Spain’s Longest Book Fair Takes Place in Marbella
Marbella is currently hosting Spain’s longest book fair, in terms of duration, transforming the Paseo de la Alameda into a hub for bookshops, authors, and literature enthusiasts until August 18. The fair features fifteen stands, each offering a diverse range of literary genres to cater to all tastes.
Bookshops and Authors from Across Spain Gather in Marbella
The fair has attracted local establishments as well as booksellers from other cities such as Madrid and Seville. This cultural event, held in the heart of the summer season, provides a unique platform for both booksellers and authors to showcase their offerings. Manuela Filgaira, the coordinator of the Town Hall’s library service, noted that the fair also includes book signings and children’s activities to foster a love for literature.
From Bestsellers to Antique Copies: A Variety of Books on Offer
Visitors to the fair can find books on a wide range of topics, including history, psychology, romance, health, politics, and comics. The fair also features mini-books, classics, antique copies, and bestsellers. It serves as a platform for new creators and smaller publishers to showcase their work.
New Authors and Small Creators Find a Platform at the Fair
Elvira País, author of Más Allá del Gran Mar, expressed her joy at being part of the fair. She believes that such fairs should be held in every town in Spain to promote reading. Noelia Pereira, who presented her joint work with 57 other authors entitled Microcosmos, echoed this sentiment, stating that the fair provides an opportunity for small creators to gain visibility.
Self-Published Authors and Small Publishers Get a Boost
The fair also features distributors like Bukmeran, a Marbella-based company that sells and distributes self-published books. Susana, a representative of the company, highlighted the value of the fair for authors who publish their own books and for smaller publishers.
Visitors of All Ages and Nationalities Flock to the Fair
The fair attracted visitors of different ages and nationalities on its first day. Books in various languages are available, catering to the diverse crowd. British tourist Michael shared his experience of buying a book at the fair and leaving it at his hotel for others to enjoy.
Local Residents Appreciate the Fair’s Contribution to Marbella
María del Carmen Romero, a local resident, praised the fair for its comprehensive offerings and its role in promoting the culture of reading in Marbella. She expressed her preference for paper books over electronic ones and her love for collecting special editions. She believes that such fairs are beneficial for Marbella as they bring books closer to the people.
