Cuba's International Book Fair moves from La Cabaña to Havana's Línea & 18 venue

The 34th Havana International Book Fair, which has been held at the San Carlos de La Cabaña fortress since 2000, will shift its main venue to the Cultural Station of Línea & 18 – a former industrial building in El Vedado – for the August 10‑16 edition. Organizers cite the country’s severe energy crisis, fuel shortages and prolonged power outages as reasons, noting that the new location reduces transport, fuel, assembly and security costs.

The fair will continue to satellite sites across Cuba until September 6, concluding in Santiago de Cuba. Russia will serve as the guest of honor, with delegations expected from China, Venezuela, Argentina, Mexico, Brazil, Spain and others. Over 1,300 new titles will be showcased, and awards will be presented, including honors for writer Marilyn Bobes and researcher José Bell Lara. Juan Rodríguez Cabrera, president of the Cuban Book Institute, said the move is a “extraordinary effort” and that the fair will return to La Cabaña when conditions allow.