Coincidentially, three top figures of universal literature: Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra, William Shakespeare and Garcilaso de la Vega died on the same day and in the same year, April 23rd, 1616.

Miguel de Cervantes is considered the top figure of the Spanish literature cultivated brilliantly all the narrative genres that predominated in his time. In honor of Cervantes, on April 23, the Spanish Language Day is celebrated worldwide.

William Shakespeare, an English poet and playwright, author of a theater that has become classic, where all the facets of the heart of man surface, all the passions and all the impulses, from love and filial piety to jealousy, ambition, greed and the doubt. Shakespeare’s contacts with the author of Don Quixote are constant and his work has never stopped being represented on Spanish-language stages.

And, Garcilaso de la Vega, a chronicler and writer born in the Viceroyalty of Peru. He wrote works such as the famous Royal Commentaries and the General History of Peru. His works are rich in autobiographical elements. He’s known primarily for his chronicles of Inca history, culture, and society.

It was precisely to honor these three great writers that in 1995 the General Conference of UNESCO chose April 23 as International Book Day, considering that historically, books constitute the most powerful element of concentration and dissemination of human knowledge and the most effective means to conserve it.