When is Bloomsday in 2017?

The 2017 Bloomsday is on Friday, June 16th.

What is Bloomsday ?

Bloomsday is an informal holiday that commemorates the life and works of esteemed Irish writer, James Joyce. The date of June 16^th was chosen to coincide with the fictional events described in Joyce's novel Ulysses. The day is named after the book's protagonist, Leopold Bloom. In the novel, readers follow Bloom for an entire day as he makes a bawdy pilgrimage across Dublin. Today, revelers in Dublin often reenact the itinerary in the book including a lunchtime meal of Gorgonzola sandwiches with burgundy at the legendary Davy Byrne's Pub on Duke Street.

Many individuals dress up in period costume and there are James Joyce look-alike contests as well. Most Bloomsday celebrations include public readings of excerpts from Ulysses, and some serious fans participate in readings of the entire novel (an endeavor that takes more than 30 hours). Dozens of countries follow suit in celebrating the famed novelist. Bloomsday events in the United States typically involve dramatic readings, discussions of Joyce's work, and plenty of Guinness.