August 17-21, 2022
Books galore plus music and dances. So much to see and hear. People of all ages enjoying themselves, buying books, reading to children, and, in the food court, visiting with friends over coffee and pastries.
On entry, we were given a schedule of events with times and places. There was something for everyone. Book sellers and printers had rooms where they displayed their wares. Of course, there were some souvenirs available for purchase. People wove in and out of the various spaces.
Spanish Panama Language School professor Danae Brugiati officiated at the presentation of Silvia Quezada’s new book titled “Habitaciones Furtivas.” These are short stories of two women, with Marcela representing women who gain freedom from despotic marriages. Erika represents the other view. After the presentation, the book signing where people, me included, lined up to speak to the author and have their newly-purchased books autographed. Then we went downstairs to the main hall.
The place was crowded with people of all ages: dancers in costume, students in school uniforms, and people holding schedules seeking the room where their desired event would be held. Small groups po people listened to musician ensembles playing in the halls, traditional and contemporary.
The Smithsonian had a large interactive display that attracted the young and old alike. The United States embassy had a booth as did a few other countries.
A book lover’s dream. Books ranged in size from miniature to large coffee-table sizes and varied from the old classics to newly published and all genres.
As for future readers: one young mother, holding a child’s picture book sat on the steps, reading aloud to her son. The number of children present, brought by parents or schools, is very positive for the future of Panama.
