Opera Day is celebrated annually on February 8 in the United States to honor the art form of opera, which combines music, dialogue, acting, scenery, costumes, and dance to create dramatic performances. The term "opera" derives from the Italian word for "work," and the text of an opera is referred to as the "libretto." Operas are categorized into various types, including opera seria (serious), opera buffa (comedic), operetta (light opera), and semi-opera (which includes spoken dialogue). The celebration recognizes the historical significance of opera, which originated in Italy and spread throughout Europe, evolving over time with contributions from renowned composers like Mozart, Verdi, and Wagner. Typical customs may include attending performances, discussing opera's impact on culture, and promoting appreciation for this unique musical genre.