Month: October 2024

Under its mission to provide humanist education focused on teaching, research, and innovation, La Salle Universityhosted its annual La Salle University Book Fair. The event took place between August 20 and 28 across its three locations in Mexico City—Condesa, Santa Teresa, and San Fernando. This year’s theme, “The Library and its Digital Footprint in the Age of Artificial Intelligence,” highlighted the evolving role of AI in education and research.

The fair catered primarily to university students, high schoolers, researchers, and academics, offering them a unique opportunity to explore titles relevant to their fields. The fair featured over 20 stands, showcasing a wide range of books and materials for the attendees. Some notable exhibitors included Editorial Paidotribo and Luka y Gika, with their focus on educational material, Plot México for architecture enthusiasts, and El Sótano, which brought a selection of young adult literature.

A variety of genres were represented as well. Trópico de Escorpio offered social novels and Latin American narrative, while Páramo Libros, an Argentinian publisher, brought works on Slovenian philosophy and film analysis. Libro Traficantes stood out with its diverse collection, covering important social issues like migration and deportation, alongside counterculture fanzines.

Campamento migrante: Espera, asistencia y acción

Throughout the event, announcements in Spanish, English, and French kept visitors informed of the many activities offered, including workshops, readings, panel discussions, and book presentations. One of the most anticipated sessions was the presentation of “Apuntes de historia de la filosofía del derecho en México” by Dr. Ramón Ortega García, aimed at law students but open to the general public. The book emphasized the role of philosophy in shaping Mexican law and explored the importance of its study in understanding Mexico’s current social, economic, and political context, particularly in relation to the reform of the judicial system.

The fair’s theme of AI was reflected in discussions like “Challenges of Modern Computing Technologies for Studying Medicinal Plants” and “AI Literacy: Using Chatbots.” These interactive sessions allowed attendees to engage with experts through questions and new ideas. Additionally, featured readings, such as the Bilingual Poetry Reading in Spanish and Ladino and the shared reading of Pride and Prejudice, brought literature to life for all participants.

The La Salle University Book Fair continues to be a vital space for sharing knowledge and diverse perspectives, blending traditional education with the modern challenges of technology and artificial intelligence.

Inkitt: BbyKevs

Wattpad: @SugoiKevs

TikTok: @bbykevs

The International Book Fair of Anthropology and History 2024 took place at the renowned National Museum of Anthropology in Mexico City, located on the iconic Paseo de la Reforma. This museum, known for its 22 permanent exhibit halls, two temporary exhibition rooms, and three auditoriums, also houses the National Library of Anthropology and History. It is a treasure trove of cultural and historical knowledge, inviting visitors to explore the past and make meaningful connections with their heritage.

Each year, the museum hosts this vibrant book fair in its courtyard, where past and present come together. For 2024, the theme was “Cultural Heritage and Sustainability,” with Belize and the Mexican state of Quintana Roo as the guests of honor. The event was packed with activities, including book presentations, panel discussions, lectures, tributes, film screenings, outdoor concerts, and workshops. With more than 90 exhibitors, an outdoor forum, and five tents for exhibits and workshops, the 35th edition of the fair was held from August 8 to 18, solidifying its place as a major cultural event in Mexico and Latin America.

Highlights from the 2024 Fair

One of the main attractions was the presentation of the Antonio García Cubas Award, which honors outstanding editorial work in anthropology and history across nine categories. The fair offered a variety of booths, some featuring traditional Mexican music from Ediciones Pentagrama, known for their wide range of CDs that spotlight Mexico’s alternative music scene.

The folk art and tradition of Mexico were on display at the stand of Cartonería Martha Salvador, which showcased beautifully handcrafted pieces that reflect Mexican creativity and cultural themes. Similarly, Keto Textil and Kuxul Pok’brought embroidered clothing and handcrafted jewelry, emphasizing the rich history and craftsmanship that continues to thrive in modern Mexico.

Museo del Templo Mayor: 10 años

Although rich in academic content, the fair also catered to younger audiences. For example, Editorial Resistencia featured books like Nievecita and 7 cruces rosas, which sensitively address difficult subjects, such as violence in Mexico, in ways that children can understand. El Colegio de México offered classic titles like Historia mínima de México and the thought-provoking Historia mínima del comunismo y anticomunismo en el debate mexicano. Meanwhile, El Colegio de la Frontera Norte contributed in-depth research titles like Trama de una injusticia and Campamento migrante, which explore critical issues shaping the modern world.

Comunismo y anticomunismo en el debate mexicano

Book Presentations and Performances

Among the most anticipated book presentations was El códice de la cruz-Badiano: Reflexiones desde la ciencia, la historia y la antropología, considered a key work for understanding botany and the influence of indigenous cultures. Another standout was the introduction of Comedia a la gloriosa Magdalena: Estudio introductorio y edición crítica by Alejandro Arteaga Martínez, which brought fresh perspectives on Mexican theater.

Outdoor concerts at the Artistic Forum were a crowd favorite, filling the fair with music and drawing people from all over. Located next to the museum’s café, it was the perfect place to enjoy a break, sip on coffee, and engage in conversation with other visitors.

This lively book fair is more than just an opportunity to discover new literature—it’s a cultural experience that invites attendees to explore the museum’s temporary and permanent exhibitions, creating a deeper appreciation of Mexico’s history and heritage.

Inkitt: BbyKevs

Wattpad: @SugoiKevs

TikTok: @bbykevs