The president of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, Nicolás Maduro, inaugurated this Thursday afternoon the 19th International Book Fair of Venezuela (FilVen) in the spaces of El Laguito, in the Círculo Militar (Military Circle) of Caracas.

The 19th edition of FilVen will take place from November 9 to 19, with the sisterly Republic of Colombia and the state of Amazonas as guests of honor.

This edition will also be dedicated to acknowledging the 190 years of the National Library of Venezuela and 50 years of the Vadell Publishing House, while paying posthumous tribute to Carmen Delia Bencomo and Domingo Alberto Rangel, both centenary national writers.

In solidarity with the people of Palestine, the fair adds to the list of honored writers Palestinian authors Heba Abu Nada, who died last October after genocidal attacks by the State of Israel on Gaza, and Adania Shibli, whom the International Book Fair Frankfurt canceled the awarding of a prize for the book A Minor Detail.

Likewise, 590 in-person activities will be carried out: 200 book presentations, 210 activities including forums, conferences and discussions, 100 artistic activities throughout Venezuela and 80 activities of the Children’s and Youth Pavilion.

The Fair will have the participation of 65 international writers from Colombia, Argentina, Cuba, Honduras, Spain, Costa Rica, Iran, France, Mexico, El Salvador, Chile, Italy and Uruguay.

Also are joining the event 161 writers and 67 national publishers.

With the aim of facilitating transportation to the town, the national government will enable a bus route between the closest Metro stations and El Laguito.