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Hate Week calls for vigilance every second full week of April, running from April 12 to 18 in 2026. Inspired by George Orwell’s dystopian novel ‘1984,’ this observance urges citizens to reject totalitarianism and question authority. Reflect on the dangers of unchecked power, support free speech initiatives, and educate yourself on historical and contemporary threats to liberty.
Want to sponsor Hate Week? Learn how
History of Hate Week
Hate Week is a clearly depicted event in George Orwell’s book “1984” and it is always observed in the late summer. During that period, there were waxwork exhibitions, military parades, speeches, and lectures. New slogans are often coined, as are new tunes. The Hate Song is the theme of Hate Week. It is stated that a team from the Fiction Department was tasked to create atrocity leaflets (falsified reports of atrocities committed by Oceania’s foes against her) to further agitate Oceania’s populace against all adversaries.
The overall aim of Hate Week is to enrage the public to the point that they would surely have torn (caught enemy forces) to pieces if given the chance. During one Hate Week, Oceania switched allies while a public speaker was in the middle of a sentence. The disruption was minimal: the displays against the previous enemy were deemed to be “sabotage” of Hate Week by Emmanuel Goldstein as well as his supporters, were quickly torn down by the crowd, and replaced with propaganda against the new enemy, demonstrating the ease with which the Party directs the hatred of its members.
During Hate Week, as well as the daily Two Minutes Hate, all Oceanians are advised to demonstrate suitable enthusiasm. While this event is not legally obligatory, avoiding or refusing to do so is supposed to make one appear suspicious to the Police, which usually results in the perpetrator’s vaporization (execution).
Hate Week timeline
In Orwell’s book, Winston Smith is born in May.
Winston sees his mother and sister for the last time.
Winston weds Katharine but theirs is not a happy union.
Oceania and Eurasia go to war as a way to keep the people of Oceania even further subjugated by the rulers.
Hate Week FAQs
When is Hate Week?
In 2027, Hate Week will be observed from Sunday, April 11 through Saturday, April 17. It’s a dedicated period for promoting critical thinking and vigilance against oppression.
What is the significance of George Orwell's '1984'?
‘1984’ remains profoundly relevant today, serving as a cautionary tale about the erosion of individual freedoms and the power of propaganda. Its themes resonate globally, prompting readers to question authority and protect intellectual liberty.
How many copies of '1984' have been sold?
The enduring popularity of ‘1984’ is a testament to its timeless message. It is estimated that around 30 million copies have been sold globally, making it one of the most influential books of the 20th century and a staple in educational curricula.
What is totalitarianism?
Characterized by an absence of individual freedom and a complete subordination of the individual to the state, totalitarian regimes often employ propaganda, censorship, and terror to maintain power. Hate Week encourages vigilance against such systems.
How to Observe Hate Week
Create posters
Members of the party devote the majority of their time to designing posters, banners, and models to disseminate propaganda against Emmanuel Goldstein and its Eurasian adversaries. Create posters about your support for a noble cause.
Join the demonstration
Members of the Party also spend long hours in preparation for the military march and other demonstrations. Volunteer for a movement you’re passionate about to mark Hate Week.
Read the book
If you haven’t already then make sure you read the book. George Orwell’s 1984 is a rather unsettling, timeless classic that has come to stay.
5 Interesting Facts About George Orwell
He came up with ‘cold war’
George Orwell coined the popular phrase ‘Cold War’ in his 1945 essay You and the Atom Bomb.
He used a moniker
His real name was Eric Arthur Blair.
He had tattoos
George Orwell sported tattoos on his knuckles from his time as a police officer in Burma.
He was a linguist
Orwell could speak seven languages.
He was once in the army
He was a volunteer fighter in the Spanish Civil War.
Why Hate Week is Important
It opposes totalitarianism
Orwell put the terrible consequences of totalitarianism on display in his book. It is one of the story's major themes and warns against total governmental control.
We get to celebrate George Orwell
George Orwell’s 1984 remains one of the most influential stories of our time. The themes put forward by Orwell in the novel remain relevant today.
It is an inspiration for future writers
Celebrated books such as 1984 inspire the next generation of writers to action. They serve as a foundation for freedom of expression and remain a testament to the power of creativity.
Hate Week dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | April 12–18 | Sunday–Saturday |
| 2027 | April 11–17 | Sunday–Saturday |
| 2028 | April 9–15 | Sunday–Saturday |
| 2029 | April 8–14 | Sunday–Saturday |
| 2030 | April 14–20 | Sunday–Saturday |
