# Havana International Book Fair expands across Cuba > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/havana-international-book-fair > Updated: 2026-08-21T15:59:49.000Z. Sources: 43. Developments: 7. The 34th Havana International Book Fair (FILH) opened in Cuba with themes dedicated to the centenary of Fidel Castro and the participation of Russia as the guest of honor. The inauguration was attended by President Miguel Díaz-Canel. Russia provided an extensive program, including over 1,500 classical and contemporary titles, film screenings at the Yara cinema, and musical performances by the Rossiya State Academic Folk Ensemble. During the event, poet and essayist Virgilio López Lemus was awarded the 2025 National Literature Prize. Other major honors included the Nicolás Guillén Prize for Poetry and the Alejo Carpentier Prizes. The Guantánamo-based publishing house ‘El Mar y La Montaña’ received the ‘La Puerta de Papel’ award for the science fiction title ‘Secreto en lo alto de ciudad ventosa’ by Marlene Salazar Maciá. The first stage in Havana concluded with the public acquiring over 95,000 printed and digital volumes. Despite economic difficulties, the fair utilized digital platforms to adapt to modern consumption. Editorial Letras Cubanas received the Grand Prize for digital management from the Association of Communicators of Cuba. The fair has since moved to other provinces. In Pinar del Río, the event is dedicated to writers José Raúl Fraguela and Enrique Giniebra, featuring exhibitions on the iconography of Fidel Castro. In Cienfuegos, the fair is scheduled for late August, featuring works from local publishers Ediciones Mecenas and Reina del Mar Editores. The national circuit is expected to conclude in Santiago de Cuba on September 6. ## Claims - Pedro Pablo Rodríguez has led the critical edition of the complete works of José Martí for over 25 years. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Pedro Pablo Rodríguez was awarded the 2025 National Editing Prize unanimously. (single source) - The editorial project is a collective effort involving collaborators from Cuba, the United States, Spain, and Latin America. (single source) - Since the year 2000, Rodríguez has been responsible for 30 printed volumes of the Martí collection. (single source) - Volumes 31 and 32 of the Martí collection have been completed and are available digitally. (single source) - Abel Prieto presented his essay 'El humor de Misha' at the 34th Havana International Book Fair. (single source) - The essay 'El humor de Misha' analyzes the internal decomposition of the European socialist bloc through political jokes. (single source) - The second edition of the book 'Rubio: An Uncontrollable Mythomaniac' was presented at the 34th Havana International Book Fair. (single source) - The book 'Rubio: An Uncontrollable Mythomaniac' investigates the political career of Marco Rubio. (single source) - The exhibition 'Fidelidades' features 29 graphic humor works dedicated to Fidel Castro. (single source) - The 'Fidelidades' exhibition includes works from creators in Cuba, Brazil, Spain, Venezuela, and Uruguay. (single source) ## Timeline ### 2026-08-21: Cuban Book Fair events held in Cienfuegos and Pinar del Río The Cuban Book Fair continues across the country, with major events held in Cienfuegos and Pinar del Río featuring local publishers, literary tributes, and cultural center inaugurations. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cuban-book-fair-events-held-in-cienfuegos-and-pinar-del-ro ### 2026-08-17: Havana International Book Fair concludes first stage in Cuba The first stage of the 34th Havana International Book Fair concluded with over 95,000 books sold, honoring Fidel Castro's centenary and featuring Russia as the guest of honor. 8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/havana-international-book-fair-concludes-first-stage-in-cuba ### 2026-08-16: Havana International Book Fair concludes with major literary awards The 34th Havana International Book Fair concluded with the presentation of major literary honors, including the ‘La Puerta de Papel’ award to publisher El Mar y La Montaña. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/havana-international-book-fair-concludes-with-major-literary-awards ### 2026-08-14: Havana International Book Fair concludes with Russia as Guest of Honor The 34th Havana International Book Fair concluded in Cuba, featuring Russia as the Guest of Honor and celebrating the centenary of Fidel Castro with diverse cultural and literary programming. 10 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/havana-international-book-fair-adapts-to-economic-crisis ### 2026-08-14: Havana International Book Fair hosts literary awards and presentations The Havana International Book Fair features diverse literary events, including the 2025 National Editing Prize for Pedro Pablo Rodríguez and various awards for novels, short stories, and historical works. 8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/pedro-pablo-rodrguez-awarded-cubas-2025-national-editing-prize ### 2026-08-11: Havana International Book Fair opens in Cuba The 34th Havana International Book Fair has opened in Cuba, honoring Fidel Castro's centenary and Russia as guest of honor, while poet Virgilio López Lemus received the 2025 National Literature Prize. 13 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/virgilio-lpez-lemus-receives-2025-national-prize-for-literature ### 2026-08-08: Russia named Guest of Honor at Havana International Book Fair Russia serves as the guest of honor at the 34th Havana International Book Fair, featuring Russian literature, films, and folk music to strengthen cultural ties with Cuba. 7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/crdoba-hosts-international-arts-and-music-market --- Cite as: Havana International Book Fair expands across Cuba. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/havana-international-book-fair