Book, literature and reading event opens in Cuba

www.granma.cu Havana. January 30,  2003

TODAY Thursday, January 30, sees the inauguration of Cuba and the world’s date with books, literature, at the San Carlos de la Cabaña Fortress, venue for the 12th International Book Fair. The event continues into to March in different parts of the country.

Some 1,000 titles, the majority newly published on the island, are the national book industry’s essential ingredient in reaffirming its will to contribute to the aims of achieving a general, integral culture.

This year’s forum is dedicated to the Andean community countries, represented by a comprehensive selection of its rich culture. The Fair also includes a strong literary and academic program plus a special tribute to Cuban poet, narrator and essayist Pablo Armando Fernández.

Outstanding writers from Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador and the United States are sharing 10 days of knowledge and culture-based exchanges with promoters, experts from various nations and Cuban authors.

This year, acknowledged Cuban publishers are displaying their wares alongside 15 publishing houses from the provinces and the Isle of Youth special municipality, thus reinforcing the fact that books are being produced all over the country.

The Book Fair officially opens its doors to the public tomorrow; experts and Cuban families have until February 9 to renew their acquaintance with books plus the best in literature for all ages.

From February 10 the fair moves out to the western provinces, then onto the center of the island until reaching eastern Cuba on March 2. It will close its doors in Santiago de Cuba, after bringing a cultural message to 30 of the country’s cities.