Some 1,300 new editorial releases and two million titles will go into circulation starting today at the 34th Havana International Book Fair, which will dedicate its sessions to the centennial of the birth of Fidel Castro (1926-2016).

Postponed last February due to the tense electroenergy situation the nation was beginning to experience, the fair has also relocated its venue from the majestic Morro-Cabaña Park, across the Havana bay, to bring the public closer at the Cultural Station of Línea and 18th Street in the central Vedado neighborhood, as well as other nearby institutions.

Delegations from China, Mexico, Argentina, Venezuela, Brazil, and Spain will be present at the event, which will have Russia as guest country of honor. Russia will showcase a broad cultural display with a delegation of artists and writers presenting their work to longtime followers while introducing it to new generations of Cubans eager to learn about Russian literature, traditional music, and film.

The program, dedicated to the leader of the Cuban Revolution, includes presentations of titles such as Fidel, siempre abogado, published by Ediciones de la Organización Nacional de Bufetes Colectivos; Fidel Castro ¿Qué se encontró al Triunfo de la Revolución?, from the Capitán San Luis publishing house; and the Obras escogidas of Raúl Castro.

As is customary at the literary fair, in addition to book presentations and sales, the public will have access to a comprehensive academic program that includes the awarding of the National Prizes for Literature, Social Sciences, and Publishing.

These are joined by the Nicolás Guillén Prize for poetry, the Alejo Carpentier Prize for essay, short story, and novel, and the Calendario and Hermanos Saíz Association prizes, which bring together the youngest creators.

Following its stay in Havana through the 16th, the fair will travel across the island, culminating in the eastern province of Santiago de Cuba on September 6.

Organized by the Cuban Book Institute, the Cuban Book Chamber, and the Ministry of Culture, along with the Russian Embassy in Cuba and other institutions, the fair will also set aside space to pay tribute to journalist and writer Marilyn Bobes and researcher José Bell Lara.