Pinocchio Day
February 23, 2027
About Pinocchio Day
Pinocchio Day is celebrated every year on 23 February, marking the anniversary of the wide release of Walt Disney’s animated film Pinocchio in the United States on 23 February 1940. The day honours one of literature and cinema’s most beloved characters — the wooden puppet who dreamed of becoming a real boy.
What is Pinocchio Day?
Pinocchio Day celebrates the cultural legacy of Pinocchio, the fictional wooden marionette created by Italian author Carlo Collodi in 1883. The day coincides with the general release date of Disney’s 1940 animated adaptation, which brought the story to a global audience and cemented Pinocchio as one of the most recognisable characters in popular culture. It is observed by fans of animation, literature, and storytelling worldwide.
When is Pinocchio Day?
Pinocchio Day falls on 23 February every year. In 2027, that is a Tuesday. The date is fixed and does not change from year to year.
The Story Behind Pinocchio Day
The character of Pinocchio first appeared in an Italian children’s magazine in 1881, when Carlo Collodi began publishing serialised chapters of Le Avventure di Pinocchio (The Adventures of Pinocchio) in the Giornale per i Bambini. Originally titled La storia di un burattino (The Story of a Puppet), the tale followed a mischievous wooden puppet carved by an elderly woodcarver named Geppetto. The story proved so popular that when Collodi attempted to end the series with Pinocchio’s death, public demand forced him to continue writing. The complete novel was published in 1883 and has since been translated into over 260 languages, making it one of the most widely read books in the world.
Nearly sixty years later, Walt Disney Productions adapted Collodi’s story into an animated feature film. Pinocchio premiered at the Center Theatre in New York City on 7 February 1940 and received its general release on 23 February that same year. The film was only Disney’s second feature-length animated production, following Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937). Despite a lukewarm initial box office performance — partly due to the disruption of European markets during the Second World War — the film went on to become a critical triumph, winning two Academy Awards: Best Original Score and Best Original Song for “When You Wish Upon a Star.”
Over the decades, Pinocchio has been widely regarded as one of the greatest animated films ever made. The American Film Institute ranked it among the top animated features of all time, and “When You Wish Upon a Star” became the unofficial anthem of The Walt Disney Company. The story has been adapted numerous times since, including a critically acclaimed stop-motion version directed by Guillermo del Toro in 2022.
Ways to Celebrate Pinocchio Day
There are plenty of creative ways to mark Pinocchio Day:
- Watch the Disney classic — Gather the family for a screening of the original 1940 animated film or explore one of the many other Pinocchio adaptations available on streaming services.
- Read the original novel — Pick up a copy of Carlo Collodi’s The Adventures of Pinocchio and discover how the original story differs from its Disney adaptation. The book is darker, funnier, and full of surprising twists.
- Host a puppet-making workshop — Get creative with wooden craft materials and make your own Pinocchio-inspired puppet. This is a wonderful activity for children and adults alike.
- Visit a puppet theatre — Many cities have puppet theatres or marionette companies that perform classic tales. Check local listings for performances near you.
- Discuss honesty with children — Pinocchio’s famous growing nose has made him a universal symbol of truthfulness. Use the day as an opportunity to talk with children about the importance of honesty.
- Explore Italian culture — Since Pinocchio is an Italian creation, use the day to learn about Italian literature, art, or cuisine. Cook an Italian meal or visit an Italian cultural centre.
Facts and Figures
- Carlo Collodi’s The Adventures of Pinocchio has been translated into more than 260 languages, making it one of the most translated non-religious texts in history.
- The 1940 Disney film cost an estimated $2.6 million to produce — a significant sum at the time — and initially underperformed at the box office due to the war in Europe.
- “When You Wish Upon a Star,” sung by Jiminy Cricket, won the Academy Award for Best Original Song in 1941 and later became the signature melody of The Walt Disney Company.
- The Pinocchio Park in Collodi, Tuscany, Italy, was opened in 1956 to honour the character and its creator. The park features sculptures, mosaics, and gardens inspired by the story.
- Guillermo del Toro’s 2022 stop-motion adaptation, Pinocchio, won the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature, demonstrating the story’s enduring appeal across generations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Pinocchio Day?
Pinocchio Day is an annual celebration on 23 February honouring the character of Pinocchio, inspired by Carlo Collodi’s 1883 novel and the 1940 Disney animated film released on this date.
When is Pinocchio Day in 2027?
Pinocchio Day 2027 falls on Tuesday, 23 February.
Why is Pinocchio Day on 23 February?
The date marks the general release of Walt Disney’s animated film Pinocchio in the United States on 23 February 1940.
Spread the Word
Share Pinocchio Day with your community using #PinocchioDay and #PinocchioDay2027. Whether you celebrate by watching the film, reading the book, or making puppets, every bit of celebration keeps this beloved story alive. Fans of literary celebrations might also enjoy Winnie the Pooh Day, another day honouring a classic fictional character.
Related Awareness Days
- Winnie the Pooh Day — Celebrated on 18 January, this day honours the beloved bear and his creator, A.A. Milne.
- National Storytelling Week — A week-long celebration of the art of oral storytelling, held each January in the United Kingdom.
- International Book Giving Day — Observed on 14 February, encouraging people to gift books to children and promote a love of reading.
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