World Book Day
UNESCO's annual celebration of books, reading, publishing, and copyright — and the date of death of both Shakespeare and Cervantes.
1 min read · Fact-checked · Updated for 2027
About World Book Day
World Book Day is celebrated on April 23rd, chosen by UNESCO in 1995 because it is the anniversary of the death of William Shakespeare, Miguel de Cervantes, and Inca Garcilaso de la Vega in 1616. The day promotes reading, publishing, and copyright. In the United Kingdom and Ireland, it is held on the first Thursday of March, with schoolchildren receiving book tokens. UNESCO's global observance encourages book donations, publisher events, and author appearances. The day emphasizes books as bridges connecting people across time, culture, and language.
Read more on WikipediaWhen is World Book Day?
World Book Day is celebrated every year on April 23. Upcoming dates:
| Year | Date | Day of week | |
|---|---|---|---|
| World Book Day 2027 | April 23, 2027 | Friday | View date → |
| World Book Day 2028 | April 23, 2028 | Sunday🎉 weekend | View date → |
| World Book Day 2029 | April 23, 2029 | Monday | View date → |
| World Book Day 2030 | April 23, 2030 | Tuesday | View date → |
| World Book Day 2031 | April 23, 2031 | Wednesday | View date → |
How to Celebrate World Book Day
- 🎯Dive into the story behind World Book Day — the "About" section above is a good start.
- 💡Plan something themed with friends: food, films, or a small event.
- 📣Join the conversation online under #WorldBookDay.
Official hashtag: #WorldBookDay
Frequently Asked Questions
When is World Book Day 2027?
World Book Day 2027 is on Friday, April 23, 2027.
How many days until World Book Day?
There are 284 days until World Book Day (April 23, 2027).
What category is World Book Day?
World Book Day is categorized as a Culture event.
Is World Book Day a public holiday?
World Book Day is an observance day, not typically a public holiday. Check your country's official calendar for local public holidays.
More Culture Days
World Poetry Day
March 21
UNESCO's day honoring one of humanity's most ancient art forms, celebrating poetry's power to unite people across languages and cultures.
World Photography Day
August 19
Celebrating the art, science, and history of photography — marking the date the daguerreotype process was officially announced in 1839.