23rd April: International Book Day

23rd April is a special day

April 23rd isBook Day, an international day of celebration dating back to the beginning of the 20th century. The history of the book is celebrated and literary activities pop up throughout Spain.

April 23rd is the birthday of many famous writers, such as Maurice Druon, K. Laxness, Vladimir Nabokov and Manuel Mejía Vallejo as well as the day that many famous writers died such as William Shakespeare and Cervantes. Therefore, it was chosen by UNESCO as the most appropriate date to pay homage to books and their authors and most importantly to show youngsters the pleasure and satisfaction of reading and its irreplaceable contribution to social and cultural progress.

The original idea of having a book day came from Catalonia, thanks to the Valencian writer Vicente Clavel Andrés, who proposed the idea to the Official Book Chamber of Barcelona in 1923 and it was eventually approved by King Alfonso XIII of Spain in 1926. 7th October was the first Book Day and a few years later, in 1930, it was moved definitively to 23rd April. It was not until 1995 that it became internationally celebrated.

It is tradition to give loved ones a present of a rose and a book. Throughout the streets of Bilbao you will be able to find acts, book stalls, presentations and general celebrations of literature from around the world and especially that from the Basque Country.

We hope you have a great day!