December 2024 - Books From Mexico

Zócalo Book Fair 2024: A Literary Celebration to Remember

The 2024 Zócalo International Book Fair in Mexico City raised the bar for future literary events. Held from October 11 to 20, the fair transformed the Plaza de la Constitución, better known as the Zócalo, into a hub of literature and culture. With two forums, seven pavilions, and over 300 publisher stands, it offered a staggering 282 free cultural activitiesthat drew in more than 1.2 million visitors. Attendees enjoyed book presentations, lectures, dramatic readings, concerts, activities for children, and even awards ceremonies—all completely free of charge and open to all ages.

Prioritizing Accessibility

A standout feature of this year’s fair was its emphasis on inclusivity. Large screens were installed in the forums to ensure visibility for everyone, and they included a sign language interpreter who translated all presentations in real time. This initiative showcased the event’s commitment to making culture and literature accessible to a wider audience.

Engaging Activities for Every Age

While the event attracted a diverse crowd of young adults and seniors, children’s activities were a major highlight. Interactive read-aloud sessions specially designed for kids stole the spotlight. One unforgettable moment was Julieta Fierro’s presentation of her book, “Astronomía, ¿para qué?” Her dynamic and educational session captivated both children and adults, creating an enriching experience for all.

Literature Meets Advocacy

Beyond the literary offerings, the fair also served as a platform for addressing pressing social issues. A forum titled “Palestina Libre” shed light on the Middle Eastern conflict, featuring writers, poets, and activists. The discussions and readings of Palestinian authors’ works underscored the role of literature in fostering empathy, awareness, and justice for global human rights issues.

Must-Read Highlights

The diverse range of books available delighted readers of all interests. Some standout titles included:

“Suerte de principiante: Once ideas sobre el oficio” by Julián Herbert: A fascinating exploration of the writer’s craft, touching on styles, challenges, and the often-hostile environments in which writers create.
“Co-laboramos: Manual sobre cooperativas” by Eduardo Enrique Aguilar: A practical guide to cooperative work as a tool for social transformation.
Comics and manga from Kamite Editorial, including “Charla tranquila,” winner of the 2023 graphic novel contest by Pura Pinche Fortaleza Cómics.
Fanzines by Astrochavo, such as a compelling piece illustrating life during the COVID-19 pandemic, showcased by Editorial Verso Desierto & Campo Literario.

Co-laboramos

More Than a Fair: A Cultural Celebration

The Zócalo Book Fair went beyond books to offer a holistic cultural experience. Visitors enjoyed the lively ambiance of the Centro Histórico, with organ grinders’ tunes, traditional candy vendors, and children playing with toy airplanes enriching the festive atmosphere. This unique blend of culture, literature, and everyday life made the event a truly unforgettable experience.

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To connect with a culture, especially one as rich and ancient as Mexico’s, we can turn to books that recount its history, as well as research that includes maps and photographs to illustrate these stories. Taking it a step further, museums offer access to archaeological artifacts, reproductions of codices, and historical clothing. Visiting an archaeological site, exploring small towns, or walking through the streets of a historic center brings us even closer to the echoes of the past.

However, nothing transports us back in time quite like food. Flavors evoke memories, and certain ingredients, unique to specific regions, provide not just identity but also a sense of nationality. In this context, Mexican cuisine, recognized as a World Heritage, stands out as a living tradition passed down from generation to generation. While recipes are widely shared online today, few books capture the essence of this tradition as beautifully as the Cookbook of Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz.

Libro de cocina

This special edition, reissued in 1979 by historians Muriel de González Mariscal and Guadalupe Pérez San Vicente, is remarkable not only for its content but also for its presentation. Designed by the Taller Gráfica de Comala, only 150 copies were printed, each handmade with original engravings and movable metal type. The book features an introductory text by Sol Rubín de la Borbolla, a prominent scholar of Mexican culture.

The book includes traditional recipes like cheese fritters, ricotta and wind fritters, hojuelas, and sweets made with cream, beet, walnut, butter, mamey, and pineapple. These recipes do more than please the palate; they invite us to reflect on time. What does the past taste like? Often, a particular flavor takes us back to childhood or a meaningful moment. Cooking these recipes immerses us in the 17th century, a time when the flavors of America, Europe, and the Arab world blended to create something new: Mexican identity.

While change is a natural part of life, humans strive to preserve the things that connect us to the past. Traditions are a cornerstone of our identity, and preserving them is a shared responsibility. Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz may never have imagined that her book would resonate across centuries, but she left us a fragment of history. Through this text, we rediscover her daily life and her relationship with gastronomy, extending her legacy beyond her writings and historical contributions.