World Book Day


World Book Day, also known as World Book and Copyright Day, or International Day of the Book, is an annual event organized by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization to promote reading, publishing, and copyright. The first World Book Day was celebrated on 23 April in 1995, and continues to be recognized on that day. A related event in the United Kingdom and Ireland is observed in March.

Date selection

The original idea was of the Spanish writer Vicente Clavel Andrés as a way to honour the author Miguel de Cervantes, first on 7 October, his birth date, then on 23 April, his death date. In 1995 UNESCO decided that the World Book and Copyright Day would be celebrated on 23 April, as the date is also the anniversary of the death of Miguel de Cervantes, William Shakespeare and Inca Garcilaso de la Vega, as well as that of the birth or death of several other prominent authors..

World Book Day by region

Spain

In Catalonia, Spain, St. George's Day, the Saint Patron of this historical region, has been commemorated since 1436, and involves the exchange of gifts between loved ones and respected people. St George's Day in Catalonia is celebrated with giving loved people Books and Roses, and is an opportunity for Catalans to honour their patron saint and show their love of culture

Sweden

In Sweden, the day is known as Världsbokdagen and the copyright aspect is seldom mentioned. Normally celebrated on 23 April, it was moved to 13 April in the year 2000 and 2011 to avoid a clash with Easter.

United Kingdom and Ireland

In the United Kingdom and Ireland, World Book Day is a charity event in March, held annually on the first Thursday and coinciding with the release of special editions. The annual celebration on 23 April is World Book Night, an event organized by independent charity The Reading Agency.

United States of America

In Kensington, Maryland, the International Day of the Book is celebrated with a street festival on the Sunday closest to 26 April.
This year 15th Annual Kensington Day of the Book Festival was cancelled due to COVID-19 pandemic.