## San José Book Fair Explores Migration Through Literature & Culture
The 18th International Fair for the Promotion of Reading and the Book officially opened in San José on Tuesday, with a focus on the theme ”We begin to read, we begin to migrate.” The fair aims to foster reflection on migration as a multifaceted experience – social, personal, and cultural - and highlight the power of literature and art to build empathy and understanding in a world increasingly defined by human mobility.
The opening ceremony was attended by prominent figures including San josé Mayor Cra.Ana María Bentaberri, Deputy Secretary of the Presidency of the Republic Dr. Jorge Díaz, Director of the Office of Planning and Budget ec. Rodrigo Arim, and Valeria Tanco, coordinator of the National Institute of Letters of the ministry of Education and Culture, alongside various diplomatic and local authorities, and representatives from public and private organizations.
Jorge Gutiérrez Pérez, general director of Culture and Education, described the event as “the most significant event from the cultural point of view offered by San José,” praising the dedication of the organizing team and emphasizing the fair’s role as “part of our identity” and a means of “encouraging the proximity between the book and the community.”
Mtra. Celeste Verges, a member of the Organizing Commission, elaborated on the fair’s motto, stating that “Migrating is an existential, symbolic, ontological experience; it is the act of meeting the other, it demands to leave oneself.” She connected this experience to the core activities of the fair, noting, “The book is a bridge between the writer and the reader, (…) is the mobile border between them.” Verges powerfully urged attendees to ”become aware of how we are with the one who comes and see if we have the virtue of hospitality, to meet the other, without conditions,” highlighting the social obligation inherent in addressing migration.Valeria tanco of the National Institute of Letters emphasized the revolutionary potential of reading and writing, stating the fair strives to make this impact “sit and is perceived.” She noted the event,offering over 300 activities,”transforms San José de Mayo into a literary and culture trip.”
Dr. Jorge Díaz, Deputy Secretary of the Presidency, conveyed greetings from President Prof. Yamandú Orsi, congratulating the organizers on their “effort, constancy and the organization’s capacity.” He also addressed the central theme, observing, “We live in a world of migrations and displacements. Each migrant, when it arrives, brings their culture with it.”
An artistic intervention by casts and courses from the House of Culture of the Intendencia of San José, directed by prof. Leonardo Preziosi, further enriched the opening ceremony.
The fair, running until Sunday, May 14th, will feature book presentations, oral narratives, scenic shows, concerts, exhibitions, conferences, conversations, workshops, and media broadcasts. The full program is available at
