The International Music Day was established in 1973 by UNESCO. It was celebrated for the first time in 1974. The initiative belongs to Yehudi Menuhin who served at that time as President of the International Music Council. In his proposal the world famous violinist outlines the main tasks of the holiday- the promotion of our musical art among all sections of society; the application of the UNESCO ideals of peace and friendship between peoples, of the evolution of their cultures, of the exchange of experience and of the mutual appreciation of their aesthetic values; the promotion of the activities of the International Music Council, its international member organizations and national committees, as well as its programme policy in general.

The International Music Day is celebrated with a series of initiatives in Bulgaria. In 1980, on occasion of the 700th anniversary since the birth of John Koukouzelis (Yoan Kukuzel), the day was declared professional holiday of all Bulgarian singers and musicians. What is the connection- on October 1, 1360, the famous Byzantine medieval composer, singer and reformer of Orthodox church music passed away. One of his most popular pieces is Polueleoi of the Bulgarian Woman dedicated to his mother who was of Bulgarian descent. On the same day the Bulgarian Orthodox Church marks The Holy Protection of Mother of God feast.

The first day of October is also marked as day of poetry, architects, elderly people, vegetarians, etc.