Spanish Language Day and the United Nations

To mark the anniversary of the death of Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra, the United Nations designated April 23 as Spanish Language Day. Coincidentally, this date also commemorates the passing of Inca Garcilaso de la Vega and William Shakespeare — the latter providing the reason why the same day is celebrated as English Language Day.

Spanish is one of the UN’s six official languages, alongside English, Arabic, Chinese (Mandarin), Russian, and French. This status is highlighted on Spanish Language Day, which celebrates not only the richness, reach, and significance of the Spanish language, but also its role as a bridge between cultures and a marker of identity and recognition — both globally and within the inner workings of the United Nations itself.

In this spirit, 2013 saw the creation of the Group of Friends of Spanish (GAE), an initiative formed by 20 Spanish-speaking member states through the signing of a founding charter. The group’s mission is to promote the use of Spanish within the UN. Since its inception, GAE members have championed Spanish not only as an official language of the organization but also as a working language of the General Assembly, as well as the Economic and Social Council and the Security Council. Their efforts are closely aligned with the UN’s broader goals of upholding its founding ideals and principles.

The choice of this date is also part of the UN’s commitment to multilingualism, an approach driven by the efforts of the Department of Global Communications and the establishment of Language Days for each of its six official languages. This policy underscores the UN’s dedication to preserving linguistic and cultural diversity worldwide, encouraging wider participation within the organization and fostering dialogue and mutual respect among cultures.

April 23 is also observed as World Book and Copyright Day, a moment to celebrate books and their authors, promote access to reading, encourage the sharing of ideas, combat poverty, and contribute to building lasting peace, as stated on the United Nations’ official website.

It is worth noting that the date is symbolic. Cervantes died on April 22, but his burial took place the following day. Meanwhile, Shakespeare’s death on April 23 corresponds to May 3 on today’s Gregorian calendar, as it was recorded under the Julian calendar then in use. The celebration also honors other writers who were born or died on this date and whose contributions to literature are likewise recognized, including Maurice Druon, Teresa de la Parra, Josep Pla, Haldor K. Laxness, William Wordsworth, Manuel Mejía Vallejo, and Vladimir Nabokov.

Translated by Luis E. Amador Dominguez

Photo: The United Nations