1 October · every year
World Postcard Day
World Postcard Day is celebrated every year on 1 October. It marks the anniversary of the first official postcard and invites everyone to send a postcard to someone — a friend, a relative, or a stranger on the other side of the world.
Why 1 October?
On 1 October 1869, Austria-Hungary issued the Correspondenz-Karte, the world’s first official postcard: an inexpensive, open card for a short message. World Postcard Day was started by Postcrossing, the online postcard-exchange community, and has been celebrated since 2020.
Four ways to take part
- 1
Send a postcard to someone who isn’t expecting one.
- 2
Host a postcard-writing get-together with friends, family or colleagues.
- 3
Help a child write their very first postcard.
- 4
Share your card with #WorldPostcardDay.
Orders leave Hong Kong within 1–3 business days and usually arrive in 7–20 business days, so order early. If your cards arrive after 1 October, the idea still holds: write to someone who isn’t expecting it.
Frequently asked questions
When is World Postcard Day?
Every year on 1 October.
Who started World Postcard Day?
Postcrossing, the online postcard-exchange community. The first World Postcard Day was held in 2020.
Why is it on 1 October?
It marks 1 October 1869, when Austria-Hungary issued the Correspondenz-Karte, the first official postcard.
How can I take part?
Send a postcard to someone, host a postcard-writing get-together, help a child write their first card, or share your card with #WorldPostcardDay.
Official World Postcard Day website ↗
World Postcard Day is an initiative of Postcrossing. Postxcard is an independent postcard shop and is not affiliated with Postcrossing.