The world of books. Photo Credit Shutterstock Triff
Happy World Book and Copyright Day, it may seem a bit of a bite, but for the bookworm that is between April 23rd, there is a UNESCO event celebrating the book and author.
But why do we celebrate a global event? And what is the purpose of this? According to UNESCO, on April 23, “World literature has immeasurable symbolism and marks the death of a famous author.” William Shakespeare of England and Miguel de Cervantes and Inca Garciraso de Lavega of Spain are among those whose heritage is remembered on the day of the world’s books and copyright. A hopeful and focused heritage on education and literacy around the world.
The origins of World Book Day are firmly rooted in Spanish literary history and culture..
The original world book day actually began in Spain. According to the Publishers Association, “The celebration dates back to the ‘La Diada de Saint Jordi’ or the festival of St. George. The St. George’s Festival will fall on April 23rd.
However, according to the 1995 Publishers Association, “Spanish scientists, scholars, politicians, diplomats and poets sent a letter to the president of the Spanish Publishers Association (Ladelacion de Gremion de Editor de Esco), who told unsco unsco on unsco. April as “World Books and Copyright Day.”
In many countries, like the UK and Ireland, there is World Book Day, as they celebrate the event in early March.
How is UNESCO this year?
World Book and Copyright Day brings together libraries, publishers and authors to celebrate UNESCO’s words, “The Power of Books.” Every year since 2001, the city has been chosen as the world’s book capital. This year was the Turn Rio de Janeiro in Brazil. The city has used the event to launch a project that shows how books impact socioeconomic change, focusing on literacy, education and eradicating poverty.
“Books in all forms, they allow us to learn and maintain information. They will entertain us and help us understand the world,” said UNESCO Director Audrey.
Multilingualism is an important component of literacy around the world, and UNESCO uses World Books and Copyright Day as a platform to advocate for multilingual educational resources, just like its Mother Language Day in February. Here in Spain, there are book sharing events and more. There are more to participate nationwide. Check out Town Hall social media to find out what they’re planning.
Discover more world events here.
