International Talk Like a Pirate Day

International Talk Like A Pirate Day is annually held on September 19. What started as a fun concept in which people imitate pirate talk has turned into an event that receives media attention worldwide.

September 19 is International Talk Like A Pirate Day. ©iStockphoto.com/izusek

What do people do?

International Talk Like A Pirate Day is celebrated in more than 40 countries worldwide. It is a fun day that involves people talking like pirates. Some people dress in pirate costumes as well. It is celebrated among fans in countries such as Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom and the United States.

International Talk Like a Pirate Day receives media attention closer to and around September 19 each year. Some communities work with organizations such as Childhood Cancer Support and Marie Curie Cancer Care to raise funds or increase awareness of cancer support and research.

Public life

International Talk Like A Pirate Day is a growing global observance but it is not a public holiday on September 19.

Background

John Baur (“Ol' Chumbucket”) and Mark Summers (“Cap'n Slappy”) are credited for creating the concept of International Talk Like A Pirate Day on June 6, 1995. However, out of respect World War II’s D-Day – the day of the Normandy Landings – on June 6, 1944, Baur and Summers choose not to dedicate International Talk Like A Pirate Day on June 6. Instead, they chose September 19 as the annual date for the event.

International Talk Like A Pirate Day was a low-key event until 2002, when it received media attention via syndicated humor columnist Dave Barry. The event’s popularity spread from that point onwards. International Talk Like a Pirate Day is celebrated among individuals, work colleagues, and charity and fundraising organizations around the world.

Symbols

Various phrases, such as “Ahoy”, “Arrr”, and “Aye aye”, are spoken on International Talk Like a Pirate Day. Some people dress in pirate costumes that they make, buy or hire. Costumes include pirate swords, hats and eye patches. Some people have images of the skull and bones on hats, costumes or printed material to promote the day.

International Talk Like a Pirate Day Observances