The Autonomous Organization of Culture (OAC) has announced the official date and venue for the upcoming Santa Cruz Book Fair. Following the success of the previous edition held in García Sanabria Park from May 1 to 5, it was decided through a voting process to host the next edition at the same iconic city park from May 1 to 4, 2025. This coincides with the traditional Exhibition of Flowers, Plants, and Crafts held during the city’s founding festivities.
Mayor of Santa Cruz, José Manuel Bermúdez, emphasised the City Council’s commitment to supporting booksellers and promoting reading as a healthy leisure activity. He stated that the Book Fair, with its cultural significance and economic impact on the sector, must be upheld and nurtured.
Councilor for Culture, Santiago Díaz Mejías, highlighted the decision to align the Book Fair with the May Festival, a proposal that garnered majority support. The Autonomous Organization of Culture aims to collaborate with stakeholders in the sector to enhance literary creativity, focusing on Canarian content and authorship.
The involvement of booksellers, publishers, distributors, foundations, and sector-related associations was requested during a meeting attended by the Minister of Culture of the Cabildo of Tenerife, José Carlos Acha. The event aims to promote the traditional exhibition of stands and the cultural program featuring various activities like exhibitions, workshops, storytelling, and educational-musical shows.
During the previous May Festival, García Sanabria Park attracted 100,000 visitors over five days. Participants of the last edition praised the fair’s cultural offerings and the range of activities that took place between the Interpretation Center and the Patricio Estévanez Glorieta.
To engage children and young adults in literature, the Autonomous Organization of Culture organised 24 activities including workshops, illustration sessions, storytelling, and educational-musical performances led by industry professionals.
For adult audiences, the Culture department of the Hon. Cabildo Insular de Tenerife curated 14 activities featuring prominent figures like Carlos del Toro Latorre, Guillermina Casanova Báe, Elsa López, Vocal Ensemble, Nobis Vocal Ensemble, and Juan Carlos Tacoronte.
