A Cuban woman who attended the Matanzas Book Fair on Friday has shared her experience, taking the opportunity to criticize the exorbitant prices of the books on display. Known on TikTok as Brianna, she posted a video revealing that the lowest price for a new book was 1,500 Cuban pesos, equivalent to the pension many retirees receive on the island.
She also noted that, unlike previous years, the event felt deserted, as she observed during her walk through the stalls along Río Street in Matanzas. The cheapest books available, priced at around 500 CUP, were second-hand. However, Brianna found it particularly surprising that this "book fair" also featured numerous stalls selling toys, shoes, and stuffed animals. "I don't understand, but well, I'm not here to understand," she remarked.
The Book Fair has faced controversy for years due to the high prices of books and the limited bibliographic offerings. Last year, Cuban parents expressed their dissatisfaction with book prices ranging from 1,000 to 5,000 pesos. A YouTuber also criticized the steep costs of editorial productions and office supplies, alongside the evident scarcity, with empty shelves and long lines.
In 2023, Cuban mothers further highlighted that the prices at the Havana Book Fair resembled those in Dubai, with some books priced over 2,500 pesos.
Struggling with Prices and Transportation
The faltering Book Fair has received substantial support from the regime this year in an attempt to encourage more Cuban attendees. Last month, during the fair's opening in Havana, the Provincial Transport Company announced that public transportation in the capital was receiving assistance from other entities to ensure people's mobility to and from the International Book Fair venue at the Morro-Cabaña Military Historical Park.
The announcement, emphasizing the cultural significance of the event and the collaboration of other entities to facilitate attendance, sparked numerous criticisms. Citizens pointed out the contradiction between supporting the Book Fair and the lack of transportation for workers. "There are buses and fuel for the fair, but we still have to walk to work," one frustrated user commented.
Others highlighted the inequitable resource distribution, like a resident from Regla who noted, "We still don't have transport, they didn't provide extra for the ferry. After 6:30 PM, you have to pay $250 to get home."
Key Issues at the Matanzas Book Fair
Why are the book prices at the Matanzas Book Fair so high?
Book prices are high due to economic factors and limited availability, which have been consistent issues in recent years, leading to criticism from attendees.
How has the attendance at the Matanzas Book Fair changed?
Attendance appears to have decreased compared to previous years, with reports of the event being noticeably empty.
What other items are being sold at the Matanzas Book Fair?
Apart from books, stalls at the fair are also selling toys, shoes, and stuffed animals, which some attendees find surprising given the event's focus.