Mexico at FILBo: What you Can’t Miss

The FILBo is one of the most significant cultural fairs in Latin America. Every year at the end of April, the capital of Colombia meets to celebrate the book industry and all the agents that make it up. This year, in its 35th edition, the guest country is Mexico. However, this is not the first time in the country that he has been honored at FILBo; I have already been in 1993 and 2009. This is thanks to the cultural and literary closeness of both countries.

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On this occasion, the motto of the invited country is "Roots and encounters: for a future of peace for our America," and as mentioned on the official page of the event, it seeks to celebrate "four fundamental milestones in the history of the country: the two hundred years the signing of the Treaty of Union, League and Perpetual Confederation between Mexico and Colombia; the hundred years of Mexican muralism; the ninety years of the foundation of the Economic Culture Fund; and the hundred years of the death of Pancho Villa, revolutionary hero."

Below we show you the events and guests related to Mexico as a guest country you must attend during the second week of the FILBo.

The Events and Guests that you Cannot Miss

• Thinking Latin America from Literature: When? Wednesday, April 26 at 5 pm. Where? In the José María Vargas Vila room. In this event, the relationship between image and memory will be explored based on "Terra Nostra," a book by the famous Mexican writer Carlos Fuentes.

• Monsters, Know Your Emotions: When? Thursday, April 27 at 1 pm. Where? In the Workshops 3 room. This workshop, specially designed for boys and girls from 6 to 12 years old, will explore the management of emotions in childhood through theater and plastic arts. It is the perfect opportunity for you to share with your children.

• Editorial catalog, challenges for the conception of the total book: When? Where? On Friday, April 28 at 7 pm. In the Madre Josefa del Castillo room. Mexican and Colombian editors and authors will meet to discuss the definitions of literary genres and the craft of writing in the light of publishing. If you are interested in the publishing world or want to know what is behind the process of making a book, you will love this event.

• Writing as essay: When? On Friday, April 28 at 8 pm. Where? In the Talleres 3 room. In this conversation between Mariana Oliver, a Mexican essayist, and the editor Daniela Gómez, you will have the opportunity to learn about the creative and writing process behind the essay. This genre transitions between ideas and the personal.

• Juan Pablo Villa concert: When? On Saturday, April 29 at 6 pm. Where? In the Cultural Tent. The Mexican singer Juan Pablo Villa will take you on a journey of sounds, melodies, and harmonies that transition between traditional Mexican music and experimental music. In this concert, you will meet one of the most important exponents of vocal improvisation and enjoy a pleasant time with your friends and family.

• Conversation with Herman Bellinghauser: When? On Saturday, April 29 at 7 pm. Where? In the pavilion of Mexico Country Guest of Honor. In this event, the Mexican journalist, writer, and editor Herman Bellinghauser will talk about the writing and publishing profession throughout a lifetime. Likewise, it will explore how it impacts the social and political struggle of Latin American countries such as Mexico and Colombia.

• Anthology: Mexico & Colombia, 600 years: When? Where? Monday, May 1 at 7 pm. In the María Mercedes Carranza room. The presentation of the compilation made by the poets Guiomar Cuesta Escobar and Alfredo Ocampo Zamorano seeks to publicize the connections between both Latin American countries and how the art of poetry responds to them.