By María Josefina Arce

The inhabitants of western Cuba are in a jubilant mood. The Havana International Book Fair arrived in the middle of the week in that region, as part of its tour around the country, after successfully closing its doors in the Cuban capital.

It is a state policy to promote reading and the enjoyment of every literature-loving Cuban that the festival of literature reaches every province of the national territory.

The cultural event, one of the most awaited every year by Cubans, will reach, as usual and despite economic limitations, the mountainous areas to the delight of its inhabitants and will close in Santiago de Cuba.

Along with the sale of books for all ages, there will be several activities such as the presentation of texts, colloquiums and conferences, among others.

According to the organizers, it will also make possible the meeting of authors from other provinces with local writers and the presence of local publishers.

Brazil was the guest of honor at the 32nd edition of the Caribbean nation's largest cultural and publishing event, which was held for the second time.

Hundreds of thousands of people, especially children and young people, attended the main stage of the Fair in its capital stage, the historic-military Morro-Cabaña complex and the 17 sub-sites set up.

More than three million books were made available to the public, both in paper and digital format, and some one thousand new publications were presented.

The participation of more than 400 professionals from 56 countries showed once again that the Havana International Book Fair has consolidated in recent years as one of the most important in Latin America and the Caribbean.

The 32nd edition of the event has required a great effort, given the material shortages, aggravated by the U.S. blockade and the international situation. But the authorities have bet on continuing to bring culture to all Cubans, to broaden their knowledge and also to provide a leisure space for the Cuban family.