Born on April 23
World Book Day
Give someone a book.
Next: April 23, 2027
Where it comes from
World Book and Copyright Day grew out of a Spanish custom. The first Book Day, proposed by the Valencian publisher Vicent Clavel, was held on 7 October 1926; in 1930 it moved to 23 April, the date long given for the deaths of Miguel de Cervantes and William Shakespeare in 1616.
How it's celebrated
In Barcelona the Rambla fills with book and rose stalls, authors sign copies, and by tradition people swap a rose and a book. Around the world, libraries, schools and bookshops hold readings and events that encourage reading.
Did you know
Neither writer died on 23 April as we count it now: Cervantes died on the 22nd and was buried on the 23rd, and Shakespeare's 23 April was on England's old Julian calendar, which makes it 3 May on ours.
Read the full story of World Book Day
Star sign
Taurus · April 20 – May 20 · Earth sign
Steady and loyal, with a weakness for good food and comfortable things.