UN Holidays - World Book and Copyright Day

World Book and Copyright Day is celebrated on April 23. The decision was made by the UNESCO session on November 15, 1995. The meaning of the holiday is to show the importance of books and the work of a writer for the cultural and intellectual development of humanity. The date was not chosen by chance. Since 1926, Spain has celebrated Spanish Book Day (the date of death of Miguel De Cervantes). On this day (1616) two other great writers also passed away: William Shakespeare and Inca Garcilaso de la Vega. A work written by a talented writer is a source of information, a spiritual guide, a kind of bridge between generations and people of all nations. This guided the conference participants when deciding on a new holiday – World Book and Copyright Day. Book Day has been celebrated in different countries since 1996. Book fairs are opening where reading lovers can purchase new products. Creative evenings and various literary performances are organized. People give books to each other. Since 2001, the city that most actively contributed to the publication of various works has received the title of World Book Capital. Russia takes an active part in the celebration of Book Day. Literary and entertainment events take place on Arbat in Moscow. The Cervantes Library, following the Spanish tradition of giving a rose to everyone who bought a book, introduced this custom in Russia. Protecting the rights of authors is a pressing problem of our time. A document on their rights was adopted in 1952 at a UNESCO conference. The USSR joined it in 1973, and in 1993 the law “On Copyright and Related Rights” was signed. Being a writer is an honor, but it is also very responsible. The author’s world is reflected in his works, helping the reader to better understand himself and others, find answers to the questions of life, and not be disappointed in life. The works of great writers live for hundreds of years, but people reread them again and again. Book Day is a holiday for everyone who loves and appreciates it.