Centro Cultural Tijuana (CECUT) presents the 39th edition of Feria del Libro Tijuana (Tijuana Book Fair or FLT), an event that will take place until May 26 and that will pay tribute to famous writer and journalist Elena Poniatowska. In addition, the cultural venue will have, for the first time, the presence of five guest states: Tlaxcala, Campeche, Sonora, Jalisco, and Baja California, which means a bigger literary collection is expected.

The ceremony began on Friday, May 17 at 6 PM at the CECUT showroom with a conference dedicated to Poniatowska's legacy by speaker Gregorio Luke. It was also broadcasted live at the "Hojas de Papel Volando" room which was installed in the terrace.

Once the celebration began, an audio was played where the following statement was made:

Elenita wanted to be here today, in this Book Fair that celebrates her life and career, which is why she is offering this warm message from her window full of orchids and making us company at a distance.

Subsequently, a video was played at the theater screen of CECUT where one could see Dr. Vianka Robles Santa, CECUT managing director, speak with this famous write:

I've been to Tijuana many times. The first few times I went there with Carlos Monsiváis, he really liked coming to Tijuana, and I also went there with José Emilio Pacheco, the three of us. And they had a huge interest in going to San Diego because they went to many English bookstores and bought books to fill out their trunk and suitcase of books. They weighed a lot. The people of Tijuana were very loving with me, they were very interested, very passionate, and that excited me a lot.

It should be noted that the places where book, workshops, and musical presentations are taking place were given names based on Elena Poniatowska's books. Among them there were the “La Flor de Lis” audio room, the “Hojas de Papel Volando” room, and the “Lilus Kikus” Children and Young People’s Pavilion. The first were two will be located at the venue's terrace.

In addition, other characteristic places of CECUT such as Sala Federico Campbell, the El Cubo lobby, and Sala Carlos Monsiváis will be the venue of a wide variety of cultural offers, from literary launches to movies based on books that were transformed from letters into moving images.

There will be around 153 authors that will be present at the Tijuana Book fair as well as a long list of activities that will give the whole family the chance to enjoy the event.

During your literary, art, and music tour, you will be able to delight your palate with an amazing gastronomic offer of corn dogs, pizza, coffee, and fresh waters.

This year, Feria del Libro de Tijuana promises to surprise you with interesting and fun concepts in every stand. One of them is "Cita a Ciegas con un Libro" (Blind Date with a Book), where you'll find books at $70 pesos that have been completely wrapped in decorated kraft paper. You will choose the book without knowing what the book is about, with only the wrapping being a clue.

New and used books will be sold here, so this event adapts perfectly to any type of budget. Stationery, stickers, pins, key chains, and the official Tijuana Book fair tote bag are some of the things that you will definitely need to buy here!

Activity program

La Flor de Lis (Terrace)

This area is located at the CECUT terrace and several activities will take place here. Among them there are:

The day of the inauguration there will be a musical journey through different eras where you'll enjoy the sounds of jazz, lounge, bossa nova, soft rock, trip hop, world music, and electronica. Admission is completely free and it will be available until Sunday, May 26.

On Saturday, May 18 at 7:30 PM, there will be a tribute to poet and singer-songwriter Alfredo Zitarrosa and singer Mercedes Sosa, with a concert by salsa band "Libre Voz".

On Sunday, May 19 at 7:30 PM there will be a bolero performance with an original sound that will mix melodic voices with classic guitars. This performance will be directed by "Vibranza Dueto".

To check out the rest of the activities in this area, check out the following site: https://www.cecut.gob.mx/qr/ferialibro2024.pdf

“Lilus Kikus” Children and Young People's Pavilion

This area will be full of recreational activities that you must visit. Among them, you will find workshops, shows, and storytellers.

On Saturday, May 18 at 12 PM and 2 PM, there will be a book marker workshop where you'll be able to create your own book marker, personalize it, and add your entire creativity to it. On this same day at 1 PM, there will be a binding workshop.

On Sunday, May 19, activities will begin at 11 AM with the presentation of the book "El Último Axolotl", which will take place at Foro Luna with support from the Secretariat of Culture of Tlaxcala. On Monday 20, at 11 AM, there will be a storyteller with the story "Y si no fuera un cuento" which will also take place at Foro Luna.

Sala de Espectáculos and Sala Carlos Monsiváis

The theater play "Camilla Claudel" will be presented by Stage of the Arts, performed by Yuridia Fanjul and directed by Diego Vázquez on Sunday, May 19 at 6 PM with a cost of $200 pesos.

On Sunday, May 26, Ballet de Jalisco: La Noche de Walpurgis and Carmina Burana will present an artistic program with free admission at 7 PM.

At the Carlos Monsiváis room, movies based on literary works will be screened. “Esmeralda Comes by Night” will be shown on Sunday, May 19 at 8 PM. Admission is free. “Midaq Alley” will be screened on Saturday, May 26 at 5 PM. Tickets are available at the ticket booth.

Map

The 39th Edition of the Tijuana Book Fair is an enriching cultural and educational event that will pay tribute to Elena Poniatowska and the participation of several different states. With a wide variety of activities and creative proposals, this event offers a unique event for all attendants and those who enjoy good literature.

For more information about this and many other events in CECUT, check their social media pages:

Facebook: @cecut.mx
Instagram: @cecut_mx
Website: www.cecut.gob.mx