International Jazz Day Countdown 2025
International Jazz Day - April 30th
International Jazz Day is celebrated around the world every year on April 30th. This day was officially recognized by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in 2011 to highlight jazz and its diplomatic role of uniting people in all corners of the globe.
The Importance of Jazz
Jazz is an American musical art form that originated in the late 19th and early 20th centuries in African American communities in the Southern United States, emerging from roots in blues and ragtime. Recognized for its improvisation, syncopation, and swing notes, jazz has had a profound influence on music around the world. International Jazz Day celebrates not only the music itself but also its power to promote peace, dialogue among cultures, diversity, and respect for human rights and human dignity; eradicating discrimination; promoting freedom of expression; fostering gender equality; and reinforcing the role of youth in enacting social change.
Global Celebrations and Performances
On April 30th, cities and towns across the globe host a wide array of jazz-related events. These include live performances, educational workshops, conferences, radio and television broadcasts, and community outreach programs. The day culminates in a major all-star global concert, which in past years has been held in cities like Paris, Istanbul, Osaka, Havana, and Melbourne, showcasing the international appeal and diversity of jazz.