The 33rd edition of the Havana International Book Fair came to an end; but the apparent end marks many beginnings: not only the event's journey throughout Cuba, but also the reading of the titles sold during these ten days; a path that leads to ennoblement and good.
That spirit marked the closing ceremony, which took place this Sunday afternoon, in the Nicolás Guillén Hall of the La Cabaña Fortress, attended by Liudmila Álamo Dueñas, deputy head of the Ideological Department of the Party Central Committee; and Alpidio Alonso Grau, Minister of Culture, among other authorities.
The president of the Cuban Book Institute, Juan Rodríguez Cabrera, highlighted the broad program of the event and the attendance of the people -more than 400,000 people at the main venue and the 19 sub-venues- "the main recipient of this enormous effort", which is reaffirmed as the largest gathering of Cuban culture.
He mentioned the visibility of the Fair in 151 countries, the more than 1,000 titles presented, 2,500 literary and artistic activities, and 250,000 printed copies sold; as well as the record number of 61 countries attending, a sign of solidarity and confidence -he said- in this Island that resists.
He also thanked South Africa, guest of honor, for its contribution by sharing its culture, arts and knowledge. Yvonne Nkwenkwezi Phosa, South Africa's ambassador to Cuba, expressed gratitude and pride for the experience and described the festival of letters as exceptional.
The event recognized the contribution of the guest country, the Government of Havana and the projects Tesoro de Papel, 25th Anniversary of theTerritorial Edition System, Cultural Arte Cubano and Cultural Icaic, as well as the performance of the artistic program and broadcaster Rosalía Arnáez.
Likewise, for the first time, the Social Communication awards were given to the Nuestra Historia Project (graphics), Digital Cuba Project (digital media), Citmatel Editions (audiovisuals) and the Provincial Book and Literature Center of Pinar del Río (public relations). The grand prize for integral communication went to Casa Editora Abril.
