Happy World Book and Copyright Day! This annual UNESCO event is celebrated, according to that United Nations organization, “in recognition of the power of books as a bridge between generations and across cultures." April 23 was selected as it is the death date of several famous writers in history, including William Shakespeare.
The first World Book Day was celebrated in Spain on Oct. 7, the birth date of Miguel de Cervantes, before it was moved to the date of his death, also April 23. Today, every U.N. member country celebrates it — except for the United Kingdom and Ireland, where it falls on the first Thursday in March to avoid clashing with holidays.
Every year, UNESCO selects a World Book Capital, each of which has a flourishing publishing industry. This year's capital is Rabat, Morocco, the 26th city to hold the honor.
You can learn more about World Book and Copyright Day here, and World Book Capitals here.
