Walk On Stilts Day: History, Facts & Insights

This is an in-depth look at all the must-know facts about Walk On Stilts Day (2024) 🗓️ that no one tells you about. Walk On Stilts Day is celebrated on July 27th.

Among the information you’ll find below: the history of Walk On Stilts Day, activities to do on and how to observe this holiday, as well as amusing facts you should know about Walk On Stilts Day.

📅 What day is Walk On Stilts Day 2024?

In 2024, Walk On Stilts Day is on Thursday, July 27th. It is the 4th Thursday in July; in 2024, it is Saturday. There are until the next observance. You also can discover all fascinating details and facts about July 27, 2023, that you might not be aware of.

Each year on July 27th, Walk on Stilts Day is celebrated, and we plan to join in by testing our stilt-walking skills. It’s amazing to think that the tradition of walking on stilts goes all the way back to ancient Greece in the 6th century. Stilts are essentially a pair of poles with foot straps that elevate the person above the ground while walking. They give the wearer an appearance of being taller and come in handy for traversing muddy or uneven surfaces. Stilt walking is often associated with the circus, where performers engage in juggling and jousting on stilts to entertain the audience. Stilt walkers are also a common sight at parades, festivals, and various events.

📜 Walk On Stilts Day History

Stilt walking has a rich history in the Landes region of France. Originally used by shepherds to keep an eye on their flocks and navigate muddy terrain, the practice gradually declined as the marshes dried up. However, the French aristocracy embraced stilt walking as a fashionable trend. In the early 20th century, Paris even organized stilt marathons to celebrate the country’s agricultural heritage.

Today, stilts are employed in various aspects of life. They are a popular choice for performers at fairs, parades, festivals, and gatherings, adding humor and entertainment to the events. In places like Anguiano in Spain, Deventer in the Netherlands, and Namur in Belgium, stilt walking and dancing are common sights during neighborhood festivals. Additionally, in California, metal stilts are utilized for trimming and harvesting peach, plum, and apricot trees. They are also handy for tasks such as installing or painting high ceilings, hanging suspended ceiling tiles, repairing roofs, and cleaning large windows.

✅ Walk On Stilts Day Facts

🔖 Stilts are versatile
Stilts have diverse applications across various industries such as art, construction, farming, and transportation.

🔖 The stilt walking royal entourages
When Empress Josephine visited the Landes region of France, she was accompanied by stilt-walking groups who matched the speed of her carriage horses.

🔖 The Moko Jumbies
In Brooklyn, New York, there are stilt walkers who wear oversized zoot suits or beautiful robes resembling tapestries. These performers amaze onlookers as they gracefully walk on stilts that can reach heights of up to 17 feet.

👍 Why Is Walk On Stilts Day Important

Have you ever been on the roof of a large building or the pinnacle of a mountain? Do you recall the joy and freedom you felt as a result of it? The same is true with stilt walking. You may also do other enjoyable things while on stilts, such as dancing and juggling.

Walking on stilts is similar to riding a bicycle. To become a pro, you must have good hand-foot coordination and balance. When you learn how to stilt walk, you gain confidence and a can-do mentality. Regular stilt walking will also help you develop your motor abilities.

Stilts are used for pruning and harvesting, drywall construction, painting, and cleaning, in addition to fun activities. See what more you can think of this holiday!

🙂 How To Observe Walk On Stilts Day

⚡ Watch the London Marathon on stilts
The London Marathon is an annual event that features various marathons, including a unique stilts marathon. Find out the date of the upcoming race and get prepared to witness the professional athletes in action. In case the marathon doesn’t take place this year, you might still come across previous editions, such as the one where the record for the fastest stiletto marathon was set.

⚡ Stilt walk
To properly observe “Walk on Stilts Day,” the ideal way is to engage in stilt walking. If you possess exceptional skills in walking on stilts, you can exclusively use them throughout the day, whether it’s for your daily commute, around your community, or during a visit to the park. Apart from enjoying yourself, you will also offer a one-of-a-kind spectacle to anyone who catches a glimpse of you.

⚡ Learn how to walk on stilts
If you’re unfamiliar with stilt-walking, now is a great opportunity to learn. Start by purchasing a pair of reasonably sized stilts either from a nearby department store or online. It’s best to start with a manageable size to avoid overwhelming yourself. Afterwards, you can rely on online tutorials, particularly video lessons, to guide you through the process of walking on stilts. These videos tend to be more comprehensible and easier to follow along with.

📅 When is Walk On Stilts Day?

You can view all 🔗 July holidays, including 🔗 Special Interest and other 🔗 Fun holidays.

We will continue to update this page with new information and fun facts about Walk On Stilts Day. So be sure to check back soon.