- Categories:
- Special Interest
- Tags:
- FunObscure
- Where:
- United States
- Date change rule:
- Every July 27
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- 🤸
Walk On Stilts Day elevates the fun every July 27, inviting everyone to explore the thrill of towering above the ground. Dating back to ancient Greece, stilt walking combines balance, skill, and a touch of whimsy. Try a pair of stilts, watch a performance, or simply appreciate this unique form of locomotion.
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Expected Walk On Stilts Day Deals
While specific 2027 promotions for Walk On Stilts Day are still developing, history suggests retailers in the toy and outdoor recreation sectors may offer discounts. Look for deals from brands like FAO Schwarz on play stilts or REI on balance-related gear. Circus-themed entertainment venues, such as Cirque du Soleil, might promote special shows or workshops. Online novelty stores and costume shops could also feature sales on performance stilts or accessories. Keep an eye out for local community events or workshops offering introductory stilt-walking sessions. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as July 27 approaches.
Platform Guide for Walk On Stilts Day
TikTok
Tag @www.nationaltoday.com and use #WalkOnStiltsDay. Film your best (or funniest) attempts at stilt walking, or showcase creative stilt designs.
Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #WalkOnStiltsDay. Share photos or short videos of stilt walkers at parades, festivals, or even just practicing in their backyard.
X/Twitter
Mention @NatlToday and use #WalkOnStiltsDay. Tweet fun facts about the history of stilts or share links to stilt-walking performances and events.
Walk On Stilts Day Hero
Charles Blondin
History of Walk On Stilts Day
Stilts come in different types, including handheld, peg, spring, drywall or dura, digitigrade, and articulated. According to archaeological discoveries, stilt walking goes as far back as the sixth century B.C. in ancient Greece. The Greeks used the word ‘κωλοβαθριστής (kōlobathristēs)’ for a ‘stilt walker.’ Before the 15th century, people in Namur, Belgium, have been using stilts for practical purposes, including working in muddy areas and, funnily enough, jousting. However, in 1411, the count of Namur banned the use of stilts and fighting on stilts.
Stilt walking also has a long tradition in France, where shepherds of the Landes region employ stilts to watch over their flocks, and the people used them to walk on the soggy ground and transport themselves quickly. In the 19th century, the shepherds began abandoning walking on stilts as the marshes of Landres dried up. However, the French aristocrats picked up the practice and started using it as fashion. In the first half of the 20th century, stilt marathons were held in Paris to celebrate the French agricultural tradition.
Today, stilts are employed in various areas of life. Performers use stilts at fairs, parades, festivals, and parties for comic and entertainment purposes. Stilt walking and dancing are a common sight at local festivals in Anguiano (Spain), Deventer (Netherlands), and Namur (Belgium). Fruit farmers in California use aluminum stilts to prune and harvest peach, plum, and apricot trees. They are also employed to wash large windows, repair roofs, drywall construction, hang suspended ceiling tiles, and install or paint high ceilings.
Walk On Stilts Day timeline
Ancient Grecians employ stilts for transportation and agricultural purposes.
The count of Namur bans the use of stilts and fighting on stilts.
Shepherds of the Landes region of France employ stilts to watch over their flocks.
The French celebrate the French agricultural tradition in Paris with stilt marathons.
How Businesses Can Celebrate Walk On Stilts Day
Local businesses can embrace Walk On Stilts Day by incorporating the theme into their promotions. Retail stores could have staff on stilts to greet customers, creating a memorable experience. Restaurants might offer ‘elevated’ menu items or host a themed event with stilt performers. Consider partnering with local circus schools or performers to offer demonstrations or mini-workshops, drawing in curious customers. Use #WalkOnStiltsDay in your social media campaigns to engage with the community and showcase your unique celebration.
Walk On Stilts Day FAQs
When is Walk On Stilts Day?
Walk On Stilts Day 2026 falls on Monday, July 27. It’s the perfect way to kick off the week with some elevated fun and a unique physical challenge.
How old is stilt walking?
Stilt walking is an ancient practice, with evidence suggesting its existence as far back as the 6th century B.C. in ancient Greece. Early uses included traversing muddy terrain and performing in theatrical productions.
What are stilts used for today?
Today, stilts are primarily associated with entertainment, appearing in circuses, parades, festivals, and street performances worldwide. They are also used in construction for tasks requiring elevated reach, such as drywall installation.
What are the different types of stilts?
Common types of stilts include peg stilts (traditional wooden poles), hand stilts (used by acrobats), and drywall stilts (adjustable aluminum stilts for construction). Each type serves a specific purpose, from performance to practical work.
Walk On Stilts Day Activities
Stilt walk
The most enjoyable way to commemorate Walk on Stilts Day is to go stilt walking. If you are good at stilts walking, you can do all your movement using stilts on Walk on Stilts Day; either it's to work, around your neighborhood, or to the park. Aside from having lots of fun, you will be giving a rare sight to people who see you.
Learn how to walk on stilts
If you have no idea how to stilt — walk. This is the ideal day to acquire this new talent. First and foremost, you must go shopping for stilts. You don't want to overdo it the first time, so check your local department stores or online stores for reasonable-sized stilts. Then use online tutorials to learn how to walk on stilts. Video tutorials are recommended because they are easier to follow and comprehend.
Watch the London Marathon on stilts
The London Marathon is an annual racing event that includes different marathons, including a stilts marathon. Check when the next one is happening and prepare yourself to see how the pros do it. If it's not happening this year, you can stream previous editions, including the one where the record for the fastest marathon on stilts was broken.
5 Interesting Facts About Stilts
The Moko Jumbies
A group of stilt walkers in Brooklyn, U.S., wear oversized zoot suits or extravagant tapestry-like robes and walk around on stilts, reaching up to 17 feet.
Stilts are versatile
Stilts have practical uses in different fields, including art, construction, agriculture, and transportation.
The stilt walking royal entourages
When Empress Josephine visited the Landes region of France, she was escorted by stilt walking entourages that kept pace with her carriage horses.
Stilt racing
There is a part of the London Marathon that is for stilt racing.
Fastest marathon on stilts
Michelle Frost holds the record for the fastest marathon on stilts at six hours and 30 minutes.
Why We Love Walk On Stilts Day
Stilt walking is fun
Have you ever been on the roof of a tall building or a mountain's peak? Do you remember the feeling of euphoria and freedom you got from it? The same applies to stilt walking. Also, you can do other fun activities while on the stilts, like dancing and juggling.
It builds confidence and coordination
Stilt walking is like riding a bicycle. To become a pro, you need to ensure proper hand-foot coordination and balance. Once you get how to stilt walk, you experience a boost in confidence with a can-do attitude. Stilt walking regularly will also improve your motor skills.
Stilts have many purposes
Aside from fun activities, stilts are used for pruning and harvesting, drywall construction, painting, and cleaning. See what else you can come up with this holiday!
Social Media Tips for Walk On Stilts Day
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