TIJUANA.- This past Friday at 5pm on the dot, Tijuana Mayor Jorge Astiazaran kicked-off the 32nd annual Tijuana Book Fair, which will last 10 days and takes place in the promenade of the CECUT cultural center. Also present were Jesus Flores Campbell, Director of the Municipal Institute of Art and Culture (IMAC), Vianett Medina, President of the Book Union, and Leobardo Sarabia, Honorary Director of the Tijuana Book Fair.

As the tradition stands, the Book Fair will include a diverse literary program, conferences, workshops, and stands hosting activities for children, youth, and adults. Visitors will also have the opportunity to acquire literary works at special prices, a courtesy of the Book Union.

Every year, the Fair is commemorated to a special person, and this year homage will be paid to Federico Campbell Quiroz, a Tijuana writer who loved the city in a special way which he expressed in his enduring literary works. Recently he was named Honorary President of the event, which he accepted with great honor, humor, and enthusiasm.

The Book Fair is the result of a

joint effort between many institutions, and this year is especially remarkable given that this is the first time it has been organized by the new administration of the IMAC, and its new director Jesus Flores Campbell, in collaboration with the Baja California Cultural Institute (ICBC) and the Book Union.

Jorge Astiazaran stated that "this cultural expression is more necessary than ever" and extended an invitation for all to visit the event.

Once the inauguration ceremony had concluded, the Symphonic Orquestra of Tijuana delighted visitors with their immense talent in a performance outside on the promenade of CECUT.

There are more than enough reasons for you to visit the 32nd Annual Book Fair, but here are some ideas. The Book Fair will run from 10 am to 9pm Monday through Sunday.

Brenda.Colon@sandiegored.com

borderzonie@gmail.com