When did the World Book and Copyright Day start?
About World Book and Copyright Day Holiday
World Book and Copyright Day is an International celebration of books and authors. It is a day when we honor all those writers and publishers who bring us the pleasure of enjoying and learning from the written word. This year, the 23rd of April marks the 26th anniversary of this festive holiday.
Since its inception in 1995, World Book and Copyright Day has been celebrated in many countries around the world. The holiday is an important way of recognizing the contribution that writers, publishers, and libraries make to the preservations and advancement of our literary culture. It also serves as an opportunity to encourage people to read more and engage more deeply with literature.
The day also brings into focus the need to uphold the rights of creators and their works, particularly in times of rapidly changing technology. It seeks to highlight the importance of copyright protection, and the need to respect the rights of writers and publishers in all contexts. World Book and Copyright Day seeks to create a bridge that connects readers across the world to the rich literary traditions that they may not otherwise be exposed to.
Let us use this day to celebrate the many authors and stories that have shaped our current understanding of the world. By recognizing and acknowledging the value of literature and fostering an appreciation of copyright protection, we can work together to create a culturally-rich and informed future.
World Book and Copyright Day – History and Origin
World Book and Copyright Day was created by UNESCO in 1995 to emphasize the importance of literature, knowledge, and reading. The date, April 23, was chosen to commemorate two important moments in literary history: the death of William Shakespeare and Miguel de Cervantes. Both authors died on the same day in 1616.
World Book and Copyright Day was established to promote reading, support authors, and celebrate the cultural heritage of books. The aim of World Book and Copyright Day is to inspire creativity and spark a passion for reading among young people around the world.
World Book and Copyright Day, also known as International Day of the Book or World Book Days, is a yearly event organized by UNESCO (the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) on April 23rd. It is a celebration to promote reading, publishing, and copyright.
Because it is a UNESCO initiative, World Book and Copyright Day is celebrated in many countries worldwide, and it’s not limited to any specific region. Here are some places and how they observe it:
- Spain: The date coincides with “La Diada de Sant Jordi” (St. George’s Day) in Catalonia, where it’s customary to give books and roses as gifts. Spain is particularly significant because the day was chosen in part to honor the deaths of major writers William Shakespeare and Miguel de Cervantes on April 23rd.
- United Kingdom: Events and activities related to books and reading are organized.
- Sweden: The day is known for the awarding of the Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award in literature.
- United States: Various book-related events, readings, and festivals take place around this date.
- India: Literary events, book fairs, and workshops are held in various parts of the country.
- Colombia: The capital city, Bogotá, was once declared the World Book Capital by UNESCO, and the city holds various book-related activities around this date.
- Ireland: Literary events and readings are organized.
- Philippines: Various activities promoting reading and literacy are held.
- Mexico: Book fairs and literary activities are organized.
- Various other countries: From Australia to Zimbabwe, many countries hold book fairs, author readings, workshops, and other literary events to promote reading and the importance of books.
Remember, the essence of the day is to promote reading, recognize the cultural significance of books, and highlight copyright’s importance in protecting the intellectual properties of writers worldwide. As such, many countries, whether listed above or not, engage in some form of observance or activity related to World Book and Copyright Day.
Significance and Meaning
World Book and Copyright Day is an occasion to recognize and celebrate the power of the written word. Books have the power to transport us to vast new worlds, take us on imaginative journeys, and inspire us to think critically and creatively about the world around us.
On this day, publishers and authors from around the world are encouraged to come together to celebrate the power of books and the importance of copyright protection for authors. Celebrations of World Book and Copyright Day are aimed at encouraging everyone, regardless of age or background, to promote the importance of books as a fundamental part of our cultural heritage.
Traditions and Celebrations
World Book and Copyright Day is celebrated in many countries around the world. The UNESCO Irish Commission organizes an annual celebration of World Book and Copyright Day at Dublin Castle. This year, instead of a physical celebration, the event was held virtually due to the pandemic. The 2021 celebrations were held online and included readings and performances from authors, illustrators, musicians, and actors.
Many countries also host book fairs, literary festivals, and book award celebrations to mark World Book and Copyright Day. These events offer a chance for authors, publishers, readers, and book fans to connect and celebrate their shared love of books.
Geographical Spread
World Book and Copyright Day is celebrated around the world. Events are held in countries as diverse as Greece, Egypt, India, and China. In France, the day is celebrated with fireworks and a popular tradition of gifting books to friends and family.
Modern Day Observations
In the digital age, World Book and Copyright Day has become an even more important celebration of culture and creativity. In recent years, many events around the world have moved online due to the pandemic. Organizations and publishers have created virtual events, book clubs, and author readings.
Social media platforms are also used to celebrate World Book and Copyright Day. The hashtag #WorldBookDay has been used to promote the event and connect readers and authors. Online events offer readers the chance to meet their favorite authors and discuss their work.
Interesting Facts and Trivia
• World Book and Copyright Day is also known as World Book Day and International Day of the Book.
• UNESCO has designated April 23rd as the World Book and Copyright Day since 1995.
• World Book Day in the UK is held annually in March, to promote literacy, authors, and books.
• Every year, the UNESCO Irish Commission presents the UNESCO Mechanics’ Institute Reading and Writing Award to recognize outstanding authors and books from Ireland.
• In 2013, UNESCO created a special award for World Book and Copyright Day, called the International Reader’s Prize.
• The theme for World Book and Copyright Day 2021 is “Stories for a World in Transition”, which was chosen to emphasize the importance of reading in times of global challenges.
Conclusion
World Book and Copyright Day is an important event that celebrates books, authors, and reading. Every year, readers and authors from around the world come together to share their love of books. This special day highlights the importance of literature, knowledge, and copyright protection for authors. World Book and Copyright Day is a day to inspire creativity and spark a passion for reading and storytelling.
How to Say "World Book and Copyright Day" In Different Languages?
- Danish
- Verdens Bog- Og Ophavsret Dag (da-DK)
- Finnish
- Kirjan Ja Tekijanoikeuden Päivä (fi-FI)
- French
- Journée Mondiale Du Livre Et Du Droit D'Auteur (fr-FR)
- German
- Welttag Des Buches & Urheberrechtstag (de-DE)
- Greek
- Ημέρα Του Βιβλίου Και Δικαιώματος Πνευματικής Ιδιοκτησίας (el-GR)
- Hungarian
- A Könyv és Szellemitulajdon Világnapja (hu-HU)
- Irish
- Lá Idirnáisiúnta Leabhar agus Coinníoll Cóipchirt (ga-IE)
- Italian
- Giornate Mondiale Del Libro E Diritto D'Autore (it-IT)
- Latvian
- Pasaule Grāmatas un Autortiesību Diena (lv-LV)
- Lithuanian
- Tarptautinė Knygų ir Autorių Teisių Diena (lt-LT)
- Norwegian
- Verdens Bok og Opphavsrett Dag (no-NO)
- Polish
- Światowy Dzień Książki i Praw Autorskich (pl-PL)
- Portuguese
- Dia Mundial do Livro e dos Direitos de Autor (pt-PT)
- Spanish
- Día Mundial Del Libro y Del Derecho De Autor (es-ES)
- Swedish
- Världsbok- Och Upphovsrättsdagen (sv-SE)
World Book and Copyright Day Also Called
International Day of the Book or World Book Day.Countries where "World Book and Copyright Day" is celebrated:
- :: Asia
- :: India
- :: Philippines
- :: Europe
- :: Ireland
- :: Spain
- :: Sweden
- :: United Kingdom
- :: Central America
- :: Mexico
- :: North America
- :: United States of America
- :: Oceania
- :: Australia
- :: South America
- :: Colombia
FUN FACT:
In year 1995, World Book and Copyright Day is celebrated on April 23 for the first time.HOLIDAY CHECK: We strive for accuracy and fairness. But if you see something that doesn't look right, please click here to contact us!
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