Every year on April 23rd, a celebration unfolds across the globe: World Book and Copyright Day. This special date is a tribute to the joys of reading, the importance of copyright for the protection of intellectual property, and the promotion of literacy.

Significant Literary Date

April 23rd holds a particular significance within the literary world. It commemorates the anniversary of the deaths of two towering figures of literature: William Shakespeare and Miguel de Cervantes, who are both traditionally observed to have died on this date in 1616. While they seemingly share the same death date, their passings were actually eleven days apart due to the different calendars in use—England's Julian calendar and Spain's Gregorian calendar. This date highlights the shared literary heritage that spans cultures and languages.

Dia del Libro

The day is also significant in Catalonia, Spain, where it coincides with "Dia del Libro" or Book Day. This tradition, which involves the exchange of books and roses, began in the early 20th century and is linked to Saint George's Day, a time for giving gifts to loved ones. The custom reflects the intertwined celebration of culture and beauty through literature.

Celebrating Reading and Culture

The date of April 23rd is also aligned with World Book Capital, an honour awarded each year to a different city to acknowledge its efforts to promote books and reading. Additionally, it is a nod to the Inca Garcilaso de la Vega, a significant literary figure, further emphasising the universal nature of literature.

UNESCO's Role

UNESCO recognised the importance of this date and officially established World Book and Copyright Day in 1995 to acknowledge the power of books as a medium for cultural exchange and social advancement. Books enrich our lives, foster education and understanding, and strengthen the fabric of society. On this day, we celebrate not just the books themselves but also the book industry's contributions, including publishers and booksellers who make the joys of the next great read accessible to all.

Two Dates for World Book Day

World Book Day is often not observed on the official World Book and Copyright Day of April 23rd due to its proximity to the Easter holidays. Many schools and educational institutions, which are key venues for World Book Day events, are typically closed during this spring break period. To ensure maximum participation and to avoid the holiday disruption, several countries choose to celebrate World Book Day on alternative dates, enabling schools to engage students effectively in this literary celebration.

By keeping books at the forefront of our minds and ensuring they remain a cherished part of our culture, we not only honour the likes of Shakespeare and Cervantes but also light up the path to a literate, educated, and connected world.