Book Fair Enthralls Havana

PHOTOS BY CARIDAD

HAVANA TIMES, February 14 – The annual International Book Fair that takes place at the San Carlos de la Cabaña fortress overlooking Havana Bay is an event that brings out people of all ages, more people than any other event throughout the year.

Books printed in Cuba are reasonably priced and accessible to a large segment of the population, while those sold by foreign publishers in hard currency are only for a minority.

This year’s fair opened to the public on Friday and continues at its main venue through February 22, before moving on to the 14 different Cuban provinces.

Chile is the guest country this year and besides having President Michele Bachelet on hand for the opening, dozens of Chilean publishing houses are offering their books to the Cuban and visiting public.

The sprawling fortress turned fairgrounds has numerous expo pavilions and several halls where the authors present their books throughout the day starting at 10:00 a.m. There are also poetry readings, children’s activities, art exhibitions and evening concerts.

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