What is Pi Day, and when did the tradition begin?

Pi Day is observed annually on March 14th. It started in 1988 at the Exploratorium in San Francisco. It's a global celebration of the mathematical constant π (pi), offering an opportunity for mathematicians, science enthusiasts, and the general public to celebrate science and mathematics while enjoying pie.

Who founded the Pi Day Association, and what is their goal?

The Pi Day Association was founded by a group of PhD students in Marseille. They wanted to merge education with entertainment. They organize events such as mathematical musicals, engaging talks, and interactive activities. The goal is to make mathematics accessible and enjoyable for everyone.

What is a mathematical musical, according to the Pi Day Association?

The Pi Day Association produces a mathematical musical every year. For example, the 2016 show was about the life and discoveries of Archimedes. In 2017, they produced "From Marseille to Vegas," a story about PhD students using math in Las Vegas casinos. These musicals incorporate elements of education, entertainment, and music.

Can you explain the storyline of "From Marseille to Vegas"?

"From Marseille to Vegas" tells the story of four PhD students who try to use their mathematical knowledge to win at casinos in Las Vegas. The musical addresses probability theory, the life and status of PhD students, and the role of mathematics and science in society. It humorously explores if chance can be played with mathematics.

What other activities and events occur during Pi Day celebrations besides the mathematical musical?

Besides the musical performances, Pi Day celebrations also include short talks by experienced speakers on various topics related to mathematics and randomness. The Lyon event also features a traditional pie contest. The talks cover subjects such as cheating at slot machines, using math to manage crowds, and even Leonardo Fibonacci's pasta preferences. These additions create a varied and engaging experience for attendees.

$Pi Day celebration with pie and math symbols$

Pi Day: More Than Just Pie – A Global Math Celebration

Avery Sinclair in Culture & Society December 2025 • 4 min read.

"Discover how a group of enthusiastic PhD students turned Pi Day into an international festival of mathematics, complete with musical theater and community engagement."

For those who revel in the beauty of numbers, there's one that holds a special place: π (pi). Celebrated annually on March 14th, Pi Day has evolved from a small event into a global phenomenon, uniting mathematicians, science enthusiasts, and anyone who appreciates a good slice of pie.

The tradition began in 1988 at the Exploratorium in San Francisco and has since spread worldwide. Pi Day offers an opportunity to celebrate science and mathematics. It is also a great excuse to get together and of course, eat pie.

Driven by enthusiasm and a touch of irrationality, a group of PhD students in Marseille imported the Pi Day concept across the ocean. Their innovative idea was to merge education and entertainment. What started as a small gathering at a PhD seminar quickly became a major event, attracting thousands of people. Thus, the Pi Day Association was born.

A Mathematical Musical?

Pi Day celebration with pie and math symbols

Since 2015, the Pi Day Association has been writing and producing a new show every year, combining elements of music, entertainment, and education. In 2016, the association combined the elements into a musical about the life and scientific discoveries of Archimedes. The show was a great success and attracted nearly 800 spectators and received the d'Alembert Prize of the French Mathematical Society. In 2017, there was an even bigger project: a brand new musical entitled From Marseille to Vegas.

From Marseille to Vegas tells the story of four PhD students. Having grown tired and disenchanted with academic life, they dream up the crazy idea of trying their luck at the casinos in Las Vegas using their mathematical knowledge. Can they play chance with mathematics? This musical humorously addresses the themes of probability theory, the life and status of PhD students and the role of mathematics and science in society.

Each performance included three short talks by experienced speakers.
Topics ranged from cheating at slot machines to taming crowds with math and how Leonardo Fibonacci liked his pasta.
Members of the audience could participate in mathematical activities.
The Lyon event featured a traditional pie contest, where participants shared pies and competed for the best prize.

Each performance was accompanied by three short talks given by experienced popularisers of mathematics. The speakers and their topics came from different backgrounds but they all revolved around the general theme of randomness. We learnt, among other things, how to cheat at slot machines, how to tame crowds with mathematical formulas and how Leonardo Fibonacci liked his pasta. We spent some time wondering if statistics really mean anything and if it is really such a small, small world after all.

A Successful Bet for Mathematics

The three events attracted almost 2,000 spectators of all ages. Spectators came to learn, think, dream, laugh and sing to the sound of mathematics: quite a success for such a "boring" science!

To catch up on events, visit www.piday.fr. Stay tuned for the next musical, slated to premiere on March 14, 2019, and to be performed across France. If you want to support the association, join the new project or request a show to come to your city, do not hesitate to contact!

The association is looking forward to meeting you for a new series of irrational, transcendental, but probably normal events!