30th International Book Fair opens in Havana

Havana, April 21 (RHC)-- The 30th International Book Fair got underway Wednesday with typical music from Mexico, guest of honor at Cuba's largest literary event, which will bring Cuba closer to the culture and literature of that sister nation.

The opening ceremony was attended by the President of the Republic, Miguel Diaz-Canel, along with the visiting delegation, led by Alejandra Frausto, Secretary of Culture of the Government of Mexico and the ambassador of that country in Havana, Miguel Diaz Reynoso.

After thanking the warm welcome offered in Cuba, Frausto congratulated the Cuban president on his 62nd birthday, and highlighted the historic ties of friendship that unite both Latin American states while extending special greetings from President Andrés Manuel López, who will visit the island soon.

"This Fair is an act of generosity, in which all cultures fit equally and not even a pandemic can stop this festival of letters. What an honor and joy to be here in the Nicolás Guillén Hall," said the official, recalling the ideals of great Cuban and Mexican creators.

For his part, the president of the Cuban Book Institute, Juan Rodríguez, underscored the essence of the event based on the thoughts of historic leader Fidel Castro (1926-2016).

He also confirmed the efforts of Cuban cultural institutions that worked on more than 900 literary novelties for the great literary event, which will be held for more than 10 days at the San Carlos de la Cabaña Fortress, as the main venue.

The artistic proposal of the guest country was led by the Mariachi del Ballet 'Amalia Hernández', from Mexico, who performed rancheras dedicated to the Cuban president on his birthday.

Also present at the opening of the Fair were the head of the Ideological Department of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Cuba (PCC), Rogelio Polanco; the president of the National Assembly of People's Power of Cuba (Parliament), Esteban Lazo; Cuba's deputy prime minister, Ines Maria Chapman; the head of Culture, Alpidio Alonso; the president of Casa de las Americas, Abel Prieto, in addition to other Cuban officials and members of the diplomatic corps accredited to the island.