World Book and Copyright Day

World Book and Copyright Day, observed on April 23rd, is a UNESCO-designated observance celebrating the joy of reading and books while promoting awareness of copyright protection for authors and publishers. The date was chosen partly for its symbolic literary significance, as it marks the anniversary of the deaths of both William Shakespeare and Miguel de Cervantes, author of "Don Quixote," in 1616, as well as being the birth or death date of several other notable authors across different literary traditions. The observance originated from a Catalan tradition in Barcelona, Spain, where the feast of Saint George on April 23rd had long been associated with the exchange of books and roses between loved ones, a custom that inspired the international book industry to propose a broader global celebration of reading, which UNESCO formally adopted in 1995. Each year, UNESCO and the International Publishers Association designate a World Book Capital, a city that commits to hosting a year of literary events and programs promoting reading and publishing. The observance has grown into a significant global event marked by book fairs, author events, reading promotions, and educational initiatives in schools and libraries worldwide, all aimed at encouraging literacy, protecting intellectual property rights for creators, and fostering a broader culture of reading across all ages.