On April 23rd, Brazil and many other countries celebrated World Book and Copyright Day, an annual event established by UNESCO in 1995 to promote reading, publishing, and the protection of intellectual property. The date was chosen to honor the legacy of three literary giants who passed away in 1616: William Shakespeare, Miguel de Cervantes, and Inca Garcilaso de la Vega. In Brazil, the day is marked by literary events, book fairs, and educational initiatives aimed at fostering a love of reading among people of all ages.
However, not all countries observe World Book Day on April 23rd. Some have adapted the celebration to better fit their local contexts. In the United Kingdom and Ireland, for example, World Book Day is celebrated on the first Thursday of March. This change was made to ensure that schoolchildren can fully participate, as April 23rd often coincides with school holidays. Schools across the UK give children book tokens to encourage them to read, and many participate in the tradition of dressing up as their favorite book characters (World Book Day UK, 2024).
In the United States, rather than celebrating UNESCO’s World Book Day, the country observes National Read Across America Day on March 2nd, in honor of Dr. Seuss’s birthday. This initiative, led by the National Education Association (NEA), is particularly focused on promoting literacy among young readers and encouraging parents and teachers to engage children in reading activities (National Education Association, 2024).
Despite these variations, the core message remains the same worldwide: books have the power to educate, inspire, and transform lives. Each year, a new city is chosen as the UNESCO World Book Capital, hosting special programs to promote literacy and reading.
Excitingly, in 2025, Rio de Janeiro will hold this title, becoming the global hub for literary initiatives for an entire year. The program aims to use literature as a tool for social change, focusing on accessibility, education, and community engagement (UNESCO, 2023).
Beyond these official celebrations, many countries have their own unique traditions surrounding books and reading. In Catalonia, Spain, April 23rd is also Sant Jordi’s Day, a beloved cultural event where people exchange books and roses as a symbol of love and appreciation. It is one of the biggest book-selling days of the year in Spain, reinforcing the deep connection between literature and cultural identity (Barcelona Tourism Board, 2024).
For teachers, understanding the different ways World Book Day is celebrated around the world can provide valuable insights into how reading is promoted in other cultures. It also offers an opportunity to bring global perspectives into the classroom, whether by discussing famous authors from diverse countries, encouraging students to share their favorite books, or organizing classroom activities inspired by these international traditions.
No matter where or how it is celebrated, World Book Day serves as a reminder of the importance of literature in shaping minds, preserving cultures, and fostering empathy. Whether through reading for pleasure, learning a new language, or engaging in literary discussions, books continue to be one of the most powerful tools for education and connection across the globe.
