CAPITAL OF THE BOOK IN 2024 IS STRASBOURG
In 1995, UNESCO decided to declare World Book and Copyright Day, and April 23 was chosen as the date. This day was formed back in 1923 by bookstores in Catalonia, Spain, in honor of the writer Miguel de Cervantes, who died on that date.
According to the Julian calendar, William Shakespeare was born on April 23, 1564, and died 54 years later. And according to the Gregorian calendar, on this date, in addition to the death of Miguel de Cervantes, Inca Garcilaso de la Vega also died.
International Book and Copyright Day is celebrated worldwide by the various governments, non-governmental organizations and cultural institutions whose activities are related to books and literature. The day is dedicated to all readers and is celebrated to promote reading, book publishing and copyright protection.
By celebrating World Book Day, UNESCO aims to encourage as many young people as possible to discover the joy of books, while at the same time showing their respect for the irreplaceable contribution of authors, publishers and translators.
UNESCO adopted Resolution 31 C/29 in 2001 establishing the programme World Book Capital (WBC) and named Madrid as the first city of the WBC in 2001. Cities designated as UNESCO World Book Capital are committed to carrying out activities to promote a culture of reading and spread the values of the web among all ages and population groups, both within and across national borders. Through the WBC program, UNESCO recognizes the city’s commitment to promoting books and promoting reading during a 12-month period (between one World Book and Copyright Day, April 23, and the next), and in the future – https://www.unesco.org/en/world-book-capital-network.
In 2023, Sofia made an attempt to become the World Book Capital, but failed. In 2024, Strasbourg has been declared the UNESCO World Book Capital. It is also the first place in France to be awarded this honor.
The chosen theme is “Reading our world”, and under this motto, nearly 250 events and activities are expected to be held starting in April. “Almost 250 events and activities have been planned so far, but the number continues to grow,” said Strasbourg mayor Jean Barseghian at the François Mitterrand National Library. Barseghyan pointed out that 30 publishing houses, 25 bookstores and 59 libraries and cultural institutions in the city will be included in the initiatives.
From April on the streets, in libraries, theaters, schools, bookstores and restaurants in Strasbourg, literature will be the main topic of conversation. By the end of April, about a hundred private and public reading places will be open in Strasbourg.
In the first week after accepting the title of World Book Week, the city will host an event dedicated to illustrations, as well as the Festival of Independent Booksellers (April 25). The multimedia libraries will mark the start of the initiative on April 28 with musical readings, children’s performances.
Events with sister cities of Strasbourg are planned, as well as guest appearances by 17 famous names of European book authors.
Strasbourg hopes to contribute to the book continuing to be a vehicle for deep debates and for better understanding between people. At the end of April 2025, the city will hand over the title of World Book Capital to Rio de Janeiro in Brazil.
In Pleven, there are no public events related to celebrating the importance of books and World Book Day.
