Havana: South Africa will be showcased as the guest of honour at the 33rd Havana International Book Fair in Cuba, which begins today. The fair is celebrated as the largest cultural festival on the island and attracts the highest attendance in Cuba.

According to South African Government News Agency, the event will take place in Havana, a city recognized as one of the seven Wonder Cities of the World. The fair will welcome readers, authors, publishers, and librarians from Thursday, 13 February to Sunday, 23 February 2025. This year’s edition is themed ‘A whole country in books’ and marks the 25th anniversary of the Territorial Publishing System. Additionally, it commemorates the 130th anniversary of Cuban national hero Jos© Mart­’s fall in combat.

South Africa’s theme, ‘Papers of Resistance’, highlights the crucial role of writing across different mediums. The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture emphasized the enduring significance of paper in storytelling, from personal writings to published works that inspire change. Paper has long been at the center of cultural preservation and expression, even in the digital age.

The department acknowledged the pivotal role of the country’s literary landscape in South Africa’s transformation from segregation to democracy. South African authors have been instrumental in advocating for equality and celebrating cultural diversity. The use of paper has preserved the nation’s stories, heritage, and aspirations, fostering discussions and insights into the country’s identity and future.

Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, highlighted the importance of these narratives in shaping South Africa’s journey. A delegation of fifteen literary practitioners has been supported to represent South Africa at the fair. The complete list of participants is available online.