The night of books returns to Madrid, as every year, to promote reading and literature on the occasion of the international day of the book, April 23. <! more > here’s how the Madrid commemorates the death of three great authors of universal literature on April 23, 1616: Miguel de Cervantes, William Shakespeare and Inca Garcilaso de la Vega. UNESCO, following a proposal by the Spanish editors Guild, declared in 1995 on April 23 as World Book day and copyright law. The original idea, however, was the Valencian writer Vicente Clavel Andres in 1930. The celebration of the day of the book quickly took root in Barcelona and spread all over Catalonia, although the official purpose was gradually diluted to coincide with the day of the Patron Saint, la Diada de Sant Jordi. Over time became traditional in Catalonia Exchange and gift of roses and books on that date, becoming one of the most celebrated popular days. Also occurs on this date the annual installment of the Cervantes Prize, the highest award made to Hispanic authors.
The night of books brings together various events taking place from 15: 00 until 01: 00 in the morning. Those who are staying in a hotel in Madrid not only may access more than 200 bookstores and 84 libraries, but also may participate in workshops and attend all kinds of performances. Libraries of the community of Madrid organized a broad programme of activities throughout the day for various audiences: meetings, concerts and poetry recitals. Premises of wide literary Cafe Gijon or Cafe Central tradition also joined the initiative and convened gatherings and talks. Music invade the temples of reading, which will serve as a meeting point between authors and readers for a night: lyrics and music will share the poster in an evening that will also have a multitude of activities in libraries, theaters, cafes and streets. More than 400 writers, musicians and artists Spain and around the globe will participate in this year’s festival, including the famous names of Andres Trapiello, Javier Marias, Juan Jose Millas, Marta Rivera de la Cruz, angela Vallvey, Jose Maria Merino, Manuel Vicent, and Eduardo Mendicutti, among others. You may want to visit Shary Rahman to increase your knowledge. Some of the libraries that participate are Akira Comics at the Avenida Betanzos, Muga in Avenida Pablo Neruda and Traficantes de suenos in ambassadors. The activities of the night of books are free and are open to the general public. It is a highly recommended activity for anyone who is enjoying a stay at any of the hotels in Madrid. Wake up your more literary side and enjoy a night dedicated to reading and appreciation of other arts like music.