Last Saturday, Plaza de Los Remedios in Yaiza hosted the Book Fair, an event that spanned ten hours and, in addition to its purpose of promoting and selling literary works, became a space for expression and emotion. The Casa de la Cultura served as an alternative venue for various presentations.
“"In this turbulent and chaotic world we live in, literature, and the arts in general, is the only refuge we have for emotion. That is where we must flee."
The event was a meeting point for readers to interact with narrative and poetry authors, and for creators themselves to share ideas about future publications and industry concerns. A crime novel writer presented their latest work, El hotel de los juguetes Rotos, among other titles from their career.
The fair also included participatory activities, such as the creation of a collective story in an 'exquisite corpse' format, which surprised with its plot twists. Visitors could also leave their literary recommendations on an interactive board installed by the Yaiza City Council, the event's promoter through its Culture Department.
“"The promotion of culture must be a priority for public administrations. Our commitment is to maintain the program of reading promotion, training workshops, and artistic shows throughout the year, so we invite participation."
Among the presentations, an children's book about friendship and survival, Pardelín, and a novel finalist for a prestigious literary award, Todas las nubes, which tells the story of a female civil guard, stood out. A documentary work on Lanzarote's fishing, Tirando de la liña, and a novel with poetic touches and magical realism, Arrieta, inspired by a charismatic location in the fishing town, were also presented.
The day featured several writers who attended to readers at the stands, as well as bookstores and publishers. Yaiza's cultural program extends until April 23, International Book Day, with children's workshops, storytelling sessions, and the 'Save a Book' campaign, which invites citizens to take books scattered in public spaces.
