South Africa to Be Guest of Honor at Havana’s 33rd International Book Fair in 2025
South Africa has been named the guest of honor for the 33rd edition of the Havana International Book Fair, which will take place in 2025. The event will also honor intellectuals Francisca López Civeira and Virgilio López Lemus.
Juan Rodríguez, president of the Cuban Book Institute (ICL), made the announcement during a press conference, revealing that the fair will be held from February 13 to 23 under the slogan, Todo un país en libros.
The event will feature two key themes: the 25th anniversary of the Territorial Publishing System and the 130th anniversary of the death of Cuba’s National Hero, José Martí.
Additionally, the fair will pay tribute to researcher and professor Francisca López Civeira, recipient of the 2008 National History Award and the 2022 National Prize for Social and Humanistic Sciences, as well as to Virgilio López Lemus, PhD, a poet, essayist, literary critic, and Doctor of Philological Sciences.
Once again, the iconic Fortress of San Carlos de la Cabaña will serve as the fair’s main venue in Havana, accompanied by 17 satellite locations, including the José Martí National Library, Casa de las Américas, the Dulce María Loynaz Center, the Historic Center of Old Havana, and the Pabellón Cuba.
Rodríguez highlighted that South Africa is the third African nation to be honored at the fair, following Angola and Algeria. He underscored the strong ties of friendship between Nelson Mandela and Fidel Castro, as well as the extensive bilateral cooperation nurtured after the end of apartheid.
Yvonne N. Phosa, South Africa’s ambassador to Havana, described the invitation as both an honor and a responsibility. She expressed hope that the event would further strengthen bonds between the two nations and serve as a platform to share the cultural richness of both peoples.
South African writers will have the chance to present their works, share their nation’s history and aspirations, and engage with Cuban readers, offering them deeper insight into South African literature and its authors, the ambassador added.
Rodríguez acknowledged the challenging economic conditions in Cuba, worsened by over six decades of the U.S. embargo. Despite this, he emphasized that the fair remains a gift to Cuban families.
The 33rd edition will feature a wide selection of books for sale, both physical and digital, with 1,200 digital titles available thanks to the efforts of over 65 Cuban publishing houses.
Translated by Luis E. Amador Dominguez
