Crossword Day: Celebrating the ingenuity and fun of word games
Crossword Day is a celebration of one of the world’s most popular and challenging word games. It’s a chance for crossword enthusiasts to come together, solve puzzles, and pay tribute to this intellectual art form. Here’s everything you need to know about Crossword Day, answering the essential questions: who, when, where, why, with whom, and what.
Who celebrates Crossword Day?
Crossword Day is celebrated by crossword puzzlers (crossword enthusiasts), puzzle makers, newspaper and magazine publishers, libraries, schools, and anyone who enjoys intellectual challenges and word games. Crossword clubs and online communities also actively participate in the day.
When is Crossword Day?
Crossword Puzzle Day is celebrated every year on December 21. This date commemorates the publication of the first crossword puzzle, created by Arthur Wynne, in the New York World newspaper supplement on December 21, 1913. Here are the days of the week for the next 10 years on which December 21 falls:
- 2023 : Thursday December 21
- 2024 : Saturday December 21
- 2025 : Sunday December 21
- 2026 : Monday December 21
- 2027 : Tuesday December 21
- 2028 : Thursday December 21
- 2029 : Friday December 21
- 2030 : Saturday December 21
- 2031 : Sunday December 21
- 2032 : Tuesday, December 21 (leap year)
Where is Crossword Day celebrated?
Crossword Day is celebrated in homes, libraries, schools, universities, crossword clubs, newspapers and magazines, as well as online platforms and social media. Events can take place in public spaces, cafes and community centres where people can come together to solve puzzles together.
Why do we celebrate Crossword Day?
The main objective of Crossword Day is to:
- Celebrating the Joy of Crosswords : Honoring and appreciating the art and ingenuity of crosswords.
- Encourage Brain Activity : Promote the cognitive benefits of crosswords, such as improved memory, vocabulary, and problem-solving skills.
- Bringing Enthusiasts Together : Creating opportunities for crossword enthusiasts to come together, share experiences and solve puzzles together.
- Support Puzzle Creators : Recognize and celebrate the work of crossword creators and their contribution to this intellectual hobby.
- Promote Education : Use crosswords as an educational tool to teach vocabulary, spelling, and language skills.
Who do we celebrate Crossword Day with?
Crossword Day is celebrated with family, friends, colleagues, crossword club members, teachers, and students. Online communities and social media groups dedicated to crosswords also play an important role in bringing together crossword enthusiasts from around the world.
What to do to celebrate Crossword Day?
During Crossword Day, various activities and initiatives are put in place:
- Solving Crosswords : Spend time solving crossword puzzles, whether in newspapers, magazines, books or online.
- Create Crosswords : Try creating your own crossword puzzles and share them with friends or online.
- Participate in competitions : Join crossword contests or tournaments organized by clubs or libraries.
- Organize workshops : Set up workshops to teach beginners how to solve and create crosswords.
- Share on social media : Post photos, stories and crossword challenges on social media with hashtags like #CrosswordDay to encourage participation.
- Read about the history of crosswords : Discover the fascinating history of crosswords and learn more about famous creators and iconic puzzles.
- Support puzzle creators : Buy crossword puzzle books or subscribe to crossword publications to support puzzle creators.
Crossword Day is a fun and intellectually stimulating celebration that allows crossword enthusiasts to come together, share their passion, and enjoy the art of word puzzles. Whether you are a seasoned crossword puzzler or a curious beginner, this day offers many opportunities to explore, create, and solve crosswords. By participating in events and supporting puzzle creators, you can help keep this intellectual and rewarding pastime alive.
