femalenetwork.com

Book-lovers, put your hands up! Nothing can replace the wonderful experience of reading a book, and we all have our good reasons for doing so.

Here’s a curious (yet romantic!) book trivia for you: Since medieval times, Spanish men give ladies roses in exchange for books every St. George’s Day, which falls on April 23.

Then in 1995, the literature-loving Spanish succeeded in urging UNESCO to announce April 23 as International Book Day—which day also falls on the death anniversary of two formidable literary figures: the Immortal Bard William Shakespeare and Don Quixote author Miguel de Cervantes.

Instituto Cervantes de Manila recently celebrated Dia Internacional del Libro or International Book Day with a three-day festival that featured poetry readings, lectures, film screenings, musical and dance performances, and other cultural delights from April 23 to 25.

Renowned Argentinean poet Juan Gelman kicked off Dia del Libro 2009 with a poetry recital on the evening of April 23.