Born on August 11
World Steelpan Day
Oil drums that learned to sing.
Next: August 11, 2027
Where it comes from
The steelpan grew out of the Carnival percussion bands of Trinidad and Tobago in the early 20th century, when players beat out rhythms on bamboo, biscuit tins and scrap metal.
How it's celebrated
Steel orchestras, schools and community bands give concerts and workshops, and steelbands have played at the UN headquarters in New York. In Trinidad and Tobago, where the pan is the national instrument, the biggest stage is still Panorama, the steelband competition held before Carnival every year since 1963.
Did you know
Pans are played with a pair of rubber-tipped sticks, and some players hold two in each hand.
Read the full story of World Steelpan Day
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Leo · July 23 – August 22 · Fire sign
Warm, generous and made for the spotlight.