International Pipe Smoking Day Date in the current year: February 20, 2026

Pipe smoking is the oldest traditional form of smoking: before cigars and cigarettes existed, pipes did. A smoking pipe, often called simply a pipe, consists of a bowl with a chamber for tobacco and a thin, hollow stem (shank) with a mouthpiece. Pipe smoking requires a different technique than cigarette or cigar smoking and calls for special tobacco, which differs from cigarette tobacco, as well as additional tools.

Tobacco is native to the Americas, so it’s no surprise that pipes originated in the New World. Many Native American cultures considered tobacco sacred and used pipe smoking for diplomacy, religious ceremonies, healing, and communal bonding. When tobacco was introduced to the Old World in the 16th century, pipes came with it because they were the only way to smoke tobacco. Pipe smoking soon spread across the continent and became a common social activity among many social classes.

Early European pipes were made of clay because it was inexpensive and suitable for the mass production of smoking pipes. In the mid-19th century, European craftsmen began making more durable pipes from materials such as briarwood, meerschaum, and porcelain. These pipes became symbols of wealth and status, and pipe smoking became associated with leisure and intellectualism.

The 19th century saw the rise of modern pipe culture, complete with recognizable shapes and brands, tobacconists’ lounges, and pipe-smoking societies. The popularity of pipe smoking peaked during this period. However, it declined throughout the 20th century as cigarettes gained dominance in everyday smoking.

Today, pipe smoking is a niche hobby for those who view smoking as a pleasurable ritual and who value tobacco blending and craftsmanship. Pipes are now as much collectible artifacts as they are smoking tools, reflecting centuries of social, artistic, and cultural history.

In 2008, Smokers Forums launched International Pipe Smoking Day (IPSD) to commemorate the anniversary of the forum’s launch and bring together pipe smokers from all over the world. Initially, IPSD was celebrated by a few local pipe clubs that organized small, intimate in-person events. As word spread, though, retailers joined the celebration, offering promotions and discounts. Today, IPSD is supported by the International Committee of Pipe Clubs (Comité International des Pipe Clubs, CIPC), an international organization that brings together pipe clubs from around the world.

There are many ways to celebrate International Pipe Smoking Day. You can get together with other pipe smoking enthusiasts at your local pipe club, buy a new pipe, support your local tobacco shop, visit a pipe show near you, or simply smoke your favorite pipe in a comfortable armchair. Don’t forget to spread the word about the holiday using the hashtags #InternationalPipeSmokingDay and #IPSD!