peru’s Ricardo Palma Book Fair Celebrates 46 Years of Literary Tradition
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The Ricardo Palma Book Fair,Peru’s oldest and most emblematic literary event,officially opened its doors in miraflores on November 4th and continues too draw crowds with a diverse programme of cultural activities through December 9th. This year’s edition, the 46th, builds on a legacy established in 1972, offering free access to the public from 11:00 am to 10:00 pm daily.
The fair has long served as a crucial platform for showcasing the work of peruvian academics, artists, and writers. It also increasingly provides opportunities for emerging Latin american authors, solidifying its position as a key showcase for contemporary regional literature. For 19 days, attendees can enjoy book presentations, talks, tributes, workshops, poetry readings, and dedicated children’s activities.
Sunday’s Agenda: Booktubers, Contemporary Narrative, and Children’s Literature
Sunday, November 23rd, featured a robust schedule of events across two auditoriums: the Antonio Cisneros Auditorium and the Pilar Dughi Auditorium. Highlights included the IV Meeting of Bookfluencers,organized by the Peruvian Book Chamber,and a presentation exploring the intersection of art and capitalism with bojana Kunst,featuring Patricia Ciriani and Rodrigo Vera.
The Pilar Dughi Auditorium hosted a series of presentations, including a children’s narration of “The Two Clauses 2. The Beginning of Christmas” and a conversation celebrating 20 years of Alonso Cueto’s “The Blue Hour,” with contributions from Agustín Prado and Natalia Sobrevilla. A presentation on “Fifty-Three Years of Contemporary Narrative 1970-2023,” focusing on the bibliography of Jorge Ramos, rounded out the day’s offerings.
Supporting Independent Publishers
The minister of Culture, Alfredo Luna Briceño, attended the opening of the fair and specifically visited the stand of “La Independiente,” a collective representing over 60 Peruvian independent publishers and more than 200 titles. “For the Ministry of Culture, La Independiente is the possibility to democratize access to spaces for the dissemination of editorial work from the various regions of the country,” a senior official stated. “It is indeed an open space for all those who have begun the challenge of bringing reading and knowledge to more people. I invite you to visit the fair and La Independiente, where you will find a lot of material that you have not seen and should know.”
The Ricardo Palma Book Fair remains a vital cultural touchstone in Lima, fostering a love of reading and providing a vibrant space for literary exchange.
