Literary initiatives promote reading and culture in Panama and Paraguay

Literary events and initiatives are highlighting the importance of reading in Panama and Paraguay. In Panama, the book fair at the Atlapa Convention Center, themed ‘The route of thousands of stories’, features the Panama Canal as the guest of honor to mark the tenth anniversary of the canal's expansion. The event showcases young talent, such as 13-year-old Sol Santamaría, whose book ‘Aguacatina y sus capiaventuras’ uses interactive coloring elements to engage children with stories set in local landmarks like the Biomuseo and Casco Antiguo.

In Paraguay, the National Reading Day on August 28 serves as a catalyst for discussions on literacy. Writer Celeste Galeano, founder of Centro Cultural Punto Divertido, argues that the day should move beyond protocol to foster real habits through libraries, reading clubs, and better access to books. Galeano emphasizes the need for policies that support national literature and indigenous languages, specifically Guaraní, to preserve cultural memory and develop critical thinking.