In 1995, UNESCO officially declared April 23rd as International World Book and Copyright Day, with the aim of promoting access to reading, protecting intellectual property, and highlighting the fundamental role of books in the transmission of knowledge and culture.
This celebration originates from a very significant historical coincidence: on April 23rd, 1616, three great writers died: Miguel de Cervantes, William Shakespeare, and Inca Garcilaso de la Vega.
It was later discovered that they did not die on exactly the same day according to the calendars of the time, but this symbolic coincidence led to the selection of this date as a tribute to literature.
In many places, especially in Catalonia, this date coincides with the Sant Jordi’s Day festival, where it is traditional to give books and roses, creating a beautiful combination of culture and affection.
Celebrating Book Day is, ultimately, an opportunity to get closer to new stories, discover authors, and remember that reading is an open door to learning, imagination, and creativity.