Trivia: When you buy a book in Barcelona during International Book Day, you're most likely to receive a rose as a gift, according to tradition. This is because the book day is merged with the Rose Festival, which honors chivalry and romantic love, and commemorates the April 23 deaths of Miguel de Cervantes and William Shakespeare.
But you won't have to go to Spain to experience International Book Day and see how the Spanish celebrate their love for books, since Instituto Cervantes will bring the tradition to Manila on April 19. Just like the festival in Barcelona, flowers and books for as low as P20 will be overflowing at the International Book Day. There will also be free Spanish classes, guided tours, dance performances, poetry readings, wine and cheese tasting, and film showings--all for free!
I was lucky to be there last year, and I'm happy to say I didn't go home empty-handed. Because my Spanish is rubbish, I chose a photography book for only a hundred pesos, and a beautiful book of Spanish poems (which I bought because of the nice book design, actually. I had to ask a friend to translate the poems) for only P20. A friend and I also sampled a free Spanish class, where we were taught the basics by Luis, one of the center's friendly teachers who came straight from Spain.
The International Book Day event will be open from 10 a.m. to 12 midnight. Cervantes is located at 855 T.M. Kalaw St., Ermita, Manila. For schedules and more information, please call 526-1482 or visit their website.
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