Cervantes Institute Commemorates Literary Legacy on World Book Day
On April 23, 2026, the Cervantes Institute in Rabat hosted a collective reading of Miguel de Cervantes' iconic novel, Don Quixote, in celebration of World Book Day. This significant event brought together a diverse group of attendees, including ambassadors from Spanish-speaking nations, diplomats, and prominent figures from both Moroccan and Spanish cultural spheres, along with students and enthusiasts of the Spanish language. The gathering was imbued with a strong intercultural and symbolic essence, emphasizing the importance of literature as a bridge between cultures.
The celebration forms part of the 10th Week of the Spanish Language in Morocco, which took place from April 20 to April 24, organized by the Cervantes Institute in collaboration with the Spanish Embassy. This week-long event featured an extensive program of cultural activities involving numerous Spanish-speaking diplomatic missions accredited in the Kingdom, aiming to enhance cultural exchange and appreciation of the Spanish language.
According to Anastasio Sanchez Zamorano, the director of the Cervantes Institute, World Book Day is an essential date on the international cultural calendar. It coincides with the death anniversaries of several literary giants, including William Shakespeare, Inca Garcilaso de la Vega, and Miguel de Cervantes himself, a historical convergence that led UNESCO to designate this day as a celebration of literature and authorship, highlighting its profound symbolic significance.
During the event, Zamorano underscored the timeless relevance of Don Quixote, often regarded as the first modern novel, noting that it remains one of the most translated and widely distributed books worldwide. He also highlighted the initiative's role in fostering cultural and human connections between Morocco and Spain, reinforcing the bonds shared by both nations.
Mexican Ambassador to Morocco, Mabel Gomez Oliver, commended the event as a unique platform for promoting the Spanish language, one of the world's leading languages. She expressed her pleasure at the active involvement of Moroccan students and Hispanists, who contribute to invigorating cultural, academic, and institutional exchanges between Morocco and Spanish-speaking countries, thus solidifying this expanding linguistic space.
Established by UNESCO in 1996, World Book Day and Copyright Day is celebrated annually by cultural and educational institutions around the globe. This date also coincides with the presentation of the prestigious Cervantes Prize, Spain's highest literary honor.
As reported by fr.hespress.com.
