World Spanish Language Day
April 23
About World Spanish Language Day
World Spanish Language Day is observed on 23 April each year, celebrating the history, culture, and global reach of the Spanish language. Established by the United Nations Department of Public Information in 2010, the day is part of a broader initiative to promote multilingualism and cultural diversity across the UN’s six official languages.
The Story Behind World Spanish Language Day
The origins of World Spanish Language Day are rooted in the United Nations’ commitment to multilingualism. In 2010, the UN Department of Public Information launched a series of language days to celebrate each of the organisation’s six official languages — Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, and Spanish. The purpose was to promote equal use of all six working languages throughout the organisation, raise awareness about their histories and cultural contributions, and foster respect for linguistic diversity.
The date of 23 April was selected in honour of Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra, the Spanish novelist, poet, and playwright best known for “Don Quixote,” widely considered the first modern novel and one of the greatest works of fiction ever written. Cervantes died on 22 April 1616, and his burial took place on 23 April. Remarkably, this date also coincides with the death of William Shakespeare, creating a poetic connection between two of the world’s most celebrated literary figures. It is fitting, then, that English Language Day is also celebrated on 23 April, and World Book and Copyright Day falls on the same date.
Initially, the UN Spanish Language Day was observed on 12 October, coinciding with Día de la Hispanidad (Hispanic Day), celebrated in several Spanish-speaking countries to mark the arrival of Columbus in the Americas. However, the date was later changed to 23 April to honour Cervantes and to align with the wider celebration of literature and linguistic heritage.
Since its inception, the day has grown in scope and significance, with the UN Secretariat, universities, cultural institutions, and Spanish-speaking communities around the world organising events that celebrate the richness of the Spanish language and the diverse cultures it represents.
When and Where is World Spanish Language Day Celebrated?
World Spanish Language Day is observed on 23 April every year. In 2026, it falls on Thursday, 23 April. The date is fixed and does not change. Celebrations take place at UN headquarters in New York, UN offices worldwide, and in Spanish-speaking communities and cultural institutions across the globe.
Traditions and Customs
- Literary readings and Cervantes tributes — Events frequently feature readings from “Don Quixote” and other works of Spanish literature, honouring the language’s rich literary tradition and the legacy of Cervantes.
- Cultural exhibitions — The UN and partner organisations host exhibitions showcasing the art, music, cinema, and cultural heritage of the Spanish-speaking world.
- Spanish language workshops — Many institutions offer free Spanish language lessons, conversation circles, or workshops on translation and interpretation to encourage language learning.
- Film screenings and music performances — Events often include screenings of Spanish-language films and performances of music from across the Spanish-speaking world, celebrating the diversity of cultural expression within a shared linguistic tradition.
- Culinary celebrations — Food plays a central role in many observances, with tastings and cooking demonstrations featuring cuisines from Spain, Mexico, Argentina, Colombia, Peru, and other Spanish-speaking nations.
Ways to Celebrate World Spanish Language Day
- Read a work of Spanish-language literature — Whether it is Cervantes’ “Don Quixote,” Gabriel García Márquez’s “One Hundred Years of Solitude,” or Isabel Allende’s “The House of the Spirits,” immerse yourself in the richness of Spanish-language writing.
- Start learning Spanish — If you have ever wanted to learn Spanish, use the day as your starting point. Free resources like Duolingo, podcasts such as “Coffee Break Spanish,” and community language classes make it accessible.
- Watch a Spanish-language film — Explore cinema from across the Spanish-speaking world. Films by directors like Pedro Almodóvar, Alfonso Cuarón, and Lucrecia Martel offer compelling entry points.
- Listen to Spanish-language music — From flamenco to reggaeton, bolero to cumbia, Spanish-language music encompasses an extraordinary range of genres and styles. Create a playlist and share it with friends.
- Cook a dish from the Spanish-speaking world — Prepare a paella, ceviche, empanada, or mole and share it with family or neighbours. Food is one of the most accessible gateways into another culture.
- Share the day on social media — Use #SpanishLanguageDay and #DíaDelIdioma to join the global conversation. Post about your favourite Spanish word, book, song, or travel memory.
Facts and Figures
- Spanish is spoken as a first language by approximately 500 million people worldwide, making it the second most spoken native language after Mandarin Chinese.
- Spanish is an official language in 20 countries across Europe, the Americas, and Africa.
- The United States has the second-largest Spanish-speaking population in the world, after Mexico, with over 41 million native Spanish speakers.
- “Don Quixote” by Cervantes has been translated into more languages than any other book except the Bible.
- The Real Academia Española (Royal Spanish Academy), founded in 1713, is the institution responsible for overseeing the Spanish language.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is World Spanish Language Day?
World Spanish Language Day is a United Nations observance on 23 April that celebrates the Spanish language, its cultural heritage, and its role as one of the six official languages of the UN. The day was established in 2010.
When is World Spanish Language Day in 2026?
World Spanish Language Day falls on Thursday, 23 April 2026.
Why is it celebrated on 23 April?
The date honours Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra, the author of “Don Quixote,” who was buried on 23 April 1616. The same date also marks the death of William Shakespeare, linking two of the world’s greatest literary traditions.
Spread the Word
Share World Spanish Language Day with your community using #SpanishLanguageDay and #DíaDelIdioma. Whether you mark the occasion by reading Cervantes, learning a new phrase, or cooking a favourite recipe from the Spanish-speaking world, every gesture of appreciation helps celebrate this extraordinary language.
Related Awareness Days
- English Language Day — Also observed on 23 April, celebrating the English language and the legacy of William Shakespeare.
- World Book and Copyright Day — Held on 23 April, promoting reading, publishing, and intellectual property rights worldwide.
- International Jazz Day — Observed on 30 April, celebrating another art form with deep roots in Latin American culture.
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