Sherlock Holmes Day
May 22, Thursday
History and Origin
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle was born on May 22, 1859, in Edinburgh, Scotland. During his studies at the University of Edinburgh, he met Dr. Joseph Bell, whose observational and deductive skills became the prototype for the character of Sherlock Holmes. In 1887, Conan Doyle published the first story about Holmes, "A Study in Scarlet," which began a series of four novels and 56 short stories.
The character’s popularity was so great that after an attempt to "kill" Holmes in the story "The Final Problem" in 1893, readers expressed mass dissatisfaction, and Conan Doyle was forced to "resurrect" the hero in 1903.
How Sherlock Holmes Day is celebrated
The holiday is widely celebrated by detective genre fans and includes various activities:
* Reading the original works of Conan Doyle about Sherlock Holmes;
* Watching adaptations, from classic films with Basil Rathbone to modern series;
* Participating in themed quizzes and escape rooms dedicated to Holmes' investigations;
* Organizing Victorian-style costume parties;
* Visiting exhibitions and museums dedicated to Conan Doyle and his work.
Many also share their impressions and photos on social media with the hashtag #SherlockHolmesDay.
Interesting Facts about Sherlock Holmes
* Sherlock Holmes is the most frequently portrayed literary character in the history of cinema and television.
* The phrase "Elementary, my dear Watson" never appeared in Conan Doyle's original works; it appeared later in adaptations.
* Holmes' address, 221B Baker Street, has become iconic and is associated with detective literature.
* Conan Doyle was an ophthalmologist, and his medical knowledge is reflected in the details of Holmes' investigations.
Sherlock Holmes Day is a great opportunity to immerse yourself in the atmosphere of Victorian London, test your deductive skills, and pay tribute to one of the greatest literary heroes.