Galicia Literature Day in Spain

Galicia Literature Day (Día das Letras Galegas) is an annual public holiday in the autonomous community of Galicia in Spain, celebrated on May 17th. It is dedicated to the promotion and recognition of the Galician language (Galego) and its literature.

History:

The event was established by the Royal Galician Academy (Real Academia Galega) in 1963 to honor the memory of Rosalía de Castro, a renowned Galician poet whose death anniversary falls on this date. De Castro's book "Cantares Gallegos," published on May 17, 1863, is often considered a pinnacle work that revitalized contemporary Galician literature.

Traditions:

• Literary Honor: Each year, a significant Galician literary figure is chosen posthumously to be celebrated for their contributions to Galician literature.
• Cultural Events: Readings, conferences, concerts, and exhibitions take place across Galicia focusing on the honored writer's work and on promoting the use of the Galician language.
• Educational Activities: Schools organize special activities for students including poetry readings, writing contests, and workshops exploring the works of both historical and contemporary Galician authors.
• Publishing: New books or re-editions of classic works are often published around this time to coincide with heightened interest in regional literature.

What People Do:

People across Galicia participate in various cultural events that take place throughout cities and towns. They attend public readings of literary works, participate in discussions about literature, engage with street performances related to the honored author's works, and immerse themselves in activities that celebrate their linguistic heritage. The day serves as an opportunity for reflection on the importance of language as a cultural cornerstone and fosters a sense of pride within the community for its literary achievements.