This Holy Week in 2025 was marked by unusual weather as rain fell across regions typically basking in spring sunshine. The sudden downpour coincided with the tragic death of Pope Francis I on Easter Monday, casting a shadow over celebrations for many in the global Catholic community. Yet, amid this somber backdrop, April still holds a special date that many eagerly anticipate: World Book Day, celebrated every year on April 23. This day coincides with the Sant Jordi festival in Catalonia, a cherished tradition where books and roses are exchanged in honor of literature and love.
The origins of World Book Day are not as straightforward as one might think. Initially, it was slated for October 7, a date proposed by Valencian writer Vicente Clavel in 1923 to commemorate the birth of Miguel de Cervantes, one of Spain's literary giants. This proposal was officially approved by King Alfonso XIII on February 6, 1926. However, by 1930, doubts about Cervantes' actual birth date prompted a shift to April 23, the anniversary of both his death and that of another literary luminary, William Shakespeare. Since then, this date has been celebrated as a day to promote reading and honor authors, with various events taking place across Spain, such as the Madrid Book Fair from May 30 to June 15.
World Book Day is not just a national celebration but a worldwide event recognized by UNESCO since 1988. The significance of April 23 extends beyond Spain, as it serves as a universal day for authors and readers alike. In Manzanares El Real, a week-long celebration filled with literary activities is set to take place from April 23 to April 26, featuring a used book market, storytelling sessions for babies, and a presentation of the book "Birds of the Santillana Reservoir," which showcases the area's diverse avifauna.
The festivities in Manzanares El Real will kick off with a used book market at the local library, encouraging the community to discover literary treasures and promote the concept of a circular economy through second-hand books. On April 25, at 17:30, a storytelling event will be held for babies, followed by a book presentation at 19:30. This event will highlight the beauty and significance of local nature through the lens of literature.
On April 26, attendees can enjoy a theatrical performance of "The Color Monster," a play designed to resonate with both children and adults. The following day, the Coral Voces de la Pedriza will perform a special musical concert at 12:30, celebrating the transformative power of literature and music. Additionally, a book presentation titled "When Stones Speak: The Faces and Shadows" will take place at 19:00, focusing on historical narratives from the region.
In Bizkaia, the local booksellers' guild will also commemorate World Book Day with a vibrant event in the Plaza de las Mujeres, featuring over 20 bookstores in 34 tents. This year marks a new location for the celebration, moving from its traditional site in Arenal to make literature more accessible to the public. Fernando Tarancón, a member of the guild, emphasized the importance of this event in promoting books and the cultural role of bookstores, stating, "With this celebration, we aim to bring books closer to both regular customers and occasional readers, asserting our role as cultural agents." In 2024, the region saw a 3.65% increase in book sales compared to the previous year, reflecting a growing appreciation for literature among the public.
The official ceremony in Bizkaia will commence at 11:00 AM on April 23, where awards will be presented to Garazi Albizua for her novel "Termita" and Itxaso Martín Zapiain for her book "Puntobobo." Both works tackle significant social issues, highlighting the relevance of literature in contemporary discussions.
As the celebrations unfold in various locales, the spirit of World Book Day remains rooted in the legacy of Cervantes and Shakespeare. The blending of literary appreciation with cultural festivities showcases the enduring relevance of books in our lives. In Catalonia, the Sant Jordi festival will see streets filled with stalls selling books and roses, embodying a unique fusion of romance and literature.
The legend of Sant Jordi, who is said to have saved a princess from a dragon, plays a central role in this celebration. According to the tale, from the dragon's blood sprouted a rose bush, from which Sant Jordi cut a rose to present to the princess. This beautiful story has given rise to the tradition of exchanging roses and books on April 23, making it a day of love and cultural exchange.
As readers and writers come together to celebrate, the message of World Book Day is clear: literature has the power to inspire, transform, and connect us all. Whether through the pages of a novel or the sharing of stories, the love for books continues to flourish, reminding us of the importance of reading in our lives.
In the spirit of this day, communities across Spain and the world are encouraged to immerse themselves in literature, explore new stories, and cherish the authors who have shaped our cultural landscape. Happy World Book Day to all who find joy in the pages of a book!
