Livres en Folie, Haiti’s largest annual book fair, recently celebrated its 30th edition, showcasing the resilience and creativity of the Haitian literary community. Despite the challenges of escalating gang violence and insecurity in the capital city of Port-au-Prince, the event successfully took place on August 15 at the Karibe Convention Center in Pétion-Ville. Originally scheduled for May but postponed due to safety concerns, Livres en Folie provided a much-needed cultural triumph for the nation.
The fair brought together approximately 90 writers, presenting their newly-published works among a selection of about 1,100 titles. This gathering of authors, publishers, and readers was a testament to the unwavering determination of the Haitian literary community to thrive amidst the country’s ongoing crises. Participants of all ages flocked to the convention center to meet authors, engage in discussions, and purchase books at discounts of up to 50%.
The successful execution of Livres en Folie was particularly significant given recent attacks on cultural institutions in Haiti, including the vandalism of the National Library and the ransacking of Le Nouvelliste, the event’s organizer for the past three decades. Despite these adversities, the book fair stood as a powerful symbol of Haitian resilience, emphasizing the importance of culture and education in the country’s darkest moments.
Notable attendees at the fair included Prime Minister Garry Conille and Edgard Leblanc Fils, president of the Transitional Presidential Council. Their presence highlighted the fair’s significance as a beacon of hope and intellectual celebration in the face of adversity. Leblanc emphasized the importance of supporting production and creation in Haiti, stating that Haitians need spaces to unleash their full potential.
Livres en Folie not only celebrated the intellectual wealth of Haitian writers but also reinforced the community’s commitment to preserving and promoting Haitian culture. By bringing together a diverse audience, the fair reminded everyone of the enduring power of literature to inspire and unite people, even in challenging times. It also provided a valuable opportunity for individuals lacking access to socio-cultural activities to gather, meet, and engage in meaningful discussions.
While the 30th edition of Livres en Folie was deemed a success, the growing popularity of the fair, particularly among young people, suggests the need for a larger venue to accommodate the increasing number of participants and ensure the event’s continued success in the future. Livres en Folie serves as a testament to the resilience, creativity, and unity of the Haitian literary community, showcasing the enduring power of literature to transcend adversity and inspire change.