Hola! My name is Yane Marquez and I was born and raised in Cuba. After graduating from the University of Havana and the Tourism School of Cuba, I worked for over 10 years as a tour guide, translator and event organizer for Cuba's travel companies and organizations. I guided many groups attending Cuba's main international festivals, fairs and events. A few years ago, I moved to Canada where I have continued promoting Cuba’s tourism industry. I would be more than happy to answer any question you have about festival Cuba travel. Do not miss out!
Contact Me
Cienfuegos UNESCO World Heritage Site in Central Cuba
Trinidad UNESCO World Heritage Site in Central Cuba
About the Havana Book Fair
In terms of authors at the Havana Book Fair, some of the better known authors who have been present at the fair include US writer Alice Walker and German Bertolt Brecht. Another interesting aspect of the fair is that it chooses, every year, to honor a particular country and its literary achievements.
The Havana's International Book Fair usually starts in the morning. The day is then filled with poetry readings, fun and
educational activities for children, art promotions and concerts. Authors present make the best use of their day by presenting
their books and interacting with fans about their work. The Havana's International Book Fair sells millions of books every year.
US author Libby Fischer Hellman has launched her new book “Havana Lost”. As part of her research for this compulsively readable thriller, Hellman joined our Havana Book Fair Official Cuba Tour in 2012. It was a great honour and a privilege to have helped the author on the research of this book. We recommend it to readers interested in traveling to Cuba and keen on historical detail. The novel that spans for several generations is an authentic testimony to Ms. Fisher talent for authoring spellbinding thrillers.
How to Go?
Authentic Cuba Travel® announces the Official Cuba Tour to the Havana Book Fair 2022 From February 4 to 11, 2022
Travel to Havana, Matanzas, Cienfuegos & Trinidad for as little as $2,429!
Cuba Festival Travel
Referral Discount: $100
Invite 1 Friend and Pay $2,329 only
Invite 2 Friends and Pay $2,229 only
Invite 3 Friends and Pay $2,129 only
Invite 4 Friends and Pay $2,029 only
Invite 10 Friends and Pay $0 And remember every person you invite
will also receive a $100 discount!
Each February, Havana’s International Book Fair transforms the old Spanish fortification San Carlos de La Cabana that
overlooks the Havana harbour into one of the biggest book parties in the world. It takes place in Havana City for 10 days before
continuing on to the other cities for two more weeks. The book fair ends in the eastern city of Santiago de Cuba.
The festival consists of book vendors, poetry readings, children’s activities, art exhibitions, and concerts in the evenings.
It is considered Cuba’s premier cultural event, as well as the event with the highest attendance in Cuba: the XX International
Book Fair drew over 2.3 million people to the Capital City!
Apart from the established locations at the Royal Fortress of La Cabaña and The Fortress of El Morro, the 31st Edition of the Havana Book Fair 2022 will also have several paralleled venues among those the centrally located Pabellón Cuba, Casa Del Alba Cultural and Dulce Maria Loynaz Cultural Centre, where literary, artistic and academic events will take place.
Along with the public, the book fair is attended by Cuban and international authors, publishers, and political officials.
Over 100 publishing houses present catalogues of books, including Casa de las Américas. Each book fair is dedicated to a
genre, issue, or author, and also a guest of honour. Since 2000, each book fair has been dedicated to Cuban authors and
intellectuals.
Authentic Cuba Travel® warmly invites North American Librarians, Bibliophiles, Educators and Writers to attend the Official Havana Book Fair Cuba Tour 2022 and celebrate together the 31st Anniversary of this world-acclaimed Cuban international festival.
The Socialist Republic of Vietnam was the Guest of Honor at the 29th International Book Fair Cuba 2020. Under the traditional slogan Leer para Crecer (To Read is To Grow), the 29th edition of the Cuba's Book Fair was also dedicated to Cuban authors, Ana Cairo Ballester and Eugenio Hernández Espinosa- National Literature Prize Laureate.
The 31st International Book Fair of Havana will take place in Havana City from February 3 to February 13, 2022, and then it will spread east and west of the capital to all provinces of the country. The book fair will end in the eastern city of Santiago de Cuba.
Take A Sneak Peak at the Cuban Destinations You Will Visit Outside Havana
Over 1.7 million books were sold in the XX International Book Fair in 2011 according to Zuleika Romay, President of the
Cuban Book Institute.
Cuban publishing houses stock the fair with hundreds of thousands of copies of books at accessible prices for the local population.
Foreign entrepreneurs sell merchandise directly to the Cuban people. For most Cubans, it is a once-a-year opportunity
to buy foreign magazines or titles that are otherwise unavailable in the country.
Cuban academics and intellectuals attend lectures and book presentations, while families and teenagers are drawn to the
live music, food and party atmosphere. Most go home with a book or two under their arms. Why don't you too!
GENERAL LICENSE FOR PROFESSIONAL RESEARCH CUBA TRAVEL
US Librarians, US Authors, US Archivists, US Information Professionals; US Book Industry Professionals interested in conducting professional research on Cuba's Book Industry and Library System can travel to Cuba under the provisions of the General License for Professional Research.
CATEGORY: General license for Professional Research and Professional Meetings- 31 C.F.R. § 515.564(a)(1) of the current Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) regulations.
The travel- related transactions set forth in § 515.560(c) and such additional transactions as are directly incident to professional research are authorized, provided that:
(i) The purpose of the research directly relates to the traveler’s profession, professional background, or area of expertise, including area of graduate-level full-time study;
(ii) The traveler does not engage in recreational travel, tourist travel, travel in pursuit of a hobby, or research for personal satisfaction only; and
(iii) The traveler’s schedule of activities does not include free time or recreation in excess of that consistent with a full-time schedule of professional research.
We provide our US travelers with all the required documentation to ensure they are in compliance with 2020 Trump administration’s rules on Cuba travel under the US Cuba Travel category: Professional Research and Professional Meetings. US travelers can choose to depart to Cuba from any US port of their choosing.
GENERAL LICENSE FOR SUPPORT FOR THE CUBAN PEOPLE CUBA TRAVEL
US citizens or permanent residents genuinely interested in supporting the Cuban people can travel to Cuba from USA legally as part of this Cuba tour. Even though Cuba tourism is not possible for US citizens, this tour is a legal option to visit Cuba under the General License for the Support for the Cuban People.
CATEGORY: General License for Support for the Cuban People- 31 C.F.R. § 515.564(a) of the current Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) regulations.
The travel-related transactions set forth in § 515.560(c) and other transactions that are intended to provide support for the Cuban people are authorized, provided that:
(1) The activities are of:
(i) Recognized human rights organizations; (ii) Independent organizations designed to promote a rapid, peaceful transition to democracy; or
(iii) Individuals and nongovernmental organizations that promote independent activity intended to strengthen civil society in Cuba; and
2) Each traveler engages in a full-time schedule of activities that: (i) Enhance contact with the Cuban people, support civil society in Cuba, or promote the Cuban people’s independence from Cuban authorities; and
(ii) Result in meaningful interaction with individuals in Cuba.
Each person relying on the general authorization in this paragraph must retain specific records related to the authorized travel transactions. See §§ 501.601 and 501.602 of this chapter for applicable recordkeeping and reporting requirements.
We provide our US travelers with all the required documentation to ensure they are in compliance with 2020 Trump administration’s rules on Cuba travel under the US Cuba Travel category: Support for the Cuban People. US travelers can choose to depart to Cuba from any US port of their choosing.
Notice to US Universities, Colleges and Schools with Library Studies and Information Science Departments & Programs and other Academic Institutions from USA:
In January 2016, the US Government announced further enhancements to the 12 categories of authorized travel to Cuba that previously required a specific license (this is, lengthy applications to OFAC). Now travel to the Caribbean island is allowed under a general license (this is, self-completed paperwork with no application to OFAC needed).
After President Trump’s policy change on USA Cuba travel on September 24, 2020, the General License for Educational Activities remains in place. Accredited U.S. graduate or under graduate degree-granting institutions; U.S. Academic Institutions; and U.S. Schools can organize and sponsor an educational trip to Cuba for their students, faculty and staff under the General License for Educational Activities, provided that the trip meets OFAC guidelines; and that an employee or other representative of the organization escorts the trip to make sure such guidelines are followed by all participants.
US Universities, Colleges and Schools with Library Studies and Information Science Departments & Programs and other Academic Institutions from USA can organize and sponsor a trip to Cuba for educational activities. The purpose of the Cuba travel should be for:
_ the participation in a structured educational program offered for credit as part of a course of the sponsoring institution;
_ educational exchanges sponsored by Cuban or U.S. secondary schools involving secondary school students’ participation in a formal course of study or in a structured educational program offered by a secondary school or other academic institution, and led by a teacher or other secondary school official are authorized. This authorization allows for participation of a reasonable number of adult chaperones to accompany the secondary school students to Cuba.
_ attendance at non-commercial academic seminars, conferences and workshops related to Cuba sponsored or co-sponsored by U.S. academic institution.
_ non- commercial academic research related to Cuba for the purpose of obtaining a graduate or undergraduate degree;
_ the participation in a formal course of study at a Cuban academic institution provided that credits will be accepted toward the student’s graduate or undergraduate degree;
_ participation in a 10-week structured educational program in Cuba as part of a course offered at the U.S. institution;
_ participation in a formal 10-week course of study at a Cuban academic institution, provided the formal course of study in Cuba will be accepted for credit toward the student’s undergraduate or graduate degree at the U.S. institution;
We take care of all details both in North America and in Cuba, including VISA and flight arrangements to Cuba's main destinations via USA ports (Miami, Tampa, New York, Los Angeles, or other) or through third countries like Canada and Mexico. Authorized US organizations can travel through a third country subject to the same restrictions and requirements as those flying directly from USA.
At Authentic Cuba Travel®, we have been organizing such educational and cultural travel experiences from the United States of America for years with great success.
Notice to US Library Associations, US University, College & School Librarian Associations, US Art Library Societies, US Research Library Associations, US Information Science Associations, and other Library and Information Science Organizations from USA:
US Library Associations, US University, College & School Librarian Associations, US Art Library Societies, US Research Library Associations, US Information Science Associations, and other Library and Information Science Organizations from USA can organize a trip to Cuba under the provisions of the General License for Educational Activities, the General License for Support for the Cuban People, the General License for Professional Research, the General License for Semi-Professional & Amateur International Sports Competition, the General License for Humanitarian Projects, the General License for Activities of Private Foundations or Research or Educational Institutes among others. Certain conditions are to be met to comply with OFAC General License requirements for each category of USA Cuba travel though.
The mission of your organization and the objective of your trip to Cuba determine under what general license you can travel to Cuba legally. In general, most trips should consist of a full-time schedule of activities intended to promote the exchange with the ordinary citizens of Cuba. This full-time schedule must also include educational activities that result in meaningful interaction in between U.S and Cuban nationals. Free time in excess or regular tourists' activities are not permitted.
We take care of all details both in North America and in Cuba, including VISA and flight arrangements to Cuba's main destinations via USA ports (Miami, Tampa, New York, Los Angeles, or other) or through third countries like Canada and Mexico. Authorized US organizations can travel through a third country subject to the same restrictions and requirements as those flying directly from USA.
At Authentic Cuba Travel®, we have been organizing such educational and cultural travel experiences from the United States of America for years with great success.
Support for the Cuban People or Professional Research General License Documentation Package.
Full-Time Schedule of Support of the Cuban People or Professional Research Authorized Activities.
Tour of UNESCO World Heritage Site, Havana Historical Centre.
Travel to Matanzas City, the Athens of Cuba!
Tour UNESCO Heritage Site, Cienfuegos Historical Centre.
Travel to Trinidad, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Explore Cuba's Sugar Mill Valley, a UNESCO Heritage Site.
Meet international & local book exhibitors, publishers and writers.
Unlimited access to activities of the Book Fair of Havana, 2022.
Exchange with librarians at the José Marti National Library.
Visit to Casa de Las America.
Guided tour of world renowned publishing house, Ediciones Vigia.
Guided tour of the library of the University of Havana.
Learn about Cuba's literacy campaign at the Literacy Museum.
Participation in the XXXI International Book Fair of Havana 2022.
Cuba's popular ceremony, the Fire of the Cannon of 9 O’Clock.
Every year, Havana’s International Book Fair transforms the old Spanish fortification San Carlos de La Cabana that overlooks the Havana harbour into one of the biggest book parties in the world. It takes place in Havana for 10 days before continuing on to the other cities for two more weeks. The book fair ends in the eastern city of Santiago de Cuba.
Cuban publishing houses stock the Havana Book Fair with hundreds of thousands of copies of books at accessible prices for the local population. Foreign publishing houses also sell merchandise directly to the Cuban people. For most Cubans, it is a once-a-year opportunity to buy foreign magazines or titles that are otherwise unavailable in the country.
The festival consists of book vendors, books & poetry readings, children’s activities, art exhibitions, and concerts in the evenings. It is considered the premier cultural event in Cuba, and the event with the highest attendance in Cuba: the XX International Book Fair drew over 2.3 million people to the Capital City!
Visit to Ediciones Vigia, a unique publishing house that produces handmade paper and first edition copies of books. Only 200 copies of each book are made so each is a collector’s item. Meet with director, publishers and artists.
Tour of Palacio de Valle in Cienfuegos city. This architectural jewel
originated as a home for trader, Celestino Caceres, who later gave it as a wedding present to the Valle family who added to it
(in a Mughal Style with carved floral motifs) a stunning Carrara marble staircase, cupped arches, bulbous domes and delicate
arabesques.
Guided walking tour of UNESCO World Heritage Site, Trinidad’s
Historical Center, a perfect relic of the early days of the Spanish colony with beautifully preserved streets and
buildings with hardly a trace of the 20th century anywhere.
Founded by Haydee Santamaria in 1959, Casa de Las Americas was created to promote literary and people-to-people exchanges with Latin American and Caribbean countries. Today “The House” (as it is known among intellectuals) continues on its role in promoting, publishing and awarding the work of national & international writers and artists.
Tour of Cuba's Literacy Museum in the Liberty City
neighbourhood of Havana. Meeting with museum director Luisa Campos for an introduction on the history of the literacy campaign and
the new literacy campaigns taking place in Venezuela, Bolivia and other regions based on the Cuban Campaign model.
Day 1. Friday 4 February 2022. Hello Cuba
Arrival at "Jose Marti" International Airport in Havana City.
You are welcomed by your Cuban guide and bus driver for the entire tour.
Your Authentic Cuba Travel® tour guide and bus driver will welcome you and take you to the Riviera Hotel (E) or Melia Cohiba Hotel (P), both centrally located in Havana’s entertainment district, Vedado. Your guide will provide you with Cuba travel tips and overall orientation during the 20 minute bus ride to your hotel. Please, take notice of the location of your hotel’s restaurants and other amenities, and remember that breakfast is complimentary on daily basis.
Private group check-in.
Breakfast is complimentary from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
Day 2. Saturday 5 February 2021. Old Havana, a UNESCO World Heritage Site!
Morning: guided walking tour of UNESCO World Heritage Site, Old Havana.
Visit to the Cathedral Square, named after the masterpiece of Cuban baroque architecture:
the Cathedral of Havana built by the Jesuit order.
The Cathedral's baroque facade is simultaneously intimate and imposing, and one of the two towers is visibly larger,
creating a pleasing asymmetry. As with many churches in the city, the building material of Havana
Cathedral includes coral, cut and hauled from the edge of the sea by slaves. Look carefully and you'll see fossils of marine
flora and fauna in the stone of the cathedral.
Visit to Square of Arms, ancient military parade ground for Spanish soldiers and surrounded by impressive
buildings such as:
Palacio de los Capitanes Generales, the former official residence of the governors (Captains General) of Havana,
Cuba. It is home to the Museum of the City of Havana. It houses exhibitions of art and historical artefacts and many of the
rooms are preserved with their original Colonial decoration.
Palacio del Segundo Cabo. The seat of the second authority of the island. Today it houses important publishing
concerns.
Castillo de la Real Fuerza. The second oldest fortress built by the Spaniards in the West Indies. The castle was recently renovated
and reopened in June 2008 to hold the impressive maritime museum. Well laid out exhibits chart Spain and Cuba's naval history.
Welcome lunch at La Mina restaurant.
Continue walking tour onto San Francisco Square, named after the Convent of San Francisco,
this square was conceived in 1628, with the objective of supplying water to the ships trading with the metropolis. For many years it also served to stockpile
the goods arriving from the harbor. Chronicles of the time say that the square had a busy commercial life. The people, in humble
carts or afoot, sold and bought a variety of goods. It’s important to know that through this place the Spanish immigrants
arrived to Cuba.
Visit to Plaza Vieja, the only civic square of colonial times. Notice it doesn't have a church or government building around.
Here we will visit important institutions for visual arts.
Free time in the famous handicraft market of Old Havana, located inside the Almacenes de Depósito
San José, an old warehouse on the harbourside where you can purchase all sorts of crafts and souvenirs by local artisans.
Followed by participation in the 31st International Book Fair of Havana 2022 at La Cabana Fortress, seat of the book fair
(free time to explore the exhibition pavillions on your own). Exchange with local exhibitors, publishers and writers and participate in programmed activities.
Return to hotel.
Evening: tonight we have a Cuban band playing for us! We learn how to play and dance to Salsa, Son, Rumba, and other popular Cuban rhythms.
Day 3. Sunday 6 February 2022. Up Close and Personal with Cuban Librarians
Morning: visit to José Martí National Library to learn about Cuba's library system. Meet with the director and other important librarians.
Followed by visit to Memorial Jose Marti at the Square of the Revolution to learn more about the life of Cuba's National Hero.
Lunch at El Aljibe restaurant.
Afternoon: participation in the 31st International Book Fair of Havana 2022 at La Cabana Fortress, seat of the book fair
(free time to explore the exhibition pavillions on your own). Exchange with local exhibitors, publishers and writers and participate in programmed activities.
Evening: enjoy Afrojazz, Cubajazz and Sonjazz at Club La Zorra y El Cuervo, Havana’s most famous Jazz club. The club features great performances by island bands and soloists! (optional, not included).
Day 4. Monday 7 February 2022. Havana- Matanzas- Cienfuegos
Morning: day trip to Matanzas City, also known as the Venice of Cuba and the city of bridges of which there
are seventeen crossing the three rivers that traverse the city (over Yumuri, San Juan, and Canimar rivers). It is also known
as "La Atenas de Cuba (the Athens of Cuba)" for its wealth of poets.
Rest stop in Bacunayagua Bridge for a Piña Colada and enjoy the view over the highest bridge (110 mts) in Cuba, one of the marvels of Cuban post- revolutionary architecture.
Visit to Ediciones Vigia, a unique publishing house that produces handmade paper and first edition copies of books. Only 200
copies of each book are made so each is a collector’s item. Meet with director, publishers and artists.
Lunch at Ruinas Mata Siete restaurant.
Afternoon: continue on bus ride to Cienfuegos city. Cienfuegos is the first, and an outstanding example of an architectural
ensemble representing the new ideas of modernity, hygiene and order in urban planning as developed in Latin America from the 19th
century.
Guided walking tour of Cienfuegos Historical Center.
The colonial town of Cienfuegos was founded in 1819 in the Spanish territory but was initially settled by immigrants of
French origin. Situated on the Caribbean coast of southern-central
Cuba at the heart of the country’s sugar cane, mango, tobacco and coffee production area, it became a trading place for sugar cane, tobacco and coffee in the region.
We will visit neoclassical buildings around Paseo del Prado and the main Square Jose Marti such as:
The Tomas Terry Theatre, completed in 1895 and named after a sugar baron from Venezuela who arrived in Cuba with no money and
made his fortune by buying sick slaves for a low price, to later nurse them back to health and reselling them. This money was
invested in a sugar estate that brought him the wealth to build several outstanding buildings in Cienfuegos, including this
theatre, with materials specially brought over from Europe.
The Casa de la Cultura, home of another wealthy sugar baron, stunning mansion in neoclassical style.
The Cathedral built with the donation of wealthy families like the Lebrancs, the Albis, the Terrys. Inside you find the
reproductions of the 12 Apostles in stained glass imported from Paris. Also the original machinery of the clock tower was built
in France. Still in place and working.
We'll also visit the elegant art gallery Galería de Arte Maroya and review its impressively displayed collection of paintings,
sculptures and antiques.
Check in at the Jagua Hotel rising over the waters of Cienfuegos Bay. Dinner at the Hotel.
Day 5. Tuesday 8 February 2022. Discover Trinidad, a UNESCO World Heritage Site!
Morning: Embark on a day trip to nearby Trinidad city, an outstanding example of a colonial city.
Trinidad has maintained its historic core, featuring the highest percentage of surviving
antique buildings and public squares and bringing together architectural, historic and cultural elements of great value.
Guided walking tour of UNESCO World Heritage Site, Trinidad’s Historical Center.
Visit to the Architecture Museum (Casa de los Sanchez Iznaga), housing the most representative samples of the city's architectural
development in the 18th and 19th centuries.
Visit to Museo Lucha contra Bandidos, former home of the San Francisco de Asis convent.
Visit to Museo Romantico, overlooking the Trinidad main square. It has an excellent exhibition of romantic style porcelain, glass,
paintings and decorative furniture which belonged to the Conde de Brunet and other Trinidad notorious families.
Visit the mirador (lookout) over the Sugar Mill Valley, designated by UNESCO as a World Cultural
Heritage Site in 1988. It constitutes a sort of triangular plain covering some 250
square kilometers and includes the San Luis, Agabama-Meyer and Santa Rosa valleys, besides the coastal plain of the
south delta of the Manati River.
Lunch at El Jigue restaurant.
Trinidad is well known for its pottery makers. We meet with a family that has been passing the tradition for generations:
the Santanders.
Return to your hotel Jagua, in Cienfuegos.
Evening is free to enjoy the hotel amenities and the lively streets of Cienfuegos. How about live Cuban popular music on steps of Casa de la Música– a great opportunity to dance with Cubans and your tour companions.
Day 6. Wednesday 9 February 2022. Havana
Morning: meeting with representatives of ASCUBI (Cuban Association of Librarians) in the city of Cienfuegos. Visit to Cienfuegos provincial library.
Visit to Palacio de Valle. This architectural jewel originated as a home for trader, Celestino Caceres, who later gave it as a wedding present to the Valle family who added to it (in a Mughal Style with carved floral motifs) a stunning Carrara marble staircase, cupped arches, bulbous domes and delicate arabesques.
Complimentary lunch at Palacio del Valle restaurant.
Afternoon: transfer back to Havana city.
Day 7. Thursday 10 February 2022. Havana
Morning: visit to the University of Havana, founded in 1728. Followed by a tour of the University of Havana campus and library.
Afterward we will visit Casa de Las Americas, founded in 1959 by Haydée Santamaría (1923-1980) who was its President until her death, followed by Mariano Rodriguez (1912-1990) and currently (since 1986) presided over by Roberto Fernández Retamar, the Casa de las Américas promotes,
researches, supports, awards and publishes the work of writers, sculptors, musicians, and other artists and students of literature and the arts. It awards the Casa de las Américas prize.
Lunch break (optional, not included).
Afternoon: visit to the Literacy Museum in the Liberty City neighbourhood of Havana.
Meeting with museum director Luisa Campos for an introduction on the history of the literacy campaign and the new literacy campaigns taking place in Venezuela, Bolivia and other regions based on the Cuban Campaign model.
Followed by exploration at La Cabana Fortress, seat of the International Fair of Havana. Exchange with local exhibitors, publishers and writers and participate in programmed activities.
Evening: attend one of the most traditional and popular ceremonies in Cuba, the Fire of the 9 O'Clock Cannon at the Fortress of San Carlos de La Cabana.
Day 8. Friday 11 February 2022. Departure
Early morning departure to Havana City International Airport for departure.
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I. 1982 Havana Fine Arts Museum. Latin-American countries attended as observers. Specialized sample dedicated to José Martí, Nicolás Guillén and Jorge Dimitrov.
II. 1984 Habana Libre Hotel and Pabellón Cuba. 25 countries and three international organizations. Specialized sample: The technical-scientific book.
III. 1986 Havana Convention’s Palace. 44 countries and six international organizations. Specialized sample: Books for children and youth.
IV. 1990 Pabexpo. 40 countries and four international organizations. Specialized sample: Medicine at the disposal of mankind.
V. 1992 Pabexpo. 38 countries and several international organizations. Specialized sample: Fifth Centenary of Two Cultures Meeting.
VI. 1994 Pabexpo. Over 30 countries and several international organizations. Specialized sample: Environment and nutrition.
VII. 1996 Pabexpo. 27 countries and several international organizations. Specialized sample: Computing towards the year 2000.
VIII. 1998 Pabexpo. 28 countries and three international organizations. For the first time the event is dedicated to a country: Mexico.
IX. 2000 San Carlos de la Cabaña Fortress. Over 30 countries and several international organizations. Guest of honor: Italy. For the first time the event is dedicated to a Cuban author: Cintio Vitier, 1988 National Literature Prize. From that moment it acquired a yearly frequency.
X. 2001 San Carlos de la Cabaña Fortress. Over 30 countries and several international organizations. Guest of honor: Spain. Dedicated to Roberto Fernández Retamar, 1989 National Literature Prize.
XI. 2002 San Carlos de la Cabaña Fortress. Honor guest country: France. Dedicated to Miguel Barnet, 1994 National Literature Prize. After finishing in the capital it was extended to other eighteen cities being closed in Santiago de Cuba.
XII. 2003 San Carlos de la Cabaña Fortress and Pabellón Cuba. Guest of honor: Andean Community of Nations (Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Perú and Venezuela). Dedicated to Pablo Armando Fernández, 1996 National Literature Prize. After finishing in the capital it was extended to other twenty-nine cities being closed in Santiago de Cuba.
XIII. 2004 San Carlos de la Cabaña Fortress and Pabellón Cuba. Dedicated to Carilda Oliver Labra, 1997 National Literature Prize, and to German culture. After finishing in the capital it was extended to other thirty-three cities being closed in Santiago de Cuba.
XIV. 2005 San Carlos de la Cabaña Fortress. Dedicated to Abelardo Estorino and Jesús Orta Ruiz, 1992 and 1995 National Literature Prizes, respectively. Guest of honor: Brazil. After finishing in the capital it was extended to other thirty-four cities being closed in Santiago de Cuba.
XV. 2006 San Carlos de la Cabaña Fortress. Dedicated to Ángel Augier and Nancy Morejón, 1991 and 2001 National Literature Prizes, respectively. Guest of honor: Venezuela. After finishing in the capital it was extended to other thirty-four cities being closed in Santiago de Cuba.
XVI. 2007 San Carlos de la Cabaña Fortress , dedicated to Eduardo Torres Cuevas and César López. It was closed in the eastern province of Santiago de Cuba.
XVII. 2008 San Carlos de la Cabaña Fortress and other 44 bookstores under the slogan To read is to grow. Dedicated to Graziella Pogolotti and Antón Arrufat. Guest of honor: Galician culture.
XVIII. 2009 San Carlos de la Cabaña Fortress and more than 45 other bookstores under the slogan To read is to grow. Dedicated to Cuban intellectuals Jorge Ibarra (National Social Sciences Prize laureate) and Fina García Marruz (National Literature Prize laureate). Guest of honor: Chile.
XIX. 2010 San Carlos de la Cabaña Fortress and more than 50 other bookstores under the slogan To read is to grow. The Fair was dedicated to Cuban authors Reynaldo González, National Literature Prize Laureate, and Maria del Carmen Barcía, National Social Sciences Prize Laureate. This year's event commemorated the 50th Anniversary of the National Press of Cuba. Nation of honor: Russia.
XX. 2011 San Carlos de la Cabaña Fortress and more than 50 other bookstores under the slogan To read is to grow. The Book Fair was dedicated to authors Jaime Sarusky, 2004 National Literature Prize Laureate, and Fernando Martinez Heredia, 2006 National Social Sciences Prize laureate.
The fair also praised the cultural heritage of ALBA- member countries: Antigua y Barbuda, Bolivia, Ecuador, Nicaragua, Dominica, San Vicente y Granadinas, Venezuela and Uruguay (the country of honour).
XXI. 2012 San Carlos de la Cabaña Fortress and more than 50 other bookstores under the slogan To read is to grow. The 2012 International Book Fair of Havana was dedicated to Cuban authors Zoila Lapique, 2002 National Social Sciences Prize laureate, and Ambrosio Fornet, 2009 National Literature Prize Laureate.
XXII. 2013 Fortress of San Carlos de La Cabana. It paid tribute to the 160th anniversary of the birth of Jose Marti. It was also dedicated to Cuban authors, Pedro Pablo Rodríguez- 2009 National Social Sciences Prize laureate and Daniel Chavarría- 2010 National Literature Prize Laureate.
XXIII. 2014 Fortress of San Carlos de La Cabana. Ecuador was the Guest of Honor at the XXIII International Book Fair Cuba 2014. It was dedicated to Cuban authors, Nercy Felipe- 2011 National Literature Prize Laureate and Rolando Rodríguez- 2007 National Social Sciences Prize Laureate.
Hola! My name is Yane Marquez and I was born and raised in Cuba. After graduating from the University of Havana and the Tourism School of Cuba, I worked for over 10 years as a tour guide, translator and event organizer for Cuba's travel companies and organizations. I guided many groups attending Cuba's main international festivals, fairs and events. A few years ago, I moved to Canada where I have continued promoting Cuba’s tourism industry. I would be more than happy to answer any question you have about festival Cuba travel. Do not miss out!
Every year, 
The festival consists of book vendors, books & poetry readings, children’s activities, art exhibitions, and concerts in the evenings. It is considered the premier cultural event in Cuba, and the event with the highest attendance in Cuba: the XX International Book Fair drew over 2.3 million people to the Capital City!
Visit to Ediciones Vigia, a unique publishing house that produces handmade paper and first edition copies of books. Only 200 copies of each book are made so each is a collector’s item. Meet with director, publishers and artists.
Tour of Palacio de Valle in 
Guided walking tour of UNESCO World Heritage Site, 
Founded by Haydee Santamaria in 1959, Casa de Las Americas was created to promote literary and people-to-people exchanges with Latin American and Caribbean countries. Today “The House” (as it is known among intellectuals) continues on its role in promoting, publishing and awarding the work of national & international writers and artists.
Tour of Cuba's Literacy Museum in the Liberty City
neighbourhood of Havana. Meeting with museum director Luisa Campos for an introduction on the history of the literacy campaign and
the new literacy campaigns taking place in Venezuela, Bolivia and other regions based on the Cuban Campaign model.
Arrival at "Jose Marti" International Airport in 
Authentic Cuba Travel®'s festival tours are sanctioned, hosted and fully sponsored by Cuba’s key Culture Ministries, Organizing Committees and Cuban personalities. Travel with the peace of mind of knowing you are in the best hands!
