World Dracula Day is on May 26th every year! How do you celebrate the most famous vampire? Here are some great ways 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 monster, Dracula has inspired writers and horror lovers worldwide. 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 have existed for centuries, or at least the concept and legends. Bram Stoker based Dracula on a real live person though – not just a legend. 

Prince Vlad III of Wallachia (Romania) was the muse behind 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 boast a wide variety of vampires from sparkly ones to ruthless ones to mockumentaries.

How to Celebrate World Dracula Day

1. 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! Or read another vampire book.

Get Dracula on Amazon.

2. 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.

3. Visit Filming Locations of True Blood, The Vampire Diaries, The Originals, Buffy, and More!

Tons of vampire shows 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), and Buffy has several filming locations including several in California.

4. 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

5. 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.

6. Check Out the Musée Des Vampires, France

Tucked away in Paris, there’s a museum dedicated completely to all things vampire. Visits can only be made by appointment and visitors are treated to an eclectic collection of books, photographs, weapons, masks, models, costumes, and other curios referencing the vampire legend. There’s also a creepy Gothic garden out the back. 

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