The Santo Domingo International Book Fair (FILSD 2024) opens its doors today, 7 November 2024, under the theme “Books Connect,” with a strong focus on innovation. The event is organized by the Ministry of Culture and offers an extensive agenda through 17 November at the Plaza de la Cultura off Av. Maximo Gomez.
The grand opening is scheduled for 7pm at the Eduardo Brito National Theater, honoring writer Mateo Morrison and featuring Washington Heights, the Dominican area of New York City, as the guest of honor.
The Ministry of Culture reports that 242 publishing houses and dozens of local book distributors are participating in the program. The well over 500 activities include conferences, book launches, exhibitions, conversations, short and feature film screenings, workshops, poetry recitals, panels, theater performances, and storytelling sessions.
The Ministry of Culture is inviting all to visit the iconic Imagination Pavilion, where the public is treated to insights into the fascinating world of technology. The Comic Book Pavilion is another popular area.
Attendees can also visit the Publishers’ Pavilion and the Reading Walk, where 47 bookstores will offer a wide variety of books. Washington Heights and author Mateo Morrison will each have their own pavilions.
Additionally, the Children’s Pavilion returns with a special program for the youngest attendees. The Future Authors of the World Foundation will be present. Five young authors will share their work and the foundation’s director, Keila González Báez, will lead a conversation titled “Create the World You Desire Through Writing.”
Organizers have reported that a comprehensive security plan is in place, with approximately 450 personnel from various military, police, emergency response, and first aid institutions to ensure the safety of all attendees.
7 November 2024