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Next April 23 we will celebrate the World Book Day. An indispensable appointment for all those who love reading and enjoy discovering new worlds between the pages. That day, we not only remember the great writers who have filled our lives, but it is also a festive day in many places like Catalonia.

But, why is it celebrated precisely on this day? The date coincides with the death of two of the greatest authors of all time in 1616: Miguel de Cervantes and William Shakespeare. Experts do not agree on whether the dates are accurate. It is believed that the writer of ‘Don Quixote’ died on April 22 and that Shakespeare did so in May, according to the Gregorian calendar. Even so, in 1926 was established that April 23 will be the commemoration of these two great writers.

Also that same day Inca Garcilaso de la Vega died, another of the classics of literature in spanish. The World Book Day also celebrates the birth or death of other essential authors such as Maurice Druon, Laxness, Vladimir Nabokov, Josep Pla or Manuel Mejía Vallejo.

The 23 of April is a very important day concretely in Catalonia and Baleares, since these two regions celebrate the Day of San Jorge. During that date, the books are the real protagonists, along with the roses. It is tradition to exchange red roses and books with loved ones. Your partner, friends, parents, siblings … That day, literature is a present to give away and the book becomes a symbol of love.

In Madrid there are more than 600 events planned and in many other cities in the world will also be celebrated this special day. In the United Kingdom, World Book Day is also a prominent date on the calendar, and many cities prepare events and reading programmes to commemorate the great contribution of English-speaking authors to history.

And if during these days you are in Alicante and want to immerse yourself in the literary spirit, we recommend that you go to the XII Shared Reading of Don Quixote. It will take place on the 21st at 7 pm in Centro Imaginalia (Avda General Marvá, 16), very close to your accommodation in Be Alicante.

Which is your favorite book? Do you recommend reading for these holidays?