International Bartender's Day is a professional holiday celebrated in many countries on February 6th.
The date for the holiday was not chosen by chance — February 6 commemorates St. Amand (St. Amand or Amandus, c. 600 — c. 676-684), one of the great Christian apostles, who is considered the patron saint of winemakers, brewers, traders, as well as restaurateurs and bartenders. Saint Amand was known for his work in evangelizing the wine regions of France, Germany and Flanders.
Therefore, St. Amand's Day became a professional holiday for bartenders and restaurateurs, first in Europe and then in other countries.
It is worth noting that Saint Amand is not revered by the Russian Orthodox Church, but the holiday itself — Bartender's Day — has taken root in Russia and other countries of the post-Soviet space and is becoming more and more popular every year.
As a rule, in drinking and entertainment establishments on this day all kinds of bartender competitions for the best cocktail, bartender competitions in professional skills, thematic competitions and drawings for visitors, «hmel» dances and «wine» quizzes are held... You can also hear stories of creating various cocktails and other drinks and, of course, taste them.
It was no coincidence that the bartender’s craft received its own calendar holiday. The profession of these people is no less difficult than bus drivers, teachers and firefighters. Sometimes bartenders spend almost a whole day on their feet, in addition, they are excellent psychologists, know how to listen and even give practical advice, and — often guess the client’s favorite drink at first sight.
It must also be said that in a number of countries professionals in this industry celebrate their holiday on February 24 — due to the fact that on this day in 1951 the International Bartenders Association (IBA) was founded in the UK, the main goals of which are: promoting and maintaining international relations between members guilds, as well as promoting high standards of competence and behavior for the benefit and promotion of the Bartender profession.
Postcard «6 February — Bartender's Day»