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Shakespeare and Cervantes did not die on the same day, as they died in countries using different calendar systems. Cervantes died on April 23, 1616, using the Gregorian calendar, while Shakespeare died 10 days later, using the Julian calendar. Despite this, April 23 is celebrated as International Book Day by UNESCO.
The writers William Shakespeare and Miguel de Cervantes did not die on the same day. While both writers died on April 23, 1616, that was when countries used two different calendar systems: the Gregorian and the Julian calendar. Cervantes died in Spain which used the Gregorian calendar, now referred to as the Western calendar, and is widely used as of 2015. Shakespeare died in England which still used the Julian calendar. England would not adopt the Gregorian calendar until 1752. To switch from the Julian to the Gregorian calendar, countries had to add 10 days to the current date to adjust to the new system. Therefore, if the changeover to Gregorian chant were to take place after July 6, the next day would be July 14. Shakespeare died 10 days after Cervantes on May 3, 1616.
Read more about Shakespeare and Cervantes:
Cervantes’ most famous book, Don Quixote, has been translated into 60 languages.
The language used in Shakespeare’s plays and poems helped shape modern English.
Although Cervantes and Shakespeare died on different days, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has designated April 23 as International Book Day.
