World Book Day is celebrated every year on 23 April.
World Book Day: When is it celebrated?
The date was chosen by UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation) because it marks the death anniversary of three major authors—William Shakespeare, Miguel de Cervantes, and Inca Garcilaso de la Vega.
Although different countries may have local variations of World Book Day on other dates, the global celebration on 23 April remains the most widely recognised.
The historical significance of World Book Day
World Book Day was established in 1995 by UNESCO to promote reading, publishing, and copyright. The idea was to celebrate the power of books to educate, inspire, and bring people together.
The aim is to encourage people, especially young children, to discover the joy of reading and to appreciate the role of authors and publishers in making literature accessible.
The date itself, 23 April, has symbolic value in world literature.
In addition to being the day Shakespeare and Cervantes died in 1616, it also marks the birthday or death anniversary of several other prominent writers. It’s a tribute to storytelling in all its forms—whether it’s printed books, digital novels, or oral traditions passed down through generations.
How to celebrate World Book Day in South Africa
In South Africa, celebrating World Book Day can be both fun and meaningful.
Here are a few ways to take part:
- Visit your local library or bookstore: Many libraries and bookshops hold special events, such as book readings, storytelling for children, or author meet-and-greets.
- Donate books: Consider donating new or gently used books to schools, community centres, or literacy organisations that help children and adults develop reading skills.
- Start a book club: Gather friends or family members and pick a book to read together. Discussing stories helps deepen understanding and appreciation of literature.
- Read aloud with children: Spend time reading a book with your child or a young family member. This helps build their vocabulary and improves their listening and comprehension skills.
- Dress up as a favourite book character: This is especially popular in schools. Children can dress up as characters from their favourite stories and explain why they like them.
- Share your favourite book online: Use social media to recommend books, share quotes, or talk about how reading has impacted your life. This spreads awareness and encourages others to read more.
In a country like South Africa, where literacy remains a key part of improving education and reducing inequality, World Book Day also serves as a reminder of the importance of making reading accessible to everyone.
