The International Book Fair in Guatemala (Filgua) 2026 will come to an end this Sunday, after more than a week of activities that brought together national and international readers, writers, publishers and exhibitors. One day before closing, visitors highlight the organization of the event, the variety of activities and the participation of Germany as the guest of honor.
Valerie Hernández said that she has been visiting Filgua for several years, that she has bought several books and that she considers the event very positive for the new generations, because it helps keep them away from social networks and create the habit of reading. Recommended to read Takeaway therapy.
Daria Ixcot commented that she has visited Filgua in the last three editions and that she really liked that it was dedicated to Germany. He added that he would like the fair to be held more frequently and not just once a year. He recommended reading Stephen King.
Emilia Vásquez recalled that her parents have taken her to Filgua for as long as she can remember and that she really enjoys visiting the fair. He highlighted the activities and films presented by Germany. He also stated that he likes to comment on reading and learn about new publishers. Recommended to read The wind knows my nameby Isabel Allende.
Emiliano Santa Cruz is attending Filgua for the second time and said that he found a very well organized activity, which attracts many children, which he considered positive. He added that reading broadens horizons, constitutes the basis of education and is also a means of entertainment. Recommended to read Crime and punishmentby Fyodor Dostoevsky.
David Muñoz attended a Mayan dance and said that he liked that there were more interactive activities, although he considered that the most important thing is still the books. He highlighted the importance of reading from an early age and consulting different subjects. He commented that he currently reads mistbornby Brandon Sanderson.
Attendees agreed on the importance of cultivating the habit of reading.
“This year has been very successful; there is more and more interest in the topic of meditation,” said the director of the Sri Chinmoy Meditation Center, who added that they have around 80 books by the author. He recommended reading a work on happiness written by Sri Chinmoy.
Daniel Uzcategui, from Kitapenas, said that this edition has been very exciting and that, according to the union, the fair grew 20% this year. He indicated that the best-selling books are related to personal development and that the youth book was also sold out. Star Wingsfrom Disney. He added that the invited writers attracted numerous readers. Recommended dystopia exquisite corpseby Agustina Bazterrica, set in a chaotic Latin America, as well as 50 capsules of self-love.
Initiative to support Venezuela
The Kitapenas publishing house took advantage of the International Book Fair in Guatemala (Filgua) to launch a fundraising initiative aimed at supporting children affected by the emergency registered in Venezuela. As part of the campaign, it put on sale 500 reusable bags designed especially for the fair, at a cost of Q50 each.
Daniel Uzcategui, representative of the publishing house, explained that the entire proceeds will be donated to a foundation that provides care to children in Venezuela. He indicated that the resources will contribute to covering needs such as medicines, treatments and other assistance for minors who were left in a vulnerable situation after the disaster.
As of this Saturday, the initiative had sold 300 of the 500 bags available. Uzcategui pointed out that the remaining ones will continue to be sold both in Filgua and in the publisher’s physical stores, so that more people can join the cause.