Every March 31 in our country the Cuban Book Day is celebrated , and that is why from Cubaliteraria we invite you to learn a little more about the celebration.

• Why was the date chosen?

On March 31, 1959, just three months after the Triumph of the Revolution, the National Press of Cuba was created by means of Government Law 187. In 1981, the Cuban Book Day was instituted as a tribute to the day.

• What was the first published book?

The Ingenious Hidalgo Don Quijote de la Mancha , a masterpiece of the Spanish language, authored by Miguel de Cervantes was the first book published by the Press. With a circulation of one hundred thousand copies, it was published in three volumes and sold for only 25 cents, so that Cubans had access to it. 

• Who was your first director? 

The Cuban writer Alejo Carpentier was the first director of the Printing House, and he remained in the direction of the institution for several years (even when it changed its name). 

• Did the Printing Press disappear? 

In 1962, La Imprenta Nacional de Cuba changed its name to Editora Nacional, and this in turn became the Cuban Book Institute in 1967, through which a series of national and provincial publishers were formed. 

• In the midst of this context, how is Cuban Book Day celebrated? 

The great celebration for the date has been the Day for the Cuban Book Day, a virtual event organized by the Cuban Book Institute, which from the 25th until today has offered book presentations, panels, awards ceremonies, among others.