Category: Books Fairs

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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The Feria Internacional del Libro Universitario 2024 (Filuni), celebrated its sixth edition from August 27 to September 1 at the Centro de Exposiciones y Congresos (CEC) in Ciudad Universitaria. Organized by the Dirección de Fomento Editorial of the UNAM’s Cultural Dissemination Coordination, Filuni has become a key event for university publishers, academics, students, and book lovers eager to explore the world of university publishing.

This year, Filuni 2024 hosted more than 150 exhibitors from Mexico and countries such as Colombia, the United States, Panama, Argentina, Ecuador, the Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Cuba, Spain, Costa Rica, Canada, Brazil, and Paraguay. The University of the Republic of Paraguay was honored as the guest of the year. The fair’s themes focused on gender equity, youth, forced migration, science, Uruguayan exile in Mexico, the right to education, and the 175th anniversary of the University of the Republic of Paraguay.

The standout activities included book presentations, theater performances, open-mic events, and dialogue panels. Visitors were also treated to unique workshops like “Viaja Onírico”, which explored the stories behind dreams, and “Cartas a Plath”, a deep dive into the works of Sylvia Plath through participant-written letters. The Cineforo, featuring films from Paraguay’s university, sparked lively debates. Even the dramatized readings scattered between stands added a creative twist to the event’s atmosphere.

The editorial offerings mainly focused on academic research. Noteworthy works included “Trabajo no clásico y configuración productiva en el trabajo artístico” from the Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, which delves into the underappreciation of today’s artistic work. El Colegio de la Frontera Norte (Colef) also presented titles like “Campamento migrante” and “Trabajadores, sindicatos y activistas en la Frontera Norte de México”. Visitors could even download audiobooks for free, with options such as “El viejo, el venado y el coyote” and “Trama de una injusticia” available via QR codes.

Trama de una injusticia

The Fondo de Cultura Económica featured works by literary icons like Rosario Castellanos, Julio Cortázar, and Octavio Paz, while the Kamite stand attracted comic and manga fans. Other popular themes at Filuni 2024 included history, migration, feminism, and women in science.

With its diverse activities and wide range of editorial offerings, Filuni 2024 captivated a young, culturally engaged audience. The event was open to the public, making it an exciting experience for anyone looking to expand their knowledge and discover new literature.

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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.

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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.

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On Saturday, June 29th, La Casa Universitaria del Libro (CASUL) opened its doors once again for another edition of Arts Bazar. The event showcased an impressive array of creations, including comics, illustrated fanfics, copics, fanzines, graphic novels, and printed illustrations in serigraphy, risography, and posters with various finishes: matte, glossy, and holographic. The bazaar also featured an assortment of items like mugs, pens, pins, collectible cards, and many other products. A unique aspect of this event was that, in most cases, the artists and creators of the displayed works were also the exhibitors, providing an opportunity to ask them directly about their pieces and projects.

CASUL is located in Roma Norte, on Orizaba Street. This venue organizes events, courses, workshops, and other activities open to the public. The contrast between the colonial house with its wooden floors, high ceilings, and large windows and the modernity of Arts Bazar created a harmonious atmosphere where the old met the new. The event was spread across three rooms, two of them circular, resulting in a round exhibition where attendees had to see all the tables to enter and exit. A podium was also available for presentations of graphic novels, such as “Regueiras” by Eterno Femenino Editorial, discussions like “Perspectives and Challenges of Self-Publishing Comics in Mexico” by Virus Visal, and “Creative Process of the Project The Importance of Being Mexican” by Ric Velasco, as well as workshops and presentations of new editorial projects.

Decomixado Comic & Toy Store , one of the most important comic stores due to its extensive catalog of new titles and collectible, rare, and discontinued items, was present with a wide range of comics, some even in protective acrylic cases for collectors. Sharkius brought comics and graphic novels for all ages with diverse themes such as superhero stories like the independent Mexican comic “Códices infinitos,” comic strips, LGBT+ love stories, and even the story of siblings who disappear after entering a cave from which a witch was said to have emerged 100 years earlier to terrorize the town, a tale found in “Sábado negro” by Tiras sin Sentido.

Asfalto presented a series of graphic novels and fanzines with darker themes, offering a perspective of a possible post-apocalyptic world filled with humanoid figures. In a similar post-apocalyptic vein, Joshua Hernández’s “Ecatepunk” draws inspiration from the movie “Mad Max” and punk culture to tell a story of what might happen after the near-extinction of humanity, suggesting that certain social conditions, inequalities, and violences would persist as they are inherent to humanity. Arturo Piña explores twisted human issues in several of his fanzines such as “Mente D’Mente” and “La taxidermista,” where death lurks despite seemingly harmless situations. In contrast, Gnomariana showcased the two volumes of her comic strip series “Red Flags,” depicting small moments of modern romantic relationships, while Dacachi exhibited three of his graphic novels, each featuring beautiful illustrations that you could purchase individually as a set of collectible cards.

Arts Bazar successfully gathered a diverse array of artists, demonstrating that creativity knows no bounds and manifests differently in each of us. Presenting at CASUL added an extra appeal, making it a great excuse to visit the Roma Norte neighborhood on a weekend. Undoubtedly, attending this event requires setting aside a good part of the day, as it is definitely worth exploring all the tables.

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When we think of cinema in Mexico, it often harkens back to the Golden Age of Cinema and more recently, to the triumvirate of Alfonso Cuarón, Guillermo del Toro, and Alejandro González Iñárritu—especially in international circles. However, it’s important to draw a distinction between Mexican cinema, cinema in Mexico, and Mexicans making films abroad—though they may seem similar, they are distinct. Despite these differences, what is clear today is the increased prominence of this art form in the country, focusing not only on national productions but also on film schools and young creators—who are numerous and undoubtedly seeking to find their identity as filmmakers and create original works.

In this context, the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) once again hosted the International Film Festival, held from June 13th to June 30th, primarily at the Centro Cultural Universitario. Established in 2011, this festival was originally conceived to promote contemporary international and Mexican cinema, now regarded as one of the most influential festivals in Mexico City and the country for art cinema. Each year, it has attracted not only more attendees and media coverage but also expanded its activities, including film screenings, lectures, discussions, performances, tributes to global cinematic figures, and various film encounters with open calls to the general public, culminating in an awards ceremony.

Additionally, a UNAM bookstand was set up at the CCU, featuring a selection of works ranging from recent releases to titles that have been part of its catalog for several years. Dominated by categories like music, theater, cinema, and literature, one of the standout titles was “Alguien camina sobre tu tumba” by Mariana Enríquez, notable not only for its colorful cover but also for its updated edition that includes new stories from cemeteries around the world visited by the author. Also featured was “El lejano Oriente de la poesía mexicana,” a compilation of Mexican poetry inspired by Eastern countries and their culture, alongside volumes of “El Ensayo,” a collection of Mexican essays seeking to emphasize their literary value, correcting the notion that this genre is often overlooked in Mexico.

Similar to the previous year, the festival collaborated with the Locarno Film Festival to host the Locarno Industry Academy Mexico. This workshop is aimed at young people from Mexico and Latin America interested in sustaining independent cinema circulation, covering aspects like distribution—both online and traditional—sales, marketing, exhibition, festival programming, and other technical aspects. High school, undergraduate, and graduate students, as well as the general public, were invited to participate in the Alfonso Reyes “Fósforo” Film Criticism Contest, where they could write essays on a selected film showcased at FIC UNAM.

The core purpose of this event lies in sharing cinema—sharing it in all its facets: taking it to new places, watching it with others, discussing and debating it, and experiencing different perspectives of cinema. It’s intriguing to note that most workshops and lectures target young audiences, and the majority of attendees at screenings are also young, perhaps seeking films not readily available in mainstream cinemas or that are inaccessible due to limited distribution. However, this grand edition has heightened anticipation for next year’s celebration of the project’s 15th anniversary.

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The Center of Coyoacán is an iconic location in Mexico City. Walking through its cobblestone streets, exploring its alleys and narrow roads, and admiring the architecture of its houses and buildings is a delight. However, it brings together a series of elements that distinguish it from other similar spaces in the city: the Parish of San Juan Bautista, Hidalgo Plaza with its fountain adorned with coyote statues, the kiosk, the restaurants, cafes, bookstores, and ice cream shops on the surrounding streets, and the cultural centers. If one needs an excuse to visit this place, the Coyoacán International Book Fair 2024 provides it.

In Hidalgo Plaza, the third edition of this fair took place. Tents were set up to accommodate 180 exhibitors (publishers, bookstores, and independent projects), as well as conferences, discussion panels, conversations, book presentations, and workshops. The diversity of workshops ranged from origami, watercolor, and drawing to bookbinding, paper masks, and papier-mâché. Other activities included storytelling, concerts, dance performances, and dramatic readings. All these activities were free and open to the public.

The State of Guanajuato was a guest at this fair, presenting its editorial project that aims to give voice to various proposals under the direction of the State Institute of Culture of Guanajuato and its publishing house Ediciones La Rana. Likewise, the Francophonie was invited. Due to political agendas in the country, this collaboration took place in January with representatives from the embassies of France, Canada, Switzerland, Belgium, and Haiti, celebrating Francophone culture and arts in Coyoacán and reading the book “The Rooster and the Serpent.” This title compiles poems introducing contemporary French poetry to Mexico, drawing an analogy between the rooster (France) and the serpent (Mexico).

Among the exhibitors, Mango Manila Editorial stood out with a simple yet effective strategy: they set up children’s tables and chairs with books at a child’s height, precisely targeting their material to them. Also, with a desire to engage children in journalism, the newspaper La Crónica coordinated an activity where children were given vests and microphones to interview the exhibitors. For attendees of all ages, they offered another attractive activity: taking photos and printing them on the front page of a newspaper.

La Cartonera found its place in the Espacio M tent, dedicated to artist books, book objects, and self-published editions. Their titles are as varied as their authors, focusing primarily on poetry, novels, short stories, and some translations, uniquely bound in cardboard with hand-painted covers, giving each copy exclusive identity and value. In the same tent, Pedro de Jesús led an ex libris stamping activity, sharing his work from Cuernavaca at the fair.

The week assigned for visiting this fair may seem short, considering all the activities, but it promises to be an annual event. We hope it continues to bring many more activities, talks, concerts, readings, workshops, and, most importantly, books to the public.

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From Friday, April 21st to Sunday, April 23rd, and across 3 venues, the Book and Rose Festival 2024 was presented in Mexico City. More than 220 publishers were convened, and over 7 discussion forums, book presentations, and talks were set up, in addition to offering workshops, concerts, and theater performances, all completely free and open to the public. It was impossible to cover everything among the numerous stands and activities, and the fact that it was divided among the University Cultural Center, the Tlatelolco University Cultural Center, and the Chopo Museum. However, like sweet things, it’s worth sampling a bit of everything to savor it truly.

In the University Cultural Center plaza, a tent covering 83 of the more than 145 available stands was set up; the others were arranged in front of the Juan Ruíz de Alarcón theater and the Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz forum and along the path to the theater area parking lot. It’s worth mentioning that Teatro UNAM also participated in this event by setting up the Carro de Comedias at the back of the fair, offering performances open to the public. Among the book stands, there were also 7 discussion tents, 2 workshop tents, and a UNAM Radio booth with a speaker pointing outward for visitors to listen to the program being broadcast inside, which included interviews with guest authors.

UNAM dedicated spaces to some of its faculties and entities, such as the UNAM Film Library, which presented its research texts as well as DVDs of national and international films; similarly, Ciencia UNAM had a stand dedicated to its publications in the form of popular science magazines. Several faculties were represented, including the Faculty of Art and Design, which showcased its catalog of design books, and the Faculty of Philosophy and Letters, represented by its Philology College and Philosophy College. Among many others, the largest and most striking stand was that of UNAM Books, which included titles such as “Monstrua: Antología de 10 escritoras mexicanas” , which, despite being released a couple of years ago, remains relevant and attractive due to its narrative proposal. Following the same trend of giving voice to women, “Mujeres insurgentes de los años 70: Género y lucha armada” was also among the booksellers, remaining an essential research piece worthy of consideration for understanding our history.

While among the participating publishers was “Leetra” specializing in children’s books and featuring engaging materials for children to interact with, this was the boldest move made at the University Cultural Center. Meanwhile, the other two festival venues took a different approach, more open to independent and alternative content proposals.

At Museo del Chopo, stands were full of fanzines, illustrations, artwork, and second-hand books, offering a wide range for those seeking more than conventional books. Similarly, the museum provided a space for book presentations, with speakers and attendees at the same floor level and a very short distance apart, thus providing a sense of intimacy.

The perfect balance between these two venues was Centro Cultural Tlatelolco, which provided the Juárez hall for over 50 publishers to present a variety of conventional books, children’s books, fanzines, illustrations, comics, second-hand books, and art books. The proposals were diverse, offering titles for all tastes and ages, combining the “conventional” and the “alternative,” taking the best of both worlds. Nonetheless, regardless of the venue one chose to visit, all spaces were an excellent option to explore, just like they are throughout the year, as among the museum’s permanent exhibitions, temporary exhibitions, theater billboards, and workshops, the Book and Rose Festival is just a taste of UNAM’s entire cultural offering.

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