22 Apr All the World’s a Stage: Celebrating Shakespeare’s Anniversary

To celebrate, or not to celebrate, that is the question. But our answer is always celebrate. April 23rd, 2016 marks Shakespeare’s 400th anniversary. It is referred to as his anniversary because it is believed that April 23rd is both his birthday and the day he died. We wanted to feature some of the ways people are celebrating his works, legacy, and his undeniable influence in destinations all over the globe. So pack your bags, bring your favorite sonnet, and prepare to toast to the bard!

Chicago, Illinois

We think Chicago might be the most committed to celebrating Shakespeare’s anniversary. This lively city is dedicating all of 2016 to his works with a series of celebrations, performances, food festivals, and art exhibits. The city has 1,000 artists collaborating for over 850 events across 120 sites throughout Chicago. For the actual day, they are hosting a firework display, encouraging everyone to “talk like Shakespeare,” offering a Shakespeare improv performance, and so much more. If you plan to visit Chicago this year, be sure to look up the weekly events!

Bankside, London

Shakespeare’s works have been portrayed on the big screen numerous times, but none so unique as the 400 year festival at The Globe in London. The celebrations consist of a 2.5 mile walk along Bankside with 37 specially-made short films, each running about 10 minutes long. These films were produced with the bard’s vision in mind, with many of them shot in the locations where Shakespeare imagined when he wrote them. Of course, the celebrations don’t stop there. London will also play host to a plethora of staged readings, lectures, stage productions, family-friendly activities, and a variety of conferences and research events.

Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire

You better believe that the bard’s birthplace will be celebrating Shakespeare’s anniversary in style. This whole weekend will include a variety of festivities for all ages. Opening the excitement will be a 1,000-strong grand Birthday Procession to pay tribute to the greatest playwright ever known. The processions will pass through town centre to Shakespeare’s Birthplace in Henley Street, past his school, and end where he is buried at Holy Trinity Church. There will also be fireworks, music, street entertainers, theatre workshops, tours of Shakespeare houses, and a birthday lunch.

“Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon them.” (Twelfth Night) It is no doubt that Shakespeare’s timeless works and the greatness of his legacy will live on throughout the ages. Celebrate him during this notable year while traveling the world. And be sure to save on accommodations with our exceptional deals to ensure you have ample funds leftover for souvenirs or a Yorick of your very own!