International Day of Heavy Metal

International Day of Heavy Metal is celebrated annually on December 12.

It is an unofficial fan-driven observance started in 2012 by British metal enthusiast Iron Mathew Collins.

The day honors the music, culture, and global community of heavy metal.

Metal fans worldwide celebrate by playing loud music and wearing band shirts.

It also pays tribute to pioneers of the genre, such as Black Sabbath.

Related observances include World Heavy Metal Day on May 16, honoring Ronnie James Dio.