music in two different ways: giving amateur and professional musicians a chance to perform on public streets, and organizing free concerts of all genres in different parts the city.
The idea was first conceived in 1981 by France’s Minister of Culture Jack Lang, after a study showed that out of 5 million people, only one child out of two played a musical instrument. With a dream to bring people out to the streets because of music, the first Fête de la Musique was launched in 1982 and took place in Paris.
This year’s festival occurred on June 21, celebrated in more than 700 cities around the world. Large concerts on famous plazas, small bands in front of cafes to DJs drawing hundreds of dancing crowds by the river; Fête de la Musique has become one of the most celebrated days in Europe, South and Central America, South Pacific and Asia.
If you weren’t around to dance your butt off or rock on, here are some social media captures to give you a taste:
Geneva, Switzerland:
Berlin, Germany:
Paris, France:
