Foreign Minister Highlights Celebration of Havana Book Fair in Cuba

Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez underscored the government's decision to hold the 34th Havana International Book Fair despite the country's complex economic situation, noting that over 95,000 digital and printed volumes were acquired during the event's first stage.

The fair, held from August 10 to 16, brought together representatives from 33 countries across all continents and featured Russia as the guest of honor. Writers Marilyn Bobes and José Bell Lara were the honorees of this edition.

In a post on the social network X, Rodríguez wrote that the high volume of book acquisitions demonstrates the Cuban people's marked interest in reading and reaffirms the correct and timely decision by the Government to hold the event.

The president of the Cuban Book Institute, Juan Rodríguez, stated that the economic difficulties, aggravated by the U.S. blockade, did not prevent the literary gathering from taking place. He also valued the broad international participation as a show of solidarity with Cuba and highlighted that the event helps maintain active ties of solidarity and brotherhood among peoples.

Under the Martiano motto "Leer es Crecer" (To Read is to Grow), the 34th edition of the Havana International Book Fair was dedicated to the centenary of the birth of Cuban Revolution leader Fidel Castro. The program included specialized spaces such as the Professional Book Hall and the Meeting of Editors and Literary Translators, along with various activities aimed at fostering exchange among writers, editors, and readers.