Salamanca associations protest suspension of antique book fair

The Federation of Neighborhood, Consumer, and User Associations of Salamanca and its Province (Fevesa) has expressed concern regarding the suspension of the 32nd edition of the Feria del Libro Antiguo y de Ocasión. Announced by the Salamanca City Council, the cancellation marks the first time in over three decades that this cultural event will not take place.

Fevesa argues that the decision harms local small businesses, particularly antique and second-hand bookstores, and represents a loss for the city's cultural heritage. While acknowledging the need to manage the use of the Plaza Mayor, the federation maintains that reducing the fair's duration by half compromises the viability of participating bookstores that incur significant travel and accommodation costs.

In a separate cultural initiative, Fevesa is promoting a 'bookcrossing' campaign to encourage reading and critical thinking. From September 15 to September 30, residents are invited to donate used books at the organization's headquarters in Salamanca to facilitate free cultural exchange.