This edition of the Elche Book Fair, held just before Sant Jordi, is moving for the first time to Paseo de la Estación, after previously being located in Plaça de Baix and Plaza del Congreso Eucarístico. The new location, initially planned for Paseo de Jaca but dismissed due to lack of space, has been well-received by booksellers, as it offers an "ideal environment" for being "more spacious and generating a more welcoming atmosphere than in previous years," according to Marina Vicente, manager of the organizing company Diecisiete Musas.
The fair, which will officially open on Friday, April 17, at 6 PM, will feature a wide range of activities for all ages. From workshops and storytelling for children, with the presence of Geronimo Stilton, to renowned authors such as Miguel Gane and Jordi Sierra i Fabra, the latter being very popular among young readers. The writer Pablo Maurette will also participate, traveling from Italy for the occasion.
The Councillor for Commerce, Caridad Martínez, highlighted that the fair will host "more than 120 authors, including those brought by the organization and the booksellers themselves, and there will also be more than 200 signings." Confirmed writers include figures such as Jorge Molist, Juan Tallón, Ángelo Nestore, and Rosario Raro. Authors like Lorena Gascón (known as "lapsicologajaputa" on social media), Manuel Vilas, Inma Chacón, Víctor del Árbol, Alejandro Palomas, Benjamín Prado, and Begoña Valero will also return. Additionally, Valencian literature authors Natalia Gisbert and Lliris Picó will join the event.
The event has also seen an increase in the participation of literary entities, growing from 12 in its first year to 15 in this edition, including the association LiteraturElx, which joins the traditional Letra Violeta and Escritores en su tinta. Participating bookstores, in addition to municipal libraries, include Ali i Truc, CopiCarrús, L’Extrem, El Salvador, Séneca Jove, Papelería Alcudia, Campusprint Papelería Librería, Librería Punto y Coma, La Pulga, Diógenes Literario, Santos, Monografic Comics/Frikimasters, Frikimon, Librería la Manzanera, and Séneca.
“"Supporting a fair like this is an important action by the Elche City Council, because supporting small businesses is what makes the difference with other cities."
The program includes poetry sessions, round tables, and a dedicated board game area on Saturday, featuring a game created by a local author, the Invisible Friend game. The goal is for visitors to enjoy the fair from morning until closing, with continuous activities for all ages. Marina Vicente emphasized the importance of supporting small businesses and congratulated the Department of Commerce for promoting culture, literature, and local commerce through these initiatives.
