Bookfest returns to Chisinau, bringing together over 30 Romanian publishers
The International Book Fair Bookfest returned to Chisinau on Wednesday, bringing together over 30 publishers from both sides of the Prut River. The fair features a wide range of books, including fiction, nonfiction, children's books, and more.
Representatives of the publishers say that Bookfest offers the latest and most popular books. Visitors can also take advantage of discounts.
"We have a wide variety of books, including crime fiction, psychology, self-help, and lifestyle," said Viorel Vrabie, a representative of a publisher.
The fair has attracted a large crowd of book lovers, who say they have found the books they were looking for.
"I'm passionate about global culinary cultures and histories," said one visitor. "I've found a wide variety of titles and publishers."
"I'm here to discover new books," said another visitor. "I'm particularly interested in fantasy and historical fiction."
"We're looking for books for children," said a third visitor. "We're mostly interested in nonfiction, including psychology and history."
Government officials say they are committed to encouraging reading, especially among young people.
"The Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Moldova is making significant efforts to encourage young people to read," said Sergiu Prodan, the minister of culture. "As someone once said, those who read books in childhood will lead those who watch television in the future."
"Not everyone has access to books, regardless of their social background," said Dan Perciun, the minister of education and research. "The government has an important role to play in making books more accessible to students, including by providing financial assistance."
Romanian President Klaus Iohannis sent a message to the opening of the Bookfest in Chisinau, saying that "in the face of threats to democracy and human rights, books must be a shield that protects us from the toxicity of manipulative discourse, illusions, and the dangers of returning to a totalitarian past."
"In a context in which Moldovan society is increasingly committed to the European path and the authorities are working to counter the effects of the Russian Federation's aggression against Ukraine, the humanist values that books and reading promote take on a special significance," Iohannis said. "The dark years of communism taught us that we find our guide to freedom in books! Today, in the face of threats to democracy and human rights, books must be a shield that protects us from the toxicity of manipulative discourse, illusions, and the dangers of returning to a totalitarian past."
Iohannis said that he and Moldovan President Maia Sandu have granted the event their patronage.
"We are thus emphasizing the importance of books and the Romanian language in our common cultural heritage and expressing our appreciation for poets, writers, and the reading public," Iohannis said.
He said that Bookfest Chisinau, organized by the Association of Romanian Publishers and the State University of Moldova, has become a "landmark of Romanian publishing life" since its inception in 2016.
"It is an event that regularly brings books back to the forefront, transforming them into a true bridge of spirituality and solidarity between the two banks of the Prut," Iohannis said.
Iohannis noted that Bookfest Chisinau 2023 coincides with the celebration of Romanian Language Day, both in Romania and Moldova.
"Through dialogue between authors and readers, through openness to young people, students, and teachers, this event becomes a testimony to the role, mission, and destiny of the Romanian language and literature, as well as to the growing contribution of ours to universal cultural heritage," Iohannis said. "I wish Bookfest Chisinau 2023 much success! I am convinced that, through the efforts of the organizers and the enthusiasm of the reading public, books will triumph! Happy Romanian Language Day to all its lovers!"
The sixth edition of Bookfest Chisinau, which runs from August 30 to September 3 at Mediacor, the State University of Moldova, is also supported by the Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European Integration.
Bookfest Chisinau will be open in Chisinau until September 4, from 10:00 to 20:00.
