April 23 is known as World Book and Copyright Day, a UNESCO observance celebrating reading, authorship, and the power of the written word. Fittingly, it’s also the day the literary world remembers the passing of William Shakespeare—arguably the most influential writer in the English language—who died on April 23, 1616.
More than four centuries later, Shakespeare’s legacy remains deeply embedded in global culture, language, and education. From classroom recitations to modern film adaptations, the Bard’s work continues to inspire, entertain, and provoke thought across generations.
Shakespeare’s death on April 23, 1616, is poetic in more ways than one. Not only is it the date traditionally recognized as his birthday (April 23, 1564), but it also closely aligns with the death of Spanish writer Miguel de Cervantes, author of Don Quixote, who died a day earlier. Though discrepancies in calendars and dating systems make the alignment imperfect, the symbolic significance has endured. In 1995, UNESCO declared April 23 as World Book Day in part to honor both literary giants.
This dual commemoration turns April 23 into a day not only of literary reverence but also of reflection on storytelling’s power to bridge centuries, cultures, and ideologies.
William Shakespeare’s impact on the English language is virtually unparalleled. He introduced hundreds of new words and phrases into common usage—terms like “eyeball,” “bedazzled,” “swagger,” and expressions such as “break the ice,” “wild-goose chase,” and “heart of gold.”
Beyond vocabulary, Shakespeare’s explorations of love, power, revenge, jealousy, and mortality resonate as deeply today as they did in Elizabethan England. His plays have been translated into more than 100 languages and are performed more often than those of any other playwright in history.
Despite the archaic phrasing and iambic pentameter that can initially intimidate students, educators continue to make the case for Shakespeare’s relevance. His works are taught not just for their poetic beauty but for their complex characters, psychological insight, and the universal themes that define the human experience.
In Stratford-upon-Avon, England—Shakespeare’s birthplace—April 23 is typically marked by parades, theatrical performances, and wreath-laying ceremonies at his grave. Thousands of visitors flock to the town each year to walk in the Bard’s footsteps, tour his childhood home, and attend events at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre.
This year, the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust is hosting a weeklong series of lectures, virtual readings, and live performances to mark the occasion. Meanwhile, libraries and schools around the world are using the date to highlight the importance of literature, promote reading programs, and encourage youth literacy.
In Spain, events honoring Cervantes are also underway, especially in Madrid and Alcalá de Henares, where literary walking tours and public readings of Don Quixote draw crowds. This shared observance between Shakespeare and Cervantes speaks to the timeless, borderless nature of great literature.
April 23 also highlights the modern implications of creative work. World Book and Copyright Day isn’t just about celebrating authors—it’s also a reminder of the legal and economic structures that support them.
As digital publishing continues to reshape the literary landscape, debates about copyright protection, piracy, and fair compensation have taken center stage. The rapid rise of AI-generated content, in particular, has ignited concern among authors, publishers, and artists about the need to safeguard intellectual property.
UNESCO’s 2024 campaign places renewed emphasis on protecting the rights of content creators, especially in developing nations where access to books and publishing infrastructure remains limited. The theme this year, “Read, Preserve, Create,” ties together heritage and innovation.
Far from being relics of the past, Shakespeare’s works have found new life online. From TikTok adaptations of Romeo and Juliet to podcast reimaginings of Hamlet, Gen Z audiences are putting their own spin on the classics. Entire social media accounts are devoted to “modernizing” Shakespearean insults and soliloquies, giving the 400-year-old texts a sharp, humorous twist.
Streaming services have also helped reintroduce Shakespeare to broader audiences. Modern retellings like 10 Things I Hate About You (The Taming of the Shrew) and The Lion King (Hamlet) continue to draw new fans who may not even realize they’re enjoying Shakespearean plots.
The enduring popularity of the Bard’s work speaks to its adaptability—and its ability to be reshaped without losing its soul.
While April 23 honors some of the greatest names in literature, it is ultimately a day meant for readers. Libraries, bookstores, and literacy organizations around the world are encouraging people to pick up a book, attend a literary event, or donate reading materials to underserved communities.
Book-sharing events, read-a-thons, and poetry slams are popping up in cities and towns large and small. Many schools are distributing free books or hosting creative writing contests to inspire young authors.
In an age of streaming videos, short-form content, and algorithm-driven entertainment, World Book Day is a gentle nudge to slow down and reconnect with the written word.
