April is the month of books. And for obvious reasons: The Book Fair, perhaps the most important cultural event in Argentinabegins in the last week and publishers, since the first days, they arrive on the market with their best proposals. The main titles, from the most prestigious to the most sellers, are published in this month in which the authors, in addition, have the opportunity to get in touch with their audience through the activities proposed by the fair.
This edition, 49, which extends between April 24 and May 12; Find the El Book Foundation, the institution that organizes the event, in a new stage with change of authorities. Christian Rainone, CEO of the Guadal Editorialis the brand new president, while The address of the event remains in the hands of Ezequiel Martínezwhich was in charge in recent years.
In tune with the time, the fair is proposed in this edition, new lines of action: a very dynamic participation of young people, today’s readers who will remain present in the future and a more active intervention of the technological field inviting large platforms such as Netflix, Tiktok and Mubi Already the most popular streamers to participate in the event. Also, it encourages to reflect, from different sectors, about the gravitation of artificial intelligence, an unavoidable protagonist of today’s cultural production.
As comprehensive and massive as ever, the fair prepares for an edition 49 full of proposals, while paying the way to celebrate its 50 years, in 2026, with an exceptional party dedicated to the book.
What is coming
This new management of the Foundation The book has led to a more fluid dialogue with the National Government, which last year drastically reduced its economic contribution to the fair, by virtue of the disagreements with the organization of the event. That contribution, in the past and during other governments, was mainly symbolized in the stand that the Ministry of Culture occupied on the La Rural site. In 2024, The Secretariat by Leonardo Cifellidecided to leave that space that passed to the province of Buenos Aires.
This will not change this year, but the novelty is that the National Library You will have your own stand at Fair. On the other hand, Cifelli promised a greater contribution in Conabip’s purchases. What is Conabip? The popular libraries network distributed throughout the country (are around 1500), main book buyers at the Fair. Through the book % program they have a subsidy to acquire new materials with a 50 % discount. The fair closes its facilities to the public two mornings to allow Bibilotarios to make their purchases with absolute tranquility.
The big question is whether the Secretary of Culture will be present at the inauguration of the event. Last year it lacked. Will it be encouraged in 2025?
In any case, it is no accident that the person in charge of pronouncing the inaugural discourse of this edition is The writer Juan Sasturaina long career intellectual directed by the National Library during the government of Alberto Fernández. This act is always loaded with tensions and expectations. And surely in 2025 he will also speak.
With the property sold to 95 percent, the event recovers the presence of almost all the provinces that in 2024 had economic difficulties to participate. There will also be representation of 24 countries, Spanish -speaking 12 and 12 from other languages.
As always, a guest city will have prominence. Riyadh or Riad, capital of Saudi Arabiait will be this year’s star. He will participate with a “extra long” stand of 550 m2, divided into two floors, where he will offer a range of activities that will include literature, dance, visual arts and even gastronomy.
Outstanding
The help of Embassies and Cultural Institutes and a much more accessible dollar than in previous years, favors international visits to this edition. The list of guest writers is immense: Eduardo Halfon, Rosa Montero, Gioconda Belli, Erri De Luca, Arturo Pérez Reverte, Fabio Morabito, Fernando Aramburu, María Dueñas, Javier Cercas And many more. The majority of the most recognized Argentine authors will also have an active participation in the fair.
In addition to their individual presentations, they will integrate classic cycles such as the International Poetry Festival, the dialogue of writers and writers of Argentina (which will open Pedro Mairal) and Latin America (which Andrés Neuman will open) and the reading marathon, which in this edition will be dedicated to Juan José Saer, 20 years after his death.
The International Education Days, the Indigenous Word (Dialogue with Native Writers) and the 28th Meeting of Oral Narration will also be held. Two days before the opening, professional days with activities for various actors in the book industry will take place.
Like last year, at the close, a discussion table will be organized, with participants of various trends, which in this edition will dialogue around the slogan “Culture in the country of freedom.”
The ticket will cost $ 5000 on the weekends and $ 8000 on weekends and holidays. There is very little missing, everything is ready, the great party of the readers begins.
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