Did you know that today is International Harry Potter Day?
Although the Harry Potter books were first published in 1998 and the films were released in 2001, it wasn’t until a decade later, after the books and films had been released, that International Harry Potter Day was officially announced. In fact, it was only in 2012 that the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, David Cameron, had a declaration that the day would be a celebration of the 2nd of May each year.
Announcing the day, Cameron said: “We hope that on this day children and adults alike will be reminded of Harry Potter’s strong and courageous character”.
Some people wonder if the date was chosen because it is Harry Potter’s birthday, but any Potterhead worth their salt knows that it falls on 31 July. No, the reason International Harry Potter Day is celebrated on the 2nd of May is because that is the day that the great fight for Hogwarts took place. And it was during this battle that Lord Voldemort was finally defeated. So it seems like a fitting time to celebrate!
Learn fun facts about Harry Potter
In honour of International Harry Potter Day, it might be fun to learn a few different trivia about the series and its author. Here are a few to get you started:
- JK Rowling holds the Guinness record for the best-selling series by a single author.
- Harry Potter’s birthday is 31 July – the same birthday as author JK Rowling.
- Rowling was asked to play Harry’s mother in the first film, but turned it down.
- The city of Edinburgh, Scotland, was an inspiration to Rowling when she wrote the first book.
International Harry Potter Day FAQs
How many Harry Potter films are there?
There are eight different films in the original Harry Potter series, filmed between 2001 and 2011.
Where was Harry Potter filmed?
Locations in the United Kingdom and Ireland were used for the Harry Potter series.
Did Harry Potter win an Oscar?
The original Harry Potter film series has never won an Oscar.
Has Harry Potter finished?
Although the original series of seven Harry Potter books and eight films has ended, author JK Rowling has continued to write spin-off books.
Have the Harry Potter books been banned?
The Harry Potter books have been the subject of controversy and even bans in some places in the USA because of their portrayal of witchcraft and magic.
Don’t let Muggles down! Take some time to celebrate and enjoy International Harry Potter Day.