Got an idea for a holiday? Send it to us

Submit Now

March21–27

Shakespeare Week – March 21-27, 2024

Shakespeare Week is celebrated from March 21 to March 27, and we’re here to tell you how you can celebrate the week in the best possible way. Do you know that it has been more than 500 years since Shakespeare was born? Shakespeare Week was created to celebrate the life and works of one of the greatest literary geniuses in history, William Shakespeare. It is celebrated in schools and colleges to give students a chance to understand Shakespeare and his plays. In addition, many competitions, plays, and games are organized with Shakespearean themes.

History of Shakespeare Week

The exact date of Shakespeare’s birth is debatable and hence, April 23 is celebrated as Shakespeare’s birthday, which also happens to be St Geroge’s Day. William Shakespeare was born as the third child amongst eight children to John Shakespeare and Mary Arden. At the age of 18, Shakespeare got married to Anne Hathaway, who at the age of 26 was eight years older than him.

It is not known when Shakespeare started writing. However, there is some evidence suggesting that he was a part of the London theatre in 1592. The first recorded works of Shakespeare are “Richard III,” and “Henry IV.” “Titus Andronicus,” “The Comedy of Errors,” “The Taming of the Shrew,” and “The Two Gentlemen of Verona” are some of the well-known works of Shakespeare. Some of Shakespeare’s most famous plays were “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” “Merchant of Venice,” “Much Ado About Nothing,” “As You Like It,” “Twelfth Night;” two of the most popular tragedies written by Shakespeare were “Othello” and “Macbeth.” Many of Shakespeare’s works were the inspiration behind movies, television series, and other books. “Ten Things I Hate About You” (2010), “Lady Macbeth” (2017), “The Merchant of Venice” (2004), and “Much Ado About Nothing” (1994) are some movies that were inspired by Shakespeare’s plays.

In 1616, Shakespeare took his last breath at the age of 52. It is said that Shakespeare died within a month of signing his will. Holy Trinity Church Stanford stands where Shakespeare was born and buried.

Even today, after 500 years, Shakespeare continues to influence art, plays, movies, songs, etc. Therefore, Shakespeare Week was created to honor this legendary writer and his contributions to English literature.

Shakespeare Week timeline

1564
Shakespeare is Baptized

.
Shakespeare is baptized in Stratford-upon-Avon.

1582
Shakespeare Gets Married

Shakespeare gets married to Anne Hathaway.

1616
Shakespeare Breathes His Last

Shakespeare, at the age of 52, breathes his last.

1900s
Shakespeare Week

Shakespeare week is created to give recognition to one of the greatest playwrights, William Shakespeare.

Shakespeare Week FAQs

What were Shakespeare's last words?

Shakespeare’s last words were, “Live in thy shame, but die not shame with thee.” “These words hereafter thy tormentors be! Convey me to my bed, then to my grave; Love they to live that love and honor have.”

Who are considered Shakespeare's best characters?

The Nurse in “Romeo and Juliet,” Falstaff in “Henry IV,” Lady Macbeth in “Macbeth,” Hippolyta in “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” Iago in “Othello,” Prospero in “The Tempest” are considered some of the best characters of Shakespeare’s works.

Is Romeo and Juliet based on a true story?

“Romeo and Juliet” is said to be based on the true story of two lovers who lived in Verona, Italy in 1303. Shakespeare is said to have inspired Arthur Brooke’s 1562 poem named “The Tragical History of Romeo and Juliet.”

Shakespeare Week Activities

  1. Read Shakespeare

    What better way to celebrate Shakespeare Week than to read Shakespeare's finest works? Dive into the world of the 16th-century classics and spend the week reading plays and books like “Othello,” “A Midsummer Night's Dream,” “A Comedy Of Errors,” etc.

  2. Share it on social media

    Let everyone know that you're celebrating Shakespeare Week. Make a post on the life and times of Shakespeare and share it on your social media page. You can post related pictures and videos as well.

  3. Organize plays

    If you want to take the celebrations of Shakespeare Week to the next level, you can organize plays in your school or community center. Dress up in costumes, learn the dialogues as it is, and learn about these plays in a fun-filled way

5 Important Facts About Shakespeare

  1. His father was a glover

    Shakespeare's father, John Shakespeare, was an affluent glove maker.

  2. He was also an actor

    Shakespeare also acted in several of his plays.

  3. He had gold earrings

    Shakespeare wore a gold earring in his left ear.

  4. He introduced 3,000 new words

    Shakespeare is believed to have contributed 3,000 new words to the English language.

  5. He was a favorite of King James

    Shakespeare is said to have been the favorite of King James I and is said to have performed in his courts.

Why We Love Shakespeare Week

  1. It allows us to know about Shakespeare and his work

    Shakespeare was way ahead of his time. His work continues to be the inspiration for movies and plays even today. This week allows us to learn more about the life and times of this great literary genius.

  2. It allows us to learn about Shakespeare's plays in a fun way

    Shakespeare Week allows us to look at Shakespeare's work and deeply understand it in a fun way. In schools, children dress up as characters from Shakespeare's well-known plays and learn about them while having an amusing way at the same time.

  3. It allows us to expand our knowledge

    As we look back at the life and times of Shakespeare, more contemporary stories are revealed. In addition, diving deep into the history of Shakespeare helps us discover amazing historical facts that might remain concealed.

Shakespeare Week dates

YearDateDay
2024March 21Thursday
2025March 21Friday
2026March 21Saturday
2027March 21Sunday
2028March 21Tuesday

Holidays Straight to Your Inbox

Every day is a holiday!
Receive fresh holidays directly to your inbox.