World Book Day 2026: Roses, Marathons, and Open-Air Fairs Across Spain

On April 23, Spain celebrates World Book Day—an international holiday observed in over 100 countries. The date is symbolic, marking the anniversaries of the deaths of both Miguel de Cervantes and William Shakespeare. Major celebrations, fairs, and cultural programs have been prepared in Barcelona, Madrid, and Valencia.

Sant Jordi in Barcelona

In Barcelona, the day is celebrated as Sant Jordi, the feast of the city's patron saint, Saint George. Following a centuries-old tradition, residents gift each other books and roses. You can find the full program of events via this link.

The heart of the celebration is the Superilla Sant Jordi—a pedestrian zone stretching approximately three kilometres. It covers Passeig de Gràcia and surrounding streets, including Balmes, Pau Claris, Gran Via, and Avinguda Diagonal. This year, due to construction, the book fair is moving from the upper part of Las Ramblas to Portal de l'Àngel, where authors will host signings and bookstores will showcase new releases. During the holiday, the entire perimeter between Diagonal, Gran Via, Balmes, and Pau Claris will be closed to cars, motorcycles, and scooters. Bicing stations within this zone will also be suspended.

Book and flower stalls will be set up in every district. City administration stands will be located on Passeig de Gràcia between Provença and Rosselló. The program also features free open days at Ateneu Barcelonès and the Pavelló Mies van der Rohe, while the City Hall courtyard will host a special rose exhibition.

LIBROMAD in Madrid

In Madrid, the festivities centre on the Cuesta de Moyano—the famous street of second-hand booksellers near El Retiro Park—and at the Círculo de Bellas Artes, which hosts its traditional non-stop reading of "Don Quixote". Public libraries and the Biblioteca Nacional have also prepared special schedules. As part of Noche de los Libros (Night of the Books), bookstores will remain open late for author meet-and-greets and literary discussions.

For the first time, the LIBROMAD festival will run from April 23 to 26. Spanning over 100 municipalities in the region, the festival includes over 400 events featuring 300 authors and 130 bookstores. More details can be found here.

The grand finale will take place at Plaza de España on April 26. From 11:00, there will be a mass reading session with hot chocolate and literary meetings with authors like Maria Hesse and Lorenzo Silva. Performances by Billy Boom Band, Celeste Baker, and Russian Red will follow. Children's workshops, theatrical performances, and a literary quest will run from 11:00 to 14:00.

Book Day in Valencia

Valencia's municipal libraries have prepared an extensive program. On April 23, the Grau–Constantí Llombart, Lluís Fullana i Mira, and Benicalap libraries will host afternoon storytelling sessions for children. From 09:00, charitable book fairs will open at the Cabanyal–Casa de la Reina library and the Mercado Central. Collective readings in a relaxed atmosphere will also be held at these locations until 14:00.

Storytelling sessions will continue throughout April in libraries such as Benimaclet and Sant Marcel·lí. In May, the celebration continues at the Book Fair in the Viveros Gardens. On May 1–3 and May 8–10, children's workshops for creating bookmarks, illustrations, and masks will be held on-site.