Fête de la Musique

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This article refers to a music festival which began in Europe but which is now international. There is a (local) Lebanese music festival also called Fête de la Musique.

The Fête de la Musique, also known as World Music Day is a festival taking place on June 21, the summer solstice. It began in France, but has spread to Belgium, Britain, Luxembourg, Germany, Switzerland, China, India, Lebanon, Malaysia, Morocco, Pakistan and other countries.

The idea was conceived by French Minister of Culture Jack Lang in 1981 and first took place in 1982.

It is the occasion of a mass celebration which has grown more and more successful over the last two decades.

Its purpose is to promote music in two ways:

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.
Many free concerts are organized, making all genres of music accessible to the public.
This is one of the only nights in the year where, under French law, there is no sound restriction at nighttime. One can party on without being bothered by neighbors calling the police.