World Dracula Day is on May 26th every year! How do you celebrate the most famous vampire? Here are some great ways of how and where to honor him!
Every May 26th, lovers of literature and vampires alike gather to celebrate the most famous Vampire of all – Dracula. World Dracula Day commemorates the publication date of Bram Stoker’s Dracula on May 26, 1897.
Arguably the most well-known and iconic monsters, Dracula has inspired writers and horror lovers all over the world. It’s only fitting that there is an entire day dedicated to the Count. So, let’s sink our fangs into World Dracula Day!
History of World Dracula Day
Vampires, or at least the concept and legends, have existed for centuries. Bram Stoker based Dracula on a real live person though – not just a legend.
Prince Vlad III of Wallachia (Romania) was the muse behind’s Stoker’s masterpiece. Vlad earned the nickname “Vlad the Impaler” for the many ways he tortured his opponents and betrayers with impaling being his favorite method.
Stoker’s Dracula attempts to move from Transylvania and finally arrives in a small fishing village named Whitby, England.
To this day, Whitby in northern England hosts multiple events to celebrate Dracula including the famous castle in ruins that is lit up during certain seasons.
Dracula may be the OG vampire, but there’s no denying that literature and film boasts a wide variety of vampires from sparkly ones to ruthless ones to mockumentaries.
How to Celebrate World Dracula Day
Read Bram Stoker’s Dracula
I feel like I can’t start this list without putting this as the #1 way to celebrate World Dracula Day. Whether you’ve never read this classic or it’s time for a re-read, this is always a good idea!
Plan a Dracula Inspired Trip
Even if you can’t travel at the moment, why not plan a Dracula inspired trip for the future!
Locations would include Budapest, England, and other Eastern European locations.
Visit Filming Locations of True Blood, The Vampire Diaries, The Originals, Buffy and More!
There are tons of vampire shows that have been filmed in the US so why not visit some of the locations.
The Originals is filmed primarily in New Orleans, The Vampire Diaries in Georgia, True Blood is mostly on set in California (but some locations in the South), Buffy has several filming locations including several in California.
Have a Vampire Movie Marathon
Watch some vampire movies and shows as you pay homage to World Dracula Day.
Want classic?
- Bram Stoker’s Dracula (1992)
- Interview with the Vampire
- Nosferatu the Vampyre
Want comedy?
- What We Do in the Shadows
- Dark Shadows
- The Vampire’s Assistant
Want gore?
- 30 Days of Night
- Queen of the Damned
- Dracula Untold
Want action?
- Blade
- The Lost Boys
- Underworld
What to Watch Next
Visit Bran Castle in Romania
This castle in Romania has long been believed to be the home of Vlad the Impaler and is often referred to as Dracula’s castle instead of its official name.
No matter what you call it though, it’s beautiful and haunting and definitely worth a visit on World Dracula Day or any other time.
Check Out the Musée Des Vampires, France
RESOURCES
Find more great shows and movies to watch.Add these super weird things to your bucket list.
Shop my favorites.
Curl up with a Stephen King book.
The post World Dracula Day – How & Where to Celebrate the Most Famous Vampire appeared first on Oddities and Curiosities Travel.