The inaugural edition of the Havana Book Fair was held in 1982. It was quite a modest event that took place at the National Museum of Fine Arts of Havana. The fair showcased books by Latin American authors approved by Cuba’s communist government.
From 1982 to 2000 the fair was held every two years, except for the year 1988 when there was no fair. Since 2000, the Havana International Book Fair has been held annually. That same year it moved to a new venue, Fortaleza de San Carlos de la Cabaña, commonly referred to as La Cabaña. It’s an 18th-century fortress complex located in the historical park on the elevated eastern side of the city’s harbor entrance.
The Havana International Book Fair features over 100 exhibitors, of which most are Cuban and Latin American publishers. Alongside the book exhibition, the program of the fair includes Q&As and book signings featuring Cuban and international authors, poetry readings, art exhibitions, special events and activities for children, evening concerts, and other cultural events for visitors of all ages.
Every edition of the fair is dedicated to a certain theme. The theme format has changed several times over the years. Since 2000, every edition has been dedicated to several Cuban authors and/or intellectuals and has also featured a guest of honor.
The guest of honor is a country or region whose literature and culture are presented at the fair. Past guests of honor at the Havana Book Fair include Mexico, Italy, Spain, France, Germany, the Andean Community, Brazil, Venezuela, Argentina, Chile, Russia, the Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America, the Caribbean, Angola, Educator, and others.
Photo: Sio El Ciudadano
