Every year, April 23 is considered the celebration of the World Book and Copyright Day. UNESCO and international organizations representing the main sectors of the book industry (publishers, booksellers and libraries) select a World Book Capital. The selected cities promote books and reading for all age groups and throughout society, both in the host country and abroad.
To date, UNESCO has designated 26 World Book Capitals, from Madrid (Spain) in 2001 to Rabat (Morocco) in 2026. Various research has confirmed that reading helps reduce stress, promotes concentration and strengthens cognitive skills. A study from the University of Sussex, in the United Kingdom, indicates that reading can reduce stress by 68%, and that just six minutes dedicated to this activity are enough to reduce heart rate.
The day dedicated to books and copyright It was proclaimed in 1995 by UNESCO, the commemoration seeks to pay tribute to the power of the written word and promote reading as a tool for cultural and personal transformation.
The date alludes to the death of key figures such as Inca Garcilaso de la Vega, the first mestizo chronicler of America, and pays tribute to Miguel de Cervantes and William Shakespeare, although their deaths do not coincide exactly. Cervantes died on April 22, while Shakespeare died around May 3; However, according to the Julian calendar in force in England, it was recorded on April 23, 1616.
Ideas to take advantage of reading
In Guatemala there will also be other movements to celebrate World Book Day.
Give books
On World Book Day the Guatemalan Rotary Academy of Arts and Letters invites you to give a book to someone else. “We all have a book that arrived at the right time. That accompanied us. That made us see something different,” says the communication and invites you to have that action with someone else.
“Choose a book that has meant something to you, write a dedication to it and leave it in a public place. You may never know who found it… but someone will remember it. If you leave a book or find one, share it on your networks,” says this initiative.
Listen to the storytellers
Susaeta will have storytellers at 9 a.m. on April 23 to listen to exciting stories. It is important to register to be part of this experience. https://www.susaetatrascender.com/evento/v2/?evento=8
Appointment at the National Library
On April 23, at 10 a.m. there will be simultaneous activities at the National Library. One of them is the talk about The magic of books, a space designed to approach reading from new forms of perception and experience. This activity, aimed at people with visual and/or hearing disabilities. At the same time there will be an activity to learn about the life and work of Alaíde Foppa.
Book Fair
The Cultural Center of Spain will also have a special activity. Sunday April 26 It will be dedicated to book presentations and multiple activities in the 6th. Avenue and 11 street in Zone 1, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Other events in Guatemala
See other events that will take place in the country.
*Prensa Libre is not responsible for cancellation, rescheduling or changes to this event.
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