May 20

Eliza Doolittle Day

Join the fun on Eliza Doolittle Day and channel your inner "My Fair Lady" with fancy hats, tea parties, and charming accents!

Yearly Date

May 20

Observed

Internationally

Introduction

Celebrate the iconic character of Eliza Doolittle on October 6 with Eliza Doolittle Day! This day is dedicated to honoring the beloved protagonist from George Bernard Shaw's play "Pygmalion" and its musical adaptation, "My Fair Lady". The story follows Eliza's transformation from a lower-class flower girl to a refined lady under the guidance of Professor Henry Higgins. This day also marks the anniversary of the original Broadway production of "My Fair Lady" in 1956. So put on your best dress and channel your inner Eliza as we celebrate this charming and inspiring character!

Eliza Doolittle Day Timeline

1913

Creation of Eliza Doolittle

George Bernard Shaw's play "Pygmalion," introducing the character of Eliza Doolittle, debuts in London.

1938

Film Adaptation of Pygmalion

"Pygmalion" is adapted into a film, popularizing the character of Eliza Doolittle worldwide.

1956

"My Fair Lady" Broadway Premiere

The Broadway musical "My Fair Lady," based on "Pygmalion," premieres, further popularizing Eliza Doolittle's character.

1964

My Fair Lady Movie Release

"My Fair Lady" is made into an award-winning movie, bringing Eliza's story to a broader audience, with Audrey Hepburn in the lead role.

1998

First Eliza Doolittle Day

The first "Eliza Doolittle Day" is celebrated, allowing fans to pay tribute to the iconic character and the cultural impact of her story.

How to Celebrate Eliza Doolittle Day

1 Host a My Fair Lady movie night

Gather your friends and family for a movie night featuring the classic musical, My Fair Lady, which celebrates the character of Eliza Doolittle. Serve traditional English snacks and drinks to make it a true celebration.

2 Learn how to speak in a Cockney accent

Challenge yourself to learn how to speak in Eliza Doolittle's iconic Cockney accent. You can find tutorials online or even take a class to perfect your accent. Impress your friends with your new skills!

3 Dress up as Eliza Doolittle

Get creative and dress up as Eliza Doolittle from My Fair Lady. Don a fancy dress and hat, or recreate her iconic look from the Ascot horse race scene. You can even encourage others to dress up as characters from the movie for a fun group costume idea.

4 Attend a local theater production of My Fair Lady

Check your local theater listings and see if there are any productions of My Fair Lady happening on or around Eliza Doolittle Day. This is a great way to support your community and celebrate the day with others who share a love for the musical.

5 Have a tea party

Eliza Doolittle is known for her transformation from a flower seller to a refined lady, and what better way to celebrate that than with a proper English tea party? Serve tea, scones, and other finger foods while dressed up in your best attire, just like Eliza herself.

Why We Love Eliza Doolittle Day

It celebrates a beloved character

Eliza Doolittle, from the classic play and movie "My Fair Lady," is a character that many people have grown to love. This day gives us a chance to honor her spunky personality and memorable songs.

It's an opportunity to re-watch or read the story

Eliza Doolittle Day provides the perfect excuse to revisit this classic tale of transformation and self-discovery. So dust off your old DVD or pick up a copy of George Bernard Shaw's original play, and spend the day immersed in this delightful story!

It reminds us of the power of hard work and determination

Eliza Doolittle's journey from a poor flower girl to a refined lady shows us that with dedication and perseverance, we can achieve our dreams. This holiday serves as a reminder that anything is possible with hard work and determination.