Zamenhof Day

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December 15 (Zamenhof Day, Zamenhofa Tago) is the birthday of L. L. Zamenhof, the initiator of Esperanto.

During his birthday party on 17 December 1878, Zamenhof first presented to his mates Lingwa Uniwersala, his first version of an international language. Many Esperanto speakers will buy an extra Esperanto book around this time of year. There are also special Esperanto gatherings (parties) throughout the world to celebrate the occasion, also used as a reason for Esperantists to get together during the winter holiday season. It is the most widely celebrated day in Esperanto culture.

Some Esperanto-speakers, not wanting to over-celebrate the achievements of a single man, have suggested celebrating December 15th instead as Esperanto Literature Day. Thus they encourage Esperanto organizations that hold gatherings on that day to add a book review or poetry reading to the program or to announce the publication of a new book. On an individual level, one can buy a book or start reading a new book or in some way celebrate Esperanto literature on that day.