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What’s the saying . . . “When in Rome, do as the Romans do”?
Well, when in Spain, do as the Spaniards do!
Today, April 23, is “World Book Day”—not only here in Spain, but all around the world. Yes, no matter where you live on the globe, today is “World Book Day”!
To celebrate, I’m giving away a copy of my new children’s book, “The Boy Who Weaves the World.” Pierre’s adventure story encourages cultural and global awareness and the exploration of the big, beautiful world! Enter here to win.
So, what’s “World Book Day”?
“World Book Day,” also known as “World Book and Copyright Day,” or “International Day of the Book” is an annual event organized by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) to promote reading, publishing, and copyright. The first “World Book Day” was celebrated in 1995.
Wikipedia
Guess what? This international celebration originated in Spain, where I live! Can you tell that I’m super excited?!
The original idea was of the Spanish writer Vicente Clavel Andrés as a way to honour the author Miguel de Cervantes, first on 7 October, his birth date, then on 23 April, his death date. In 1995 UNESCO decided that the World Book and Copyright Day would be celebrated on 23 April, as the date is also the anniversary of the death of Miguel de Cervantes, William Shakespeare, and Inca Garcilaso de la Vega, as well as that of the birth or death of several other prominent authors.
Wikipedia
Is that not crazy? Several world famous authors died on the same day, April 23??!!
Spain goes all out to celebrate “World Book Day,” although I’m not sure if these events will be held this year due to the continuing COVID-19 restrictions.
How Spain Celebrates “World Book Day”—
- The Festivity of Saint Jordi—“According to tradition, on this day it is customary to give the gift of a book to men and a rose to women. Thus cities like Barcelona become transformed into an enormous open-air bookshop-florist, full of stalls with authors signing copies of their work.”
Doesn’t that sound like fun?
- “Alcalá de Henares— At the University of Alcalá de Henares, the birthplace of Miguel de Cervantes, the King and Queen of Spain present the Cervantes Prize. This is considered the most prestigious literary award in the Spanish language.
Wow! The King and Queen of Spain? That’s the university where my husband has been studying intensive Spanish this year. Cool!
- Cervantes’ masterpiece, “Don Quixote of La Mancha”—“Every year, in the Column Room at the Circle de Bellas Artes Academy in Madrid, there is a non-stop reading of the novel: this involves 48 hours of uninterrupted reading by figures from the world of culture and politics, as well as an anonymous citizens.”
Around the clock reading, now that would be something to see and hear!
4. Book Night in Madrid. More than 100 bookshops stay open until midnight with cultural programs, live music, and children’s activities. Anyone who purchases a book that day receives a 10% discount.
http://www.spainisculture.com/en/propuestas_culturales/dia_del_libro.html
Because I’m living in Spain and it’s “World Book Day” around the globe, I want to join in the celebration by encouraging reading and the love of words and language. I’m giving away a copy of my new children’s book, “The Boy Who Weaves the World.” Pierre’s adventure story encourages cultural and global awareness and the exploration of the big, beautiful world!
“The celebration of World Book Day is the perfect opportunity to meet your favorite author, give the gift of literature or buy that novel that you’ve always wanted at an attractive discount. What’s more, librarians, museums and other cultural institutions usually organize special activities to mark the occasion (round tables, book signings, lectures, guided visits, children’s workshops, storytellers, concerts, public readings, etc…). An invitation to experience the world of letters in a different way.”
Spainisculture
Let’s celebrate books today and while we’re doing it, let’s weave cultures!
—THE CULTURAL STORY-WEAVER
GET YOUR FREE EBOOK, “THE 5-DAY JOURNEY TO CULTURAL AWARENESS”!
LET’S WEAVE CULTURES!
Have you ever heard of “World Book Day”? What could you do today to encourage reading and learning through books? What new book will you pick up today?
We invite you to tell us your own cultural stories and global adventures . . . as you engage with the world, breaking down barriers, building bridges, and “weaving cultures!” Write about them in the comment box below.
