Ireland at the Guadalajara International Book Fair in Mexico
A substantial Irish delegation of writers, musicians and publishers will represent Ireland at the Guadalajara International Book Fair (25 November – 3 December 2023) in
Mexico. The presence is delivered by Literature Ireland and Harp Ireland with support from Culture Ireland. The enhanced Irish presence this year arose from the designation of the European Union as the Guest of Honour. Across the 9-day event, the Fair will welcome 74 writers from across Europe.
Irish writers Colm Tóibín, Naoise Dolan*, Tadhg Mac Dhonnagáin, Louise Nealon and Megan Nolan will present their latest books and discuss their writing on a global stage,
engaging with writers from across Mexico, Central and South America. Irish publishing will be represented by Nidhi Zak/Aria Eipe (Skein Press), Elizabeth Goldrick (Little
Island Books), and Micheál Ó Conghaile (Cló Iar Chonnacht).
The Guadalajara book fair, known locally as the FIL, is the third largest book fair in the world with a footfall of over 800,000 people across nine days. Sharon Barry, Director of Culture Ireland commented: “The designation of the EU as the Guest of Honour at this year’s Guadalajara Book Fair has enabled Culture Ireland to support a substantial Ireland presence at this year’s event. I’m delighted that Literature Ireland is leading such a strong delegation of Irish writers opening doors for future opportunities in this region. In addition, participation by artists from Harp Ireland in the wider cultural programme will also attract strong interest from Mexican audiences. Undoubtedly, this year’s attendance will provide valuable insights which will inform our activity in the region for years to come.” Speaking of Ireland’s participation, Sinéad Mac Aodha, Director of Literature Ireland said: “The Spanish language is the fourth most spoken language in the world with over 350 million speakers in Latin America. Our aim with this showcase is to invite the hundreds of translators and publishers who attend the fair to look more closely at Irish literature and ultimately publish it.
The addition to the programme of two magnificent Irish harpers, Seamus Ó Flatharta and Siobhán Armstrong with the participation of Harp Ireland, enhances our national presence and enriches our cultural offering at this important event.” A special focus on Irish literature will take place on 30 November, with a gala performance of poetry, prose and the Irish harp concluding with a reading of Seamus Heaney’s poem ‘At the Wellhead’ in English, and in a Spanish translation by his Mexican translator Pura Lopez Colomé. Further information on the Ireland presence at Guadalajara is available here and direct information about the Fair is available here.
*With assistance from The Arts Council Ireland.
Photos attached; credits as follows:
Tadhg Mac Dhonnagáin © Conor Horgan
Louise Nealon © Courtesy of the Author
Colm Tóibín © Reynaldo Rivera
Megan Nolan © Sophie Davidson
Naoise Dolan © Maria Bianchi
