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World Music Day

The Fête de la Musique, also known as World Music Day, is a music festival taking place on June 21, which is usually the summer solstice. The Fête de la Musique began in France and has since spread to Belgium, Britain, Costa Rica, Israel, China, India, Lebanon, Morocco, Pakistan, Philippines, Romania and other countries. New York City held its first festival in 2007. Its purpose is to promote music in two ways. Firstly, amateur musicians are encouraged to perform in the streets. The slogan Faites de la musique (Make music), a homophone of Fête de la Musique, is used to promote this goal. Secondly, many free concerts are organized, making all genres of music accessible to the public. Did you know that the Fête de la Musique is one of the only nights of the year where, under French law, there is no noise restriction? The musicians can play all night without fear of neighbours calling the police!