Every April 23 the world celebrates the World Book and Copyrighta date instituted by the UNESCO In 1995 to honor books, readers and authors. The day seeks to highlight the power of the written word as a tool of knowledge, memory and imagination, and underlines the value of the book as a symbol of cultural transmission, defense of linguistic diversity and access to education.
In an era where technology constantly redefines reading formats, this day is still a reminder of the persistent value of the book as a physical or digital object that connects generations, societies and identities. It is also an opportunity to become aware of the importance of copyright, as an element that protects the creativity of those who enrich universal literary heritage.
The election of April 23 is not arbitrary. That day in 1616 three fundamental figures of universal literature died: Miguel de Cervantes, William Shakespeare y The Inca Garcilaso de la Vega. Although the real dates of their deaths do not match exactly (Cervantes died 22 and was buried on 23, Shakespeare died according to the Julian calendar, which differed from Gregorian), the symbolic coincidence was decisive for the UNESCOwhich decided to consecrate that day as a day of global celebration.
The date also coincides with the birth or death of other great authors, such as Vladimir nabokov, Manuel Mejía Vallejo o Maurice Druonwhich reinforces its significance as a day dedicated to literature. Since their establishment, hundreds of countries adopted this commemoration, adding activities aimed at strengthening the links between reading, creation and respect for intellectual rights.
Although in Argentina the main focus is on the National Book Daywhich is held on June 15 since 1924, on April 23 it was also consolidated as a key date in the cultural calendar. On this day they are held public readings, Popular Book Fairs, Writing workshopsand campaigns of Book donation that seek to facilitate access to reading in vulnerable communities.
Las schools and universities organize activities that connect students with classical and contemporary works, and diverse independent libraries They promote special discounts or meetings with authors. Actions in popular libraries and neighborhood cultural centers are also intensified, where reading is presented as a social transformation practice.
The coexistence of the National Book Day (June 15) and the World Day (April 23) in the country allows to keep interest in literature alive at different times of the year, reinforcing the commitment to the promotion of a reading citizenship.
Miguel de Cervantes Saavedraborn in Alcalá de Henares In 1547, he is one of the pillars of Spanish and universal literature. His life was marked by episodes that seem out of his own novels: soldier in the Lepanto battlewhere he received wounds that disabled his left hand; prisoner for five years in Algiersafter being captured by privateers; And then tax collector, activity that led him to jail on several occasions.
-Cervantes published in 1605 the first part of The Ingenious Gentleman Don Quijote of La Manchawork that revolutionized the narrative and is considered by many as the First modern novel. Her satire of the chivalrous ideal, her dual structure between the real and the imaginary and her linguistic wealth made her an immediate classic. In 1615 he published the second part of Quijote, who completed his literary legacy along with the Exemplary novels, THE PARNASE JOURNEY And his posthumous work, The works of Persiles and Sigismunda.
Cervantes died April 22, 1616 In Madrid. He was buried the next day in the trinitarian convent, but his grave was lost for centuries. April 23 is considered its symbolic death dateand in it rests one of the foundations of this literary celebration.
William Shakespeare He was born April 23, 1564 in Stratford-upon-AvonEngland, and is the most influential playwright in history. His work covers tragedies, Comedies, historical dramas y sonnetsand was represented uninterrupted for more than four centuries.
In 1592 he was already recognized as author in London, and in 1599, along with his partners, he founded the mythical theater The Globewhere many of his most famous works were released. It was part of the company Lord Chamberlain’s Menwhich was then called King’s Men Under real sponsorship. His pieces like Hamlet, Otelo, Macbeth o The dream of a summer night They are still headlights of the Universal Theater.
In addition to playwright, Shakespeare was an actor and businessman, and achieved considerable economic prosperity. He died April 23, 1616 In his hometown, at 52. Although there are dark areas in his biography, his literary legacy is indisputable. His grave in the Church of Holy Trinity is still preserved, with an inscription that curses who dares to move his bones.
The Inca Garcilaso de la Vegaborn as Gómez Suárez de Figueroa he April 12, 1539 in Cuzcois considered the first great mestizo writer of America. Son of the Spanish conqueror Sebastián Garcilaso de la Vega and of the noble Inca Isabel chimpu ocllohis identity was marked by the double cultural heritage that he knew how to integrate into his work with admirable harmony.
After the death of his father, he emigrated to Spain, where he trained in humanistic knowledge and published some of the foundational works of American literature. In The real comments of the Incas (1609) narrated the history and political and religious system of the ancient Inca Empire from a vision that united indigenous oral knowledge with European rhetoric. In its continuation, General History of Peruhe addressed the conquest process and subsequent conflicts from a critical, but reconciling perspective.
The Inca died in Córdoba, Spainprobably the April 23, 1616the same date as Cervantes and Shakespeare. He was buried in the Cordoba Cathedral, in the chapel he gave. His legacy represents the most successful attempt to merge two worlds, two languages and two ways of seeing history: the indigenous and the European.
