For several days, the wooden stalls set up by the City Council in Algeciras' Plaza Alta become the epicenter of literary activity. The event, celebrating its 39th edition, offers a space where books take center stage, attracting visitors of all ages.
Among the highlights are bookstores specializing in comics, role-playing games, and board games, prominently featuring the K-Pop phenomenon, highly popular among Generation Alpha. In parallel, the Ateneo de Algeciras has set up a photo booth with Don Quixote and Dulcinea del Toboso, creating a contrast between classical culture and contemporary trends.
Children's literature also holds a central place, with the presentation of works like Malo by Harold Jiménez Cañizares, a story that addresses prejudice and appearances, inspired by the author's personal experiences. Additionally, storytelling sessions, such as María Rivas' reading of Una vez fui un árbol, captivate young audiences.
“"I would drown them."
One aspect that has sparked debate at the fair is book censorship. A local bookseller expressed concern over the removal of works by authors like Isabel Allende and Gabriel García Márquez from some schools in the United States, a situation he believes evokes dark historical periods. This trend affects thousands of titles deemed "inappropriate" by ultraconservative currents.
The fair also saw the presence of political figures such as Pilar Pintor, second deputy mayor and delegate for Culture and Historical Heritage, and Rocío Arrabal from the PSOE, who toured the stalls in an atmosphere of institutional courtesy. Furthermore, popular collections like The Bridgertons and works by local artists such as Juan Moya, offering postcards of Algeciras, solidify the fair as a diverse cultural meeting point.
