April 23 is an important day for literature lovers all across the globe. Why? Because it’s officially World Book Day, a day to celebrate books and all things literacy and literary. And this is truly a global holiday, one that is celebrated in multiple countries and is endorsed by UNESCO. But what’s the story behind this important day? Why do we celebrate World Book Day on April 23? It turns out this lit holiday begins in my new adopted homeland of Spain.

World Book Day Begins in Barcelona

Statue of Shakespeare for World Book Day — *William Shakespeare is 1/3 of the reason why we celebrate World Book Day on April 23.*

Like many holidays, World Book Day was first conceived as a money making scheme. Essentially, the head of the publishing company that published the works of the most famous Spanish writer ever, Miguel de Cervantes, thought a World Book Day holiday would be a great way to convince people to buy more books by Cervantes. The first version of the holiday occurred in 1926 in October, on Cervantes’ birthday. But the following year, the holiday was moved to coincide with the date of Cervantes’ death, April 23, 1616. Why? Because the weather was nicer in the spring time? Yes. Because April 23, 1616 is also the day William Shakespeare died? (Fun fact, Shakespeare allegedly was also born on April 23 in 1564!) Because April 23, 1616 is also the date that Peruvian writer Inca Garcilaso de la Vega died? Yes! I mean, when three literary legends all die on the same day, in the same year, it kind of makes sense to use that date for something bookish. It’s just too on the nose not to, right? (And FYI, Shakespeare might have actually died on April 22, but let’s not quibble over the details.)

In 1995, UNESCO wanted to get in on the action and officially declared April 23 to be World Book Day, and in 2001, the international organization started naming one city a “World Book Capital” for the year and that year always begins on, you guessed it, April 23. Madrid was the first city to earn that title in 2001. Accra, Ghana held the title in 2023. This year the World Book Capital is Rio de Janeiro.

World Book Day Celebrations all Around the World

Speaking of Rio de Janeiro, the Brazilian city known for throwing great parties, is kicking off their year of being the World’s Book Capital by hosting their biannual book fair, the Rio Book Biennial by doing something so cool. They’re tuning the book fair into a bookish amusement park!

“Inspired by the dynamics of major festivals like Rock in Rio and Comic Con, the Book Biennial's program aims to establish itself as a space where the public can “immerse” itself in cultural and leisure activities. To achieve this, the event will feature attractions like a Ferris wheel where each cabin will narrate a book's story, an “escape room” replicating literary settings with knowledge tests and challenges promoted by publishers, and an interactive story maze.” - International Valor

When you think about it, it’s actually quite incredible that World Book Day has been adopted and is now celebrated by so many different countries, from India to Japan to the United States. And each country puts their own spin on the celebration, from focusing on literacy initiatives to highlighting a city’s literary history. Fun fact though, the United Kingdom doesn’t celebrate World Book Day on April 23. They celebrate World Book Day on the first Thursday in March, as does Ireland. Someone always has to be different. ** shrug **

World Book Day for BIPOC Authors

BIPOC writer writing — *BIPOC authors should be celebrated on World Book Day.*

Given the cultural climate in the United States where books by BIPOC authors are currently being banned at unprecedented rates, and our stories are being deliberately erased from the public record, I don’t think there could be a better time for a worldwide celebration of books. In 2023, UNESCO made the following statement about the importance of World Book Day, “This day pays homage to books and authors and promotes access to reading for as many people as possible…The book is one of the most beautiful inventions for sharing ideas and embodying an effective instrument to fight poverty and build sustainable peace.”

If you’re looking for a simple way to celebrate World Book Day, remember the above quote and simply buy a book and gift it to someone who needs it or wants it. Buy a book written by a BIPOC author so they can keep writing and publishing more books. Sign a petition or write a letter to your local elected official to outlaw book bans. Write a nice note to your favorite BIPOC author and say thank you for creating magic on the page.

And if you’re looking for a more exciting way to celebrate World Book Day, check your local bookstores and libraries for events, or throw your own impromptu book party. If you’re an author, take yourself out to lunch or dinner. Enjoy this day to its fullest, knowing without authors like you, there’d be no books. And remember, Shakespeare, Cervantes, and Garcilasco all died on the same day so we could have an excuse to buy more books and get #Lit!

How will you celebrate World Book Day?