World Listening Day

July 18, Friday

World Listening Day is an international holiday aimed at raising awareness of the importance of sound in the surrounding world, developing skills for attentive listening, and exploring the sound environment (soundscape). It is a day when people are encouraged to slow down and focus on what they hear around them — from nature to urban noise.

History of the holiday:
The holiday was first organized in 2010 by the World Listening Project and is dedicated to the birthday of Canadian composer, educator, and sound ecologist Raymond Murray Schafer. He is considered one of the founders of the concept of "acoustic ecology" — the science studying the relationships between people and their sound environment.

Goals of the holiday:

* To draw attention to the importance of surrounding sounds.
* To encourage people to listen consciously and deeply.
* To explore how sounds affect perception of space and emotions.
* To support sound ecology and reduce noise pollution.

How it is celebrated:

* Participating in "listening walks" — special events where people walk in silence, focusing on the sounds around them.
* Holding seminars, lectures, and exhibitions dedicated to sound, acoustics, art, and the environment.
* Making audio recordings of natural or urban sounds for later analysis.
* Using this time for personal reflection and practicing attentive perception.

Interesting facts:

* Natural sounds, such as birdsong or the sound of water, have been proven to reduce stress and improve concentration.
* Many modern artists and composers create works from recordings of real sounds.
* "Noise blindness" is a phenomenon where a person stops noticing surrounding noise due to constant sound overload.

Conclusion:
World Listening Day is a reminder of the power of sound and silence, of how important it is to hear — not only with ears but with attention and inner presence. It is a holiday that helps deepen connection with oneself, nature, and the surrounding world.

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World Listening Day in other years

2021 July 18, Sunday
2022 July 18, Monday
2023 July 18, Tuesday
2024 July 18, Thursday
2026 July 18, Saturday

World Listening Day in other countries