World Buckfast Day is held on May 10 and has been observed on the second Saturday of May since 2015. World Buckfast Day is not about drinking red or white wine, but about drinking a special and unique type of wine that is said to have supernatural powers. The special wine that is drunk on this day is called Buckfast, an internationally-enjoyed, unique-tasting tonic wine. It is alcoholic and consists of pure caffeine added to fortified wine made by monks at Buckfast Abbey in Devon.
History of World Buckfast Day
The story of Buckfast Tonic Wine begins in 1897 when the nephew of a French monk visited Buckfast Abbey in Devon, England, and brought with him a recipe for a tonic wine. The monks added their own ingredients to create their version of the wine, but the modern-day Buckfast began to take shape in the 1920s when the distribution was given over to a wine merchant, who enhanced the formula to create a smoother-flavored medicated wine and increased the appeal.
Nowadays, Buckfast is most well known in some of the most deprived areas of Scotland as ‘commotion lotion,’ or in its simple shortened form ‘Buckie.’ The fortified wine has become endemically entwined with the country’s problems with alcoholism, constantly featuring in newspaper headlines or news presenters’ topics of discussion. Although this drink is very popular, it has caused some controversy over the past decade. Buckfast is made with alcohol and caffeine, a depressant and a stimulant respectively. The mix can have an unfortunate effect on some people, which is why Buckfast has been linked to years of political debate to ban the drink.
World Buckfast Day began in 2015 in the U.K. and was started by a fan group called the “Wreck the Hoose Juice.” The day has become an international sensation, celebrated in many countries such as the United Kindom, Scotland, Australia, and even some Caribbean countries.
World Buckfast Day timeline
French monks settle at the Abbey and create the original Buckfast recipe.
Buckfast starts to be distributed by a merchant who enhances the formula.
Buckfast was first popularized in some parts of Glasgow by Celtic fans due to its "similarity to communion wine."
The first National Buckfast Day is launched, evolving into "World Buckfast Day" in 2016.
World Buckfast Day FAQs
What is the meaning of Buckfast?
Buckfast means ‘fortified tonic wine.’ It is a trademark, and its informal version is ‘Buckie.’
Does Buckfast get you high?
Each bottle contains around eight times the caffeine of a can of coke, so it will probably get you high. The alcoholic content is relatively high as well.
Where is Buckfast made?
Monks originally made Buckfast Tonic Wine at Buckfast Abbey in Devon, England.
World Buckfast Day Activities
Try some Buckfast
One of the best ways to celebrate this day is to try something new. If you are curious about Buckfast, this may be an opportunity to try it.
Visit a nearby pub
A lot of places celebrate this day. Go to a pub near home, and order a bottle of Buckfast to join in.
Have fun with friends
Buckfast also celebrates the camaraderie of the monks in creating this special wine. You can go to a friend´s house with a bottle of Buckfast to have fun together.
5 Curious Facts That You Probably Didn’t Know About Buckfast
Linked to anti-social behavior
Buckfast is associated with drinkers who are prone to committing anti-social behavior when drunk, especially drinkers under 18 years old.
Mentioned in many crime reports
In 2010, the B.B.C. revealed that Buckfast was mentioned in 5,638 crime reports from 2006 to 2009.
“Wreck the Hoose Juice” launched an app
The app, which was launched by the fan website, helps users to locate the nearest Buckfast supplier.
Ed Sheeran got drunk on Buckfast
He confessed to getting drunk on Buckfast while on a Scottish night out.
Buckfast appeared on “The Simpsons”
The drink or something quite similar to it appeared on “The Simpsons.”
Why We Love World Buckfast Day
A day to try tonic wine
Buckfast is truly special. It has 15% alcohol and as much caffeine in a 750ml bottle as there is in around eight cans of cola.
It has a long history
This wine originated in the 1800s. World Buckfast Day celebrates the popularity it has enjoyed through the centuries.
Celebrating its versatility
Buckfast is king when comes to cocktails. Think Buckfast Daiquiri, Bucky White Russian, Super Cheeky Vimto, and Scottish Sangria.
World Buckfast Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | May 14 | Saturday |
| 2023 | May 13 | Saturday |
| 2024 | May 11 | Saturday |
| 2025 | May 10 | Saturday |
| 2026 | May 9 | Saturday |
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