The 48th Buenos Aires International Book Fair recorded a total of 1,126,351 visitors, marking a decrease of 9.53% compared to the previous edition, when there had been 1,245,000, always according to the El Libro Foundation, organizer of the exhibition. This in a context of crisis and with an entry that reached 3,500 pesos during the week and 5,000 on Saturdays and Sundays.
That is why the organization, with financial support from the government of the City of Buenos Aires, decided to enable free entry on weekdays from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Regarding sales, the numbers were less auspicious and the crisis was felt. According to the editors consulted by Infobae, there was a decrease of 30 to 50 percent compared to last year.
This cultural event, one of the most important in the Spanish-speaking literary field, spread over an area of 42,163.5 square metersallocating 14,140 square meters of exhibition standsas detailed in official statistics.
Within this framework, the fair had the participation of 328 stands and 672 exhibitorsboth local and international, where 1620 publishing stamps. Furthermore, the exhibition was divided into 9 themed pavilions and offered 12 event rooms and 10 semi-open auditoriums intended for varied activities, including areas especially dedicated to children and diversity.
Among the international participants, there was the presence of 11 countries (Armenia, Brazil, Chile, Italy, Cuba, Uruguay, Peru, Paraguay, Ecuador, Spain and Ukraine). On the other hand, 10 Argentine provinces and 2 citiesincluded Buenos Aires and Lisbonhad their own space within the event, which underlines the diversity and cultural richness of the host country.
The fair also served as a platform for the launch of the New Publishing Neighborhoodwhere they participated 12 editorials. Besides, 232 exhibitors joined the program CONABIP Book%benefiting 840 librariesof which 701 received subsidiesa way to promote access to reading and culture.
Many were amazed by the notable attendance at the different cultural events that were organized: there were a total of 655
in the rooms and 532 in spaces of the El Libro Foundation. In addition, there were 414 events at the stands.
The Buenos Aires International Book Fair continues to be an unmissable event for the publishing world, where authors, editors, librarians, and book lovers gather to share news, experiences and strengthen the ties that unite the international literary community.
This year, despite the slight decrease in attendance and the controversies that surrounded it, the event once again demonstrated its ability to attract people and its relevance in the global cultural panorama.
