Buenos Aires Book Fair 2014

Recently, I had the opportunity to visit the Buenos Aires book fair, an annual event which began in 1975. Held for three weeks every Autumn, the BA book fair is purportedly the most important literary event in the Spanish-speaking world. This year it is housed in La Rural, a massive cultural center located in the heart of the Palermo neighborhood in Buenos Aires.

Since I had missed the book fair last year I was eager to not miss another chance to experience it. On the website they say that over 1 million people visit the fair each year, though when I arrived with a good friend on Sunday evening the place was almost empty. Perhaps the lack of people improved the experience, as we were able to browse freely in all the sections and not feel rushed about. 

When we purchased the tickets, which cost $40 pesos on the weekends and $25 pesos during the week, we were given $10 peso vouchers for discounts on books inside the fair, along with a $25 voucher which can be used beginning May 13 in any Libreria in the city. It isn't much money, but it's still worth using if you plan on purchasing a book in the fair. 

The sections were divided into regions, with different provinces offering books by authors and writing from or about their specific regions. I enjoyed looking in the Salta section, and I found a wonderful children's book called "La Hormiguita y La Gota de Agua" in the Neuquen section, the contents of which I could proudly understand. The atmosphere was quite welcoming, and the books were of high quality, though we did discover a book that was reversed from the cover, and we weren't sure if this was intentional, or perhaps some postmodernist take on the written word. 

My only regret is that I didn't purchase a book while I was there. I saw one that included myths and legends of Latin America that interested me but regrettably I didn't end up buying it. There was also a lot of open space, which I guess is necessary for when there is a large number of visitors but it seemed too much when we were there. Perhaps there could have been more exhibitions and booths. 

In all, if you are in Buenos Aires and you love books, don't hesitate to check out the Feria de Libros. The cost is minimal, the quality and variety of books is decent, and La Rural provides a welcome ambience. If you're in town, love books, but missed the fair, you can check out some of the places below for other book lover hot spots. 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    List of bookstore locations

Feria de Libros - Parque Rivadavia - This used book fair located in Parque Rivadavia is a good place to find books in both Spanish and English for a very low cost. I don't know the hours exactly but if you go over the weekend during the day it is sure to be open. 

El Ateneo - With locations around the city, El Ateneo offers a large variety of books for readers with all interests. Perhaps the most exciting location is on Avenida Santa Fe and Callao, where they converted an old theater into a giant bookstore, replacing the seating with shelves and converting the stage to a cafe.

Cuspide Libros - The Barnes and Noble of Argentina, Cuspide Libros has bookstore locations throughout the city and offers a wide range of current and classic titles.

 Cheers