Today is World Book Day, an annual event put on by UNESCO to promote reading around the globe.
April 23 has special significance in the literary world. UNESCO’s site explains:
It is on this date in 1616 that Cervantes, Shakespeare and Inca Garcilaso de la Vega all died. It is also the date of birth or death of other prominent authors, such as Maurice Druon, Haldor K.Laxness, Vladimir Nabokov, Josep Pla and Manuel Mejía Vallejo.
In Barcelona, readers are celebrating St. George’s Day (La Diada de Sant Jordi in Catalan), a holiday for lovers and readers. Like Valentine’s Day in the U.S., the holiday is meant to be spent with your special someone. According to Catalan tradition, loved ones exchange books and roses.
What are you reading to celebrate this global day of reading?