World Book and Copyright Day is an annual event organized by the United Nations Education, Scientific, and Cultural Organization to promote reading, publishing, and copyright. All UN Member States observe the celebration. World Book Day is celebrated on April 23rd because that is the death date of Miguel de Cervantes, William Shakespeare, and Inca Garcilaso de la Vega, as well as the anniversary of the birth or death of several other prominant authors.

Created in 1974, the Miguel de Cervantes Prize, or Premio de Literatura en Lengua Castellana Miguel de Cervantes, is awarded anually to honor the lifetime achievement of an outstanding writer in the Spanish Language. It has been described as the most important award in Spanish literature. The award ceremony is held in the auditorium of Alcalá de Henares University in the province of Madrid.

In Catalonia, Saint George's Day (Diada de Sant Jordi) has been commemorated by giving loved ones books and roses since 1436.