World Book Day - El Dia del Libro

World Book Day - El Dia del Libro

Cervantes, Shakespeare and Inca Garcilaso de la Vega all died on this day in 1616. 

Miguel de Cervantes’ influence on the Spanish language has been so great that the language is often regarded as “la lengua de Cervantes”.  Don Quixote, a classic Spanish literature, is considered to be the first modern European novel and is regarded amongst the best works of fiction ever written.  To celebrate this day, Don Quixote is read during a two-day "read-a-thon" and the King of Spain presents the Miguel de Cervantes Prize  [a prestigious award honoring the lifetime achievement of an outstanding writer of the Spanish language, nominated by Association of Spanish Language Academies].

This day is also known as the Day of the Rose in Catalonia, and involves the exchange of gifts, roses or books in memory of Cervantes.

"A rose by any other name would smell as sweet"…

William Shakespeare's work has made a lasting impression on English literature. In the days of Shakespeare, English grammar, spelling and pronunciation were less standardized; his use of language helped shape modern English. Expressions such as "with bated breath" (Merchant of Venice) and "a foregone conclusion" (Othello) have found their way into modern English speech.

Interestingly, the UK celebrates World Book day in March, rather than in April, to avoid mixing the holiday with St. George’s Day (although in Catalonia, they combine all three into a day’s celebration).

The son of a Spanish conquistador and an Inca noblewoman, Inca Garcilaso de la Vega, aka El Inca, is recognized primarily for his literary account of Inca history, culture, and society. His work was influential, well-received, and notable as the one of the first literary works by an author born in the Americas. El Inca produced chronicles of the Inca culture and Spanish conquest, as well as an account of Hernando de Soto's expedition in Florida. His works are considered to have great literary as well as historical value.

To honor this day, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, UNESCO, has proclaimed this day as World Book Day : 

"...to pay a world-wide tribute to books and authors on this date, encouraging everyone, and in particular young people, to discover the pleasure of reading and gain a renewed respect for the irreplaceable contributions of those, who have furthered the social and cultural progress of humanity. 

Go gift a book and a rose to someone special today!

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