Pinocchio Day
Pinocchio Day is usually celebrated every year on February 23. It’s a fan-favorite day that spotlights Pinocchio- the wooden puppet who dreams of becoming a real boy and the lasting impact of Carlo Collodi’s classic Italian story and Disney’s famous film adaptation.
The occasion invites fans to relive the charm of the tale and reflect on its enduring message about truth, choices, and becoming a better person.
Who is Pinocchio
Pinocchio is the main character of 'The Adventures of Pinocchio' (Le avventure di Pinocchio), written by Italian author Carlo Collodi originally known as Carlo Lorenzini. In the story, a woodcarver named Geppetto creates a puppet who comes to life. Pinocchio’s big wish is simple: to become a real boy but he has to learn (the hard way) about honesty, responsibility, courage, and choosing right over easy.
History of Pinocchio
Pinocchio Started as a Serialized Children’s Story (1881-1883)
Collodi didn’t publish Pinocchio as a book first. The tale began as a serial in an Italian children’s periodical called Giornale per i bambini, starting on July 7, 1881, and ran until January 25, 1883.
Once upon a time there was... “A king!” my little readers will no doubt say in a flash. “No, kids. You got it wrong. Once upon a time there was...a piece of wood.”
- Opening Paragraph
The Story Became a Book in 1883
After the serialization ended, the full story was issued as a book in February 1883, published by Felice Paggi with illustrations by Enrico Mazzanti and it quickly became a landmark of children’s literature. It was called 'The Adventures of Pinocchio.'
Film Adaptations Arrived Early (1911)
One of the earliest feature-length adaptations was a 1911 Italian silent live-action film, directed by Giulio Antamoro often cited as the first film adaptation of Collodi’s novel.
Disney’s 1940 'Pinocchio' Defined the Global Image
Disney’s animated film raised the bar for animation (especially effects and realism). It premiered on February 7, 1940, and was released widely on February 23, 1940- the day we currently observe Pinocchio Day.
Celebrate This Day
Host a Pinocchio Movie Night
Watch Disney’s original Pinocchio (1940), then compare it to another adaptation. Make it a spot the difference game. What has changed? What stayed the same? Or you can simply enjoy a movie night with your loved ones.
Read the original Pinocchio (or a kid-friendly version)
Try a chapter-a-day approach, or pick the most memorable scenes. The original is older, sharper, and sometimes darker than many modern retellings so it’s great for discussion.
Craft a nose bookmark
A simple paper bookmark with a growing nose is peak Pinocchio energy and it’s a cute reminder to read more.
Interesting Pinocchio Facts to Tell Your Friends
- There’s a real Pinocchio Park in Tuscany.
- 'The Pinocchio effect' is a real research nickname. Scientists have explored lying and physiological signals using thermography (heat imaging). One study examined how beliefs about lie detectability change brain activity during deception.
- There’s a famous logic puzzle called the 'Pinocchio paradox.'
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