Origins of World Book Day

The chief reason behind the original creation of World Book Day dates back to a time in the early 20th century when booksellers in Spain decided to fete author Miguel de Cervantes.

The date of April 23 was chosen to mark de Cervantes’ death on the same day.

Years later, the United Nations called for celebrations to also include other authors who shared a birth or death link to the April 23 date such as Inca Garcilaso and Mejia Vallejo as well as William Shakespeare.