Dia Del Libro brings feast of books and roses to the streets

For the first time, Instituto Cervantes de Manila is bringing its day of books and roses to the streets — Bonifacio High Street, that is. 

 

On April 20, 2013, the arts and leisure spot will be transformed into a book market. For every book purchase, a 20 percent discount will be given, which comes with a long-stemmed rose.

 

"Celebrated annually by Instituto Cervantes centers all around the globe, Dia Del Libro has in its roots the centuries-old Catalan tradition of exchanging books for roses," Instituto Cervantes said in a press release. 

 

"It is widely believed that Dia Del Libro was originally celebrated every third week of April to commemorate the death of two of Western literature’s most well-known writers — William Shakespeare and Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra, author and creator of the most iconic character in Spanish literature — Don Quixote de la Mancha," they said, noting that the two died on the exact same day — April 23, 1616. 

 

Rose from the dragon's blood  

 

April 23 is also the feast day of Saint George or Sant Jordi, the patron saint of Catalonia, whose symbol is the rose. Legend has it that after Saint George slew a dragon to save the life of a princess, a red rose bloomed where the blood of the dragon fell, and Saint George presented the rose to the princess.

 

"Thus, in Catalonia, on April 23, it was traditional for a man to present a rose to his beloved. And since 1926, a woman would likewise present a book to her loved one," Maria Theresa Jose wrote in a previous article. 

 

This year, participants in the book market include National Bookstore, Fully Booked, Ortigas Foundation, the National Historical Commission of the Philippines and the National Artist for Literature F. Sionil Jose's La Solidaridad Bookshop.

 

While last year's celebration featured a film screening and video workshop for children, this year's Dia Del Libro includes music, poetry and dance. 

 

Representatives of the cultural offices within the European Union will recite poetry in their native language alongside Filipino authors reading their own works in the 5th edition of “Bersong EuroPinoy.”

 

Phil-Euro Month 

 

Organized in collaboration with the Delegation of the European Union to the Philippines, this poetry recital marks the beginning of May as European Month in the Philippines. 

 

According to Instituto Cervantes, it "has been acknowledged in previous years by award-winning bodies such as the Commission of the Filipino Language for 'its continuous support and contribution to the awareness and growth of the Filipino language and literature, culture and the arts."

 

Meanwhile, the award-winning Spanish contemporary dance duo of Álvaro Esteban and Elías Aguirre will give an exclusive performance of their routine called “Entomo.” 

 

Leading up to Dia Del Libro is "Mas Libros, Mas Libres," Instituto Cervantes' online book campaign. 

 

Each "Like" for the page means one Spanish book that they will donate to a public school library where Spanish is taught as a foreign language subject. At the end of the campaign, Spanish Ambassador to the Philippines, H.E. Jorge Domecq will hand over the books to library representatives at 4PM on April 20. – Carmela G. Lapeña / KDM, GMA News