World Book Day happens on April 23, and this year, it lands on a Monday. If you happen to be in Baguio that week, catch some of these events and activities to celebrate your love for the printed word.
Baguio City: Literaday For World Book Day
On April 21, Saturday, writers, artists and literature lovers come together for a day-long arts assembly at Baguio City’s Melvin Jones grounds. The event is organized by the Pasa-Kalye Group of Artists, a local group of artists. According to its President Maricar Docyogen, the event aims “to promote reading especially among our kids.” Docyogen, who also owns second-hand bookshop Bookends, promotes the love for books and reading as an entrepreneur.
The main activity on Literaday will be the pastel painting interpretation of a poem, where 20 student artists will compete for the best interpretation. Creative Council member and writer/poet Frank Cimatu will choose the poem for the competition. Also in the morning will be a session where students will be taught how to make creative book marks.
The afternoon will make way for poetry reading, storytelling by the Kawiwit Storytelling Initiative, a monologue by a well-known local director, a literature quiz, capped by cultural dances and performances by local buskers.
The organizers hope that this event can become a regular one every April, which is also the month of Literature.
World Book Day – Things To Know
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) designated April 23 as World Book Day because it marks the death of several prominent authors including William Shakespeare, Miguel de Cervantes and Inca Garcilaso dela Vega. The first World Book Day celebration was done on April 23, 1995.
Every year, UNESCO designates a World Book Capital. It is a recognition for the work being done by local government and the book industry in promoting the love for reading and for books.