Russia and Fidel Castro’s Centennial to Headline Havana International Book Fair 2026
The historic Fortaleza de San Carlos de la Cabaña is set to once again become the epicenter of Cuba’s largest cultural celebration. From February 12 to 22, 2026, this iconic site will host the 34th edition of the Havana International Book Fair (FILH). The event, which will extend across the capital region and conclude on March 22 in Santiago de Cuba, will hold special significance due to its dual dedication: commemorating the centennial of Fidel Castro Ruz’s birth and honoring the Russian Federation as Guest of Honor Country.
According to organizers, the 2026 program will feature over 1,200 new publications, an expansive pavilion showcasing the Eurasian nation, and numerous forums on social sciences.
Structured around several thematic and professional spaces, the fair aims to encompass all facets of the book ecosystem, guided by the José Martí’s principle “Leer es Crecer” (To Read is to Grow). The academic and professional program will include the Professional Book Fair, the Editors and Literary Translators Encounter, the National Bookseller Workshop, and forums on Social Sciences, Human Health, and the Environment, alongside a Business Forum designed to facilitate commercial exchange.
Also, on the agenda are the Ibero-American Young Writers Encounter, the Historians Encounter, and the Poetry Promoters Encounter, as well as the Pabellón Infantil Tesoro de Papel (Children’s Treasure of Paper) pavilion, dedicated to young readers with activities promoting literacy, and the Cuba Digital project, which aligns with initiatives to analyze and promote digital publications and media.
The designation of Russia as Guest of Honor Country marks a significant moment in cultural relations between the two nations. Russian Ambassador to Cuba, Víctor Koronelli, described the participation as a great honor, noting that his country will present a large delegation and intends to showcase the best of Russian literature—from universal classics like Alexander Pushkin, Fyodor Dostoevsky, and Leo Tolstoy to contemporary authors. The Russian program will extend beyond literature to include contemporary cultural expressions in music, theater, and film, with activities also planned to pay tribute to the Cuban leader on his centennial.
The fair, in turn, will honor two distinguished Cuban intellectuals: the award-winning poet, narrator, and editor Marilyn Bobes, and Dr. José Bell Lara, a professor at the University of Havana.
Organizers acknowledge that the event will take place within a complex economic context. Juan Rodríguez Cabrera, president of the Cuban Institute of Books, affirmed that it represents a significant challenge, but that there is a strong will among creators, writers, and the publishing system to offer the public the best possible fair under these circumstances.
For those interested in participating as exhibitors or attending professional activities, the organization recommends contacting the Cuban Chamber of Books or visiting the official website www.filhcuba.cu for information on stands, credentials, and the detailed program.
With a tradition spanning more than four decades, the FILH reaffirms itself as the most significant publishing event in Cuba and one of the most important literary gatherings in the region.
Translated by Luis E. Amador Dominguez
