Benjamín Pacheco/EL VIGÍA
bpacheco@elvigia.net | Ensenada, B. C.
With the presentation of a space dedicated to the memory of the founder and cultural promoter Cristian Vázquez, in addition to meeting the goal of starting with 5 thousand books for exchange, the 11th edition of the Libro Fest meeting was inaugurated in the port of Ensenada.
The formal event was led by the festival coordinator, Dayana Cháidez Osuna, as well as the president of the Pluma Joven civil association, Joatam de Basabe, and the coordinator of the State Center for the Arts (Ceart) Ensenada, Iván Trujillo Luna.
Cháidez Osuna highlighted the planning for months by around 30 organizers, to hold the meeting from November 22 to 25 on the esplanade of the Plaza de las Artes of the Ceart of Buenos Aires.
“This year we started with the goal of starting with 5 thousand books on the tables. Since 8:00 a.m. people have arrived to exchange. We expect an influx of around 30,000 to 40,000 people during the three days,” he highlighted, which is why he predicted a good event.
Dedication to Cristian
He recalled that the edition is special, since it is dedicated to Cristian Vázquez who, along with his cultural work and as an author, was the first independent councilor in the history of the municipality.
Joatam de Basabe recognized the effort of the work team to organize the festival, as it is a great voluntary effort for the benefit of youth.
“The spirit of youth getting involved in promoting reading is maintained, which is the original idea, the idea that Cristian had 12 years ago when we started Libro Fest,” he commented.
This, in relation to the then El Joven y El Libro Festival, in April 2012, which by September of that year became the Libro Fest.
De Basabe recalled that they have 12 exhibitors who trust and help cover expenses, as it is a non-profit meeting.
“Also remind them that the spirit of the event is to share books: to let go of what is so valuable that we readers have, which are books, and share them with someone. The motto is ‘Sharing a book is sharing life’ and that is what we have believed since then,” he said.
They project video-tribute
And Iván Trujillo Luna, director of Ceart Ensenada, recognized the legacy and assured that they will seek to join the festival.
As part of the inauguration, a video tribute to Cristian Vázquez was projected, in addition to inviting people to use a QR code that will link to an anthology made with texts of his authorship called “13 texts for 13 years.”
Relatives of Cristian Vázquez came to the place, who had the opportunity to remember his work and achievements, while messages appeared such as “Memory of an unparalleled young man who taught us many things: the value of friendship, the strength of unity, the importance of believing in ourselves, the result of effort, the joy of sharing (and) creating projects of social benefit”, among other emotional expressions.
What are some quantifiable impacts of the Libro Fest on the community, such as increased literacy rates or community involvement in cultural activities?
## World Today News Network: Interview on the 11th Libro Fest in Ensenada
**Introduction:**
Welcome back to World Today News Network. Today’s episode delves into the heart of Ensenada’s vibrant literary scene with the 11th annual Libro Fest. We’re joined by two esteemed guests, [Guest 1 Name and affiliation], and [Guest 2 Name and affiliation], who will shed light on the festival’s vision, its dedication to Cristian Vázquez, and its impact on the community.
**Section 1: Celebrating the Legacy of Cristian Vázquez**
* **Interviewer:** [Guest 1 Name], the 11th Libro Fest is dedicated to the memory of Cristian Vázquez. Could you elaborate on his contributions to Ensenada’s cultural landscape and why upholding his legacy is so important?
* **Interviewer:** [Guest 2 Name], Cristian Vázquez was not only a cultural promoter but also a civic leader as Ensenada’s first independent councilor. How do you see this dual role reflected in the spirit of the Libro Fest?
**Section 2: The Power of Book Exchange and Community Engagement**
* **Interviewer:** [Guest 2 Name], the festival encourages the exchange of around 5,000 books. What’s the significance of this participatory approach to reading, and how does it foster a sense of community?
* **Interviewer:** [Guest 1 Name], Libro Fest emphasizes sharing books as “sharing life.” Could you expand on this powerful metaphor and explain how it resonates with the festival’s participants?
**Section 3: Looking Ahead: The Future of Libro Fest**
* **Interviewer:** [Guest 1 Name], Libro Fest relies heavily on volunteers and community support. How do you ensure the continuation and growth of this vital initiative in the future?
* **Interviewer:** [Guest 2 Name], What message would you like to convey to individuals inspired by Cristian Vázquez’s vision to get involved in promoting literacy and cultural exchange?
**Conclusion:**
Thank you both for sharing your insights on this inspiring event. The 11th Libro Fest serves as a powerful testament to Cristian Vázquez’s legacy and the enduring power of books to connect communities. We encourage our viewers to learn more about Libro Fest and find ways to contribute to its continued success.
