On 23 April, we celebrated World Book and Copyright Day, an event established by UNESCO in 1995 so as to promote reading and the protection of intellectual property.
The origins of this event date back to 1923, when Valencian writer Vicente Clavel Andrés began to circulate the idea of dedicating one day of the year to books and reading. His efforts in this regard were realized in Spain three years later. In 1995, UNESCO decided to expand the celebration of this Day to a global level.
It is no coincidence that World Book and Copyright Day takes place on 23 April, the anniversary of several great names in literature, such as William Shakespeare, Miguel de Cervantes and Inca Garcilaso de la Vega. Each year, the goal of commemorating these and other significant authors is to emphasize the value of books and reading. In addition, the event has also become an occasion to reaffirm the importance of copyrights and the rights of authors and publishers.
The best-known tradition associated with World Book and Copyright Day takes place in Catalonia, Spain, where it coincides with the feast day of St. George, the region’s patron saint. For years, the Day has been celebrated by locals through an exchange of books and roses. Among couples, in particular, it is customary for women to receive a rose from their partner, who gives them a book in return.