The organizers of the Guadalajara International Book Fair said they are considering a variety of scenarios for this year’s fair, which is scheduled to run from November 28 to December 6.
The main proposal is to divide the fair between the Expo Guadalajara, where the fair is traditionally held, and a second pavillion at the Cultural Center at the University of Guadalajara, which is approximately a 10 to 15 minute drive away. The intention is to minimize the density of people at the fair at any one time to meet limits that will be approved by Mexico’s health authorities.
Should the threat of the pandemic be too acute to hold a face-to-face fair, the organizers say they are considering holding a virtual fair or canceling the event altogether.
Last year, the fair hosted 2,417 publishing houses from 48 countries and 828,266 visitors. The United Arab Emirate of Sharjah is the 2020 guest of honor, and the fair will have a special focus on Arabic language and culture.