The 48th Buenos Aires International Book Fair registered a total of 1,126,351 visitors, marking a decrease of almost 10% compared to the 2023 edition, through which 1,245,000 people passed, according to data from the El Libro Foundation .
Regarding sales, the numbers were less auspicious. According to the editors, there was a decrease of 30 to 50 percent compared to last year.
The Fair took place in the midst of a strong dispute with the Government and, especially with President Javier Milei. The chainsaw to culture was felt strongly and that marked the inaugural speeches of the president of the El Libro Foundation, Alejandro Vaccaro, and the writer Liliana Heker.
Due to the crisis, the Book Fair had 10% fewer visits than in 2023 and a sharp drop in sales
After that beginning with strong criticism of the adjustment, President Javier Milei ultimately decided not to present his book at the Book Fair and denounced “an attempt to sabotage the Kirchnerist-style presentation.”
The fair had the participation of 328 stands and 672 exhibitors, both local and international, where 1,620 publishing labels stood out.
In addition, the exhibition was divided into 9 thematic pavilions and offered 12 event rooms and 10 semi-open auditoriums for various activities, including areas especially dedicated to children and diversity.
Among the international participants, 11 countries were present (Armenia, Brazil, Chile, Italy, Cuba, Uruguay, Peru, Paraguay, Ecuador, Spain and Ukraine). On the other hand, 10 Argentine provinces and 2 cities, including Buenos Aires and Lisbon, had their own space within the event.
The fair also served as a platform for the launch of the New Publishing Neighborhood, where 12 publishers participated.
With an entrance fee of $3,500 during the week and $5,000 on Saturdays and Sundays, to try to face the economic crisis and not give up visits, the organization, with financial support from the government of the City of Buenos Aires, enabled free entry on days on weekdays from 8pm to 10pm.
