April 23rd is World Book Day – a day to celebrate books and the joy of reading.
World Book Day is held internationally on 23rd April each year – a date that coincides with several important literary events.
World Book Day originated in Spain in 1923 to honour author Miguel de Cervantes who died on that day, and it is now one of the biggest celebrations in Spain’s calendar, with half of the annual book sales in Catalonia taking place on this day.
April 23rd also marks the day that is traditionally celebrated as William Shakespeare’s birthday (in 1564), although the precise date was never documented. Odd that this day was chosen, since records show that he died on April 23rd in 1616.
The tradition on World Book Day is for men to give roses to their women and the women to reciprocate with books.
Talk about inequality! Hands up all ladies who would prefer a book …