Have you ever wondered how World Book Day came to be? It’s a day dedicated to the magic of books, encouraging people of all ages to discover the joy of reading. But this global celebration has a rich history, with roots that trace back to a love for a specific author.
The story begins in 1922, in Barcelona, Spain. A passionate publisher named Vicente Clavel Andres proposed a day to honor the famous novelist, Miguel de Cervantes. The first celebration took place in 1926, on Cervantes’ birthday. However, the date eventually shifted to April 23rd, which held a special significance.
This date marks the anniversary of the death of not just Cervantes, but also William Shakespeare and Inca Garcilaso de la Vega. Recognizing this literary coincidence, UNESCO, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, declared April 23 as World Book and Copyright Day in 1995. The aim? To create a worldwide tribute to books and authors, promoting reading and access to knowledge for everyone.
Today, World Book Day is a global phenomenon celebrated in over 100 countries. It’s a day filled with book fairs, author readings, and special events, all designed to reignite our love for the written word.
I find reading to be a peaceful escape. I love to get wrapped up in the characters and forget about the days stress as I sink into the setting of my book. I’m currently reading my thirtieth book for this year. I recently found my new favorite genre and authors to read and have been burning through them! I think my best investment as a reader was buying a Kindle Paperwhite. With it I now have millions of books at my fingertips and never have to wait to begin my next great read.
So, if you have time today, grab a book, curl up in your favorite spot, and celebrate the power of stories that connect us all.
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