Galicia Literature Day 2025 in Spain

Galicia Literature Day is a regional public holiday in Galicia, celebrated annually on May 17 to honor Galician literature and language. Each year, a different Galician writer is recognized for their contributions to the region's literary heritage, with events, readings, and cultural activities held across Galicia.

Galicia Literature Day: A Public Holiday?

Galicia Literature Day is a regional public holiday in Galicia, Spain. On this day, most businesses, offices, and schools in Galicia are closed, allowing citizens to participate in various cultural events and festivities that celebrate the region's rich literary heritage.

Galicia Literature Day

Galicia Literature Day, known as Día das Letras Galegas, was established in 1963 by the Royal Galician Academy (Real Academia Galega) to celebrate and promote the Galician language and literature. The first honoree was Rosalía de Castro, one of Galicia's most influential poets and a key figure in the Rexurdimento (Galician literary revival). The date May 17 was chosen because Cantares Gallegos, her first published work in Galician, was released on that day in 1863.

Since then, each year, a different Galician writer is honored for their contribution to Galician literature. The chosen author must have passed away at least ten years prior to being recognized. The holiday has played a major role in preserving the Galician language, especially during times when its use was suppressed. Today, it remains a key event in Galicia's cultural and literary identity.

Galicia Literature Day Celebration in Spain

Galicia Literature Day is a public holiday in Galicia, and many events take place across the region. Schools, universities, and cultural institutions organize literary readings, lectures, and performances to highlight the work of the honored writer. Libraries and bookshops display Galician literature, encouraging people to explore the region's rich literary tradition. Public ceremonies often feature scholars and writers discussing the impact of Galician literature on the region's identity.

Local communities celebrate with concerts, theater performances, and art exhibitions, all dedicated to Galician culture. In some towns, children participate in poetry recitations and storytelling sessions in Galician, reinforcing the importance of the language for future generations. Many radio and television programs broadcast special segments about the honoree, ensuring their legacy reaches a wider audience. The Royal Galician Academy also organizes an official event where leading cultural figures pay tribute to the selected writer.

This celebration is vital for Galician identity and linguistic preservation. The event not only honors past writers but also encourages new generations to engage with Galician literature. As Spanish and other global languages dominate, Galicia Literature Day reminds people of the value of the Galician language and its cultural heritage. It fosters pride in regional identity and ensures that Galician literature continues to thrive for future generations.

Galicia Literature Day Observances