In November 1995, UNESCO declared April 23 as World Book and Copyright Day, honoring a tradition begun by the official book chamber in Catalonia, Spain, in 1923. The date holds special symbolism, coinciding with the anniversary of the deaths of English writer William Shakespeare, Spanish writer Miguel de Cervantes, and historian Inca Garcilaso de la Vega. The day encourages reading, publishing, and the spread of book culture worldwide, while honoring the role authors play in enriching humanity's social and cultural progress. It also raises awareness of the importance of protecting intellectual property and copyright, which allow creators to continue their work. UNESCO places special emphasis on encouraging children and young people to discover the joy of reading as a gateway to knowledge and imagination. Libraries, publishers, and schools worldwide mark the day with book fairs, group reading sessions, and book-swap campaigns, while UNESCO names a World Book Capital each year to host cultural events throughout the year.