CANCELED BECAUSE OF COVID 19 The International Day of the Book takes over Howard Avenue in the heart of Kensington, Maryland, on Sunday, April 26, from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. rain or shine. Among more than 50 authors, I will be there selling and signing copies of the new paperback edition of Advocating Overlord – a little ahead of the official release date. Now, about this year’s celebration in Kensington. Yes, that is Saint George and his dragon enjoying a book together. Do you see the rose?
Roots of the International Day of the Book go back to the Middle Ages Barcelona Rose Festival, inspired by the story of Saint George, that in 1923, was merged with “el dia del libre.” That commemorates the deaths on April 23, 1616, of Miguel de Cervantes and William Shakespeare. In 1995, UNESCO marked this blended tradition as a global day to celebrate literature.
This year in that spirit, the Smithsonian Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage will participate in Kensington, bringing representatives from Barcelona. There also will be a Veterans’ Writing Program. Add to this readings, music, children’s activities, a food court, and a chess challenge. Quite a day! Please visit the Kensington event’s website at: https://dayofthebook.com/