Daring Feats & Razor-Sharp Thrills: World Sword Swallowers Day Comes to AZ Boardwalk
Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Hosts Jaw-Dropping Sword Swallowers February 22 for FREE Show
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Prepare to be amazed as Ripley’s Believe It or Not! at Arizona Boardwalk welcomes some of the world’s most daring sword swallowers for an unforgettable performance in celebration of World Sword Swallower’s Day on Saturday, February 22. This thrilling FREE event will feature Dan Meyer, a Mesa resident and renowned sword swallower, along with other top performers who will demonstrate their jaw-dropping feats in the AZ Boardwalk courtyard starting at 1:30 p.m.
As the highlight of the event, at precisely 2:22:25 p.m., in honor of the year 2025, these skilled performers will participate in the annual "Big Swallow,” a synchronized sword-swallowing spectacle happening simultaneously at Ripley’s locations worldwide.
“Many of us have been performing for years, and we love entertaining audiences!” says Meyer, a 40-time world record holding sword swallower who's done 9 TED talks on sword swallowing, 15 Got Talents, and demonstrated sword swallowing in 60 countries around the world. "World Sword Swallower's Day is our chance to showcase this incredible art form on a grand scale and prove that it’s real!”
Founded in 2007 by the Sword Swallowers Association International (SSAI), World Sword Swallower’s Day is celebrated annually on the last Saturday of February. This year’s event coincides with National Swallowing Disorders Month, raising awareness about swallowing disorders and supporting medical research.
“Sword swallowing has been practiced for over 4,000 years,” explains Meyer. “But many people don’t realize the risks involved or that the art is still alive today.”
World Sword Swallower’s Day honors the courageous performers who push the limits of human endurance to entertain audiences. The event also recognizes their contributions to science and medicine, including studies that have advanced understanding of the human esophagus. Additionally, the event helps raise funds for esophageal cancer research and the Injured Sword Swallower’s Relief Fund.
Meyer is no stranger to extreme stunts. In 2013, he pulled a 3,700-pound car using a swallowed sword at Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Baltimore. Over the years, sword swallowers have set new records at Ripley’s Odditoriums around the world, continuing the tradition that dates to Ripley’s first exhibition at the 1933 Chicago World’s Fair.
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Event Details
Date: Saturday, February 22, 2025
Location: Ripley’s Believe It or Not! at AZ Boardwalk
Showtime: 1:30 p.m.
“Big Swallow”: 2:22:25 p.m.
Admission: FREE
In addition to the live performances, Meyer and fellow sword swallower Franz Huber will meet guests inside Ripley’s Believe It or Not! attraction for autographs, photo ops, and book signings. Meyer will also be signing copies of his new book, “To the Hilt: A Sword Swallower's History of Sword Swallowing” which explores the world of sword swallowing. Don’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness one of the world’s most dangerous and awe-inspiring performances live at AZ Boardwalk.
