Spanish is celebrating! Spanish Language Day and International Book Day 2024.
Today the language of Cervantes celebrates one more anniversary with multiple events and interesting proposals. In our article we explore the different ways in which the world celebrates Spanish literature and the Spanish language. Valencia, of course, will also have its celebrations. So we invite you to read on and discover why this April 23rd is so special for Spanish-speaking countries.
Why precisely on April 23rd?
This day was chosen because of its historical relevance in the context of world literature. First of all, it commemorates the death of William Shakespeare on April 23rd, 1616.
Shakespeare, considered the greatest writer in the English language, is one of the intellectual milestones of humanity. His work not only transcended the borders of his native England, but also entered other artistic fields, such as cinema and painting.
Furthermore, that same date also marks the death of two great authors of Hispanic literature: Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra and Inca Garcilaso de La Vega
Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra, a milestone of the classical Spanish literature, is the author of the famous book El ingenioso hidalgo don Quijote de la Mancha. His work, like that of his English counterpart, has permeated universal culture for centuries. And he represents, today, one of the best-known ambassadors of the Spanish brand.
Such has been his influence and weight in society, that in 2010 the UN decreed April 23rd as Spanish Language Day, in honor of this distinguished author.
Its objective was none other than to recognize and promote the cultural and historical richness of the official languages that coexist within the United Nations (UN). And what better way to do so than by remembering one of the greatest exponents of the Spanish language of all time.
Garcilaso de la Vega, although not as well known as the previous two, was one of the authors of the Spanish Golden Age.
Also known as “the prince of the writers of the New World”, he knew how to combine his mixed origins in his work. Born in Peru, son of a Spanish father and a Cuzco mother, he showed great mastery of the Spanish language and a unique perspective, thanks to the ethnic mix.
Coincidence wanted to unite under the same date the departure of these three great writers of world literature. So it was agreed that April 23rd would be the day dedicated to honor this noble work.
But did you know that the original idea of celebrating a day dedicated to books came from Spain? Although it may seem unusual, it was the Valencian writer Vicente Clavel who promoted this iniative in Barcelona, in 1923.
Three years later, King Alfonso XIII approved by decree that every October 7 the Book Festival would be held, in commemoration of the birth of Cervantes. However, in 1930 it was decided to move it definitively to April 23rd. In addition to the difficulty in defining the exact date of Miguel de Cervantes’ birth, it was concluded that spring offered the perfect setting for such a unique festivity.
In the 20th century, the Spanish government submitted to UNESCO the initiative to make this date a worldwide Book Day. As was to be expected, approval was not long in coming. As a result, we can now pay a well-deserved tribute to literature and its creators.
How does the world celebrate this day?
Since its entry into force, April 23rd has become a special date to promote reading, boost the publishing industry and applaud the talent of artists of the word.
During the months of April and May, numerous activities and events take place in different parts of the world. Some are focused on the Spanish language and others are more centered on literary production. We would like to share with you some of the most remarkable ones:
United Kingdom: As the birthplace of William Shakespeare, England celebrates this day with particular enthusiasm. In addition to exhibitions and workshops, there are theatrical shows of the highest quality. Last year, the Royal Shakespeare Company delighted locals and tourists alike with a performance of the play “Cimbelino”.
Colombia: One of the most sparkling events of the day is the International Book Fair of Bogota (FIlbo), considered one of the most famous in the region. It is attended by a multitude of people and renowned authors. This year, more than 500 national and international guests will attend, in addition to the nearly 2,000 activities in the official program. This year’s guest country will be Brazil, under the motto “Reading Nature”.
China: Incredible, but the Asian giant also surrenders to the charm of this date. Recently, schools have started to organize meetings, within the framework of the Book Festival, to read together works of different kinds.
Venezuela: From April 20, and for a whole week, Caracas gives itself body and soul to literature. Workshops, readings, contests, fairs and exhibitions will fill different spaces in the city, for the enjoyment of young and old people.
Vietnam: On this occasion, the evening will begin on April 17, with the Hanoi Temple of Literature and will run until May 1. During those days, attendees will have access to a wide range of literary offerings, as well as presentations of new works, exhibitions, seminars, art exhibitions and more.
Catalonia: In Spain, one of the most attractive traditions of this April 23 is the celebration of Sant Jordi, patron saint of the city of Barcelona. During this day, locals exchange books and roses, as a way of celebrating love and literature alike. If you want to know the reason for this particular tradition, click here.
Usually, some of the main streets are blocked off in order to house the different stands that display the bookstores’ publishing offerings. La Rambla becomes a corridor, full of books and flowers, where people can buy all kinds of titles.
Madrid: The Spanish capital hosts numerous book fairs. In them, in addition to the literary offer, the public can participate in writing workshops, theatrical performances and public readings. All of this events will be accompanied by music and games for all ages.
What to do in Valencia this April 23rd?
One of the most anticipated events of this time of year is the Valencia Book Fair. This year, in its 59th edition, it will take place as usual in the Jardines de Viveros.
The fair will begin on April 25th and will remain open to the public until May 5th. A total of 82 exhibitors make up the exhibition that will be displayed in the 120 booths, distributed along the main street of the garden.
Attendees will have the opportunity to explore new literary trends, purchase titles with special offers, enjoy dramatized readings, concerts and even get their favorite author’s signature.
Besides that, admission to the Valencia Book Fair is free and open to the public. From here, we invite students of Spanish and the general public not to miss this date with the Hispanic culture. If you want to attend, you can do it in the following schedule:
Weekdays, Monday to Friday: from 11am to 2pm and from 5pm to 8:30pm.
Weekends and holidays: from 11am to 2:30pm and from 4:30pm to 9pm.
In our school, this Thursday, April 25th, we will have a special class to commemorate International Book Day and Spanish Language Day. We propose an exploration of the most outstanding authors of recent times and some classics. All this through playful activities and entertaining dynamics.
As a center accredited by the Instituto Cervantes we seek, above all, to promote Spanish and Latin American culture. Literature is – of course – one of the richest and most expressive media in existence. We want our students not only to learn to speak, but also to think like true Spanish speakers.
For this reason, if our tiday’s article has make you have an itch for reading, we also recommend you to take this Bookstore Route in Valencia, on the occasion of the International Book Day 2024.
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