Bookfest 2023 to be even better next year
The sixth edition of the Bookfest International Book Fair concluded in Chisinau on Sunday. The five-day event featured a wide variety of events, including author meet-and-greets, book launches, and creative workshops.
Visitors praised the fair's generous and varied offerings from more than 30 publishers from both sides of the Prut River, which separates Moldova from Romania.
"It was wonderful! There were so many great guests with interesting launches," said one visitor.
"It's great that there are so many books and Romanian publishers here. I really like that there are guests, it brings something different, you don't just come to buy books."
"I saw Ioana Pârvulescu and Radu Paraschivescu. The book selection is exceptional. For us in Chisinau, it's a miracle."
"The launches are very beautiful, they open doors for us, they awaken our curiosity."
Bookfest 2023 was a celebration for both visitors, who were able to purchase books at affordable prices, and publishers and authors, who found a receptive audience in Chisinau. The event was a success for organisers from both Moldova and Romania.
"Our expectations were exceeded because this book fair is followed by a wave of readings, a wave of events dedicated to promoting reading," said Sergiu Prodan, the Moldovan Minister of Culture.
The minister added that next year's edition will be even more special.
"We want to make a qualitative leap in the organisation of the festival here in Chisinau. First of all, I am referring to the inconvenience of paying with cash. I take the responsibility to say that next year every visitor will be able to pay with a card or mobile phone to further improve this wonderful event," Prodan said.
Bookfest Chisinau was held under the patronage of Moldovan President Maia Sandu and Romanian President Klaus Iohannis.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
