All the arts will pay homage to literature during Book Fair in Sancti Spíritus

As we have come to expect, the International Book Fair is more than just a literary event; it is the country’s major cultural happening, where various forms of artistic expression converge. According to José Meneses, the event’s artistic director, the 34th edition—which kicks off this Thursday afternoon in Sancti Spíritus—will be no exception.

“The Fair will showcase local talent. The ‘Tesoro de Papel’ (Paper Treasure) area will operate as usual, with two daily sessions—at 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.—featuring all our children’s projects as well as performers from the local theater scene.

“The Fair will also retain the ‘Al Caer la Tarde’ (At Dusk) segment. I believe we’ve succeeded in bringing in a group from Trinidad—Dador Teatro—that is rarely seen in the city but is currently doing excellent theatrical work; they will be performing at the AHS pavilion. We’ll have other venues as well, such as cultural activities at the movie theater—a location that has rejoined the program after a long absence, offering a wide-ranging schedule that begins this very Thursday.

“We will hold the closing event—or rather, the public closing, as there will be a separate closing for writers—at the Café Teatro on the night of the 29th. It will feature a performance by Manolito Borroto and the Leticia Quartet, which I think is an excellent offering. We proposed this as the conclusion to the Fair’s literary component, because on Sunday we’ll hold a major event in the Park at 6 p.m., which will also serve as part of the summer season’s finale. It’s an event that will feature representatives from all the children’s projects.”

Another highlight of the artistic program is the “Bailando Casino” (Casino-style Salsa Dancing) event, featuring a live performance by the *charanga* band XL on Saturday afternoon at Serafín Sánchez Valdivia Park.