Talk Like a Pirate Day

Join the fun and celebrate your inner pirate this September 19.

SEP19

Sunday, September 19Every year on September 19

days to go

Roots: Created in 1995 by John Baur and Mark Summers
Vibe: A lighthearted, playful atmosphere
Also on Sep 19: Cleanup Day · Dance Day · Gymnastics Day
Hashtag: #TalkLikeAPirateDay

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3 ways to celebrate

AT HOME

Speak pirate all day

Greet the family with hearty pirate phrases at every meal.

WITH FRIENDS

Host a pirate party

Dress up, talk pirate, and hunt for hidden treasure.

AT WORK OR SCHOOL

Pirate your greetings

Answer emails and hellos with your best pirate voice.

Plan ahead

Talk Like a Pirate Day is observed on September 19 every year. Here is where it lands for the next ten years, handy for planners, marketers and party people.

2026Sat, Sep 19this year

2027Sun, Sep 19

2028Tue, Sep 19

2029Wed, Sep 19

2030Thu, Sep 19

2031Fri, Sep 19

2032Sun, Sep 19

2033Mon, Sep 19

2034Tue, Sep 19

2035Wed, Sep 19

2036Fri, Sep 19

Add to my calendar (repeats yearly)

Fast facts

Pirate fans in countries around the world join the celebration

Thousands of social media posts feature pirate lingo each year

The story

Talk Like a Pirate Day, celebrated on September 19, invites individuals to step into the shoes of swashbucklers for a day. This lighthearted holiday was conceived in 1995 by John Baur and Mark Summers, who sought to add a touch of whimsy to everyday interactions. The event quickly gained traction, spreading from a private joke to a global celebration of pirate culture, complete with unique phrases and playful antics.

Read the full story

Participants are encouraged to greet one another with phrases like 'Ahoy, matey!' and 'Arrr!', adding a sense of camaraderie and fun to conversations. Schools and workplaces often get involved, hosting themed events that foster teamwork and creativity. With its playful spirit, Talk Like a Pirate Day has become an unexpected but cherished tradition that brings people together, regardless of age or background.

In recent years, the holiday has expanded beyond simple greetings to include a wide array of activities. Families often host pirate-themed parties, complete with costumes, games, and themed snacks. Social media has also played a significant role in the day’s growth, with thousands sharing their pirate-themed posts, photos, and videos, making it a viral sensation each year.

Whether you're a seasoned pirate enthusiast or a newcomer to the festivities, Talk Like a Pirate Day serves as a reminder to embrace joy and laughter. By participating in this lighthearted observance, individuals strengthen bonds with friends and family while celebrating a unique slice of American, and global, culture.