What is World Book Day?
World Book Day, officially called World Book and Copyright Day, is a holiday established by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in 1995. It is celebrated annually on April 23. The purpose of the day is to promote reading, publishing and copyright protection worldwide.
Why is World Book Day celebrated?
The goal of World Book Day is to emphasize the importance of books and reading in intercultural dialogue, sharing information and increasing understanding. Books are an essential part of humanity’s cultural heritage, and they can be used to transmit information, stories and experiences from one generation to another.
History of World Book Day
UNESCO chose April 23 as World Book Day because it is a significant day in the history of literature. On this day in 1616, two great writers died, Miguel de Cervantes from Spain and William Shakespeare from England. In addition, April 23 is also a Catalan holiday, when books and roses are traditionally given as gifts.
How is World Book Day celebrated?
World Book Day is celebrated in many different ways around the world. Here are some examples:
- Book fairs and events: Many cities and bookstores organize special events, such as author visits, readings and literary discussions.
- Donating books: Many organizations and individuals donate books to schools, libraries and hospitals.
- Reading campaigns: Various campaigns and programs encourage people to read more and share their reading experiences on social media.
- Promotion of copyright: During the day, the importance of copyright and the rights of authors will also be emphasized.
The meaning of World Book Day
World Book Day is an important reminder of the importance of books and reading. It offers an opportunity to celebrate literature and its impact on culture and society. In addition, it promotes literacy and encourages people to get to know new books and authors.
You can find more information about World Book Day on UNESCO’s official website here.
