Put on your robes, grab your wand, and celebrate with potions, spell-casting and Hogwarts-inspired fun.

Harry Potter started making his mark on the world more than a dozen years ago through the magical series of fiction books created by author JK Rowling. So get on board the Hogwart’s Express and join in with others all over the world who are showing appreciation through International Harry Potter Day!

Though the Harry Potter series of books dates back to 1998 and the films got their start in 2001, it wasn’t until a decade later, after the books and films were both done and dusted, that International Harry Potter Day was officially announced.

In fact, it was in 2012 that then Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, David Cameron, made a declaration that the day would be celebrated on May 2 of each year.

When Cameron pronounced the day, he said, “We hope that children and adults alike will be reminded of Harry Potter’s strong and courageous character on this day”.

Some people wonder if this date was chosen because it is Harry Potter’s birthday, but any Potterhead worth their salt knows that it falls on July 31.

No, the reason for the May 2 observance of International Harry Potter Day is because that is the day that the great Battle of Hogwarts was fought. And because this battle is when Lord Voldemort was finally defeated, it seems like a fitting time to celebrate!

source: daysoftheyear.com