The 29th Literary Extravaganza, the international book fair commonly known as SIEL, kicked off Thursday in Rabat, featuring the inclusive theme “Together With Our Differences.”
With 743 exhibitors from 47 countries and various cultural institutions, the ten-day book fair is focusing on artificial intelligence and youth this year and serves as a vibrant platform for promoting literature and fostering intercultural dialogue. Honorary ceremonies will pay tribute to some of the most prominent figures in Moroccan literature.
Key dignitaries, including Aziz Akhannouch, Morocco’s Head of Government; Mohamed Mehdi Bensaid, Minister of Youth, Culture, and Communication; as well as a host of political, diplomatic, media, and cultural figures from different countries attended the opening ceremony.
Bensaid told the press that SIEL is not only a celebration of books and reading, but also an ideal opportunity for all citizens to discover new cultural horizons.
“SIEL plays a vital role not only in the cultural and bookselling industries but in economic and social spheres too,” he said. “Exhibitors in this cultural event record considerable book sales and gain popularity each year.”
The minister underscored the constant and direct support provided by his department for reading and books, adding that several other regional, national, and international cultural fairs are also held across the Kingdom.
Eric Falt, the Director of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Regional Office for the Maghreb, applauded the choice of the UN organization as this year’s guest of honor, observing that the choice is an “acknowledgment of our achievements and the ties that bind us to Morocco.”
The visitors to UNESCO’s booth will “discover the various activities and initiatives we undertake in the fields of science, communication, and information, along with UNESCO heritage sites and biosphere reserves,” he declared.
Falt further revealed that the UNESCO space will host over 20 meetings during the course of the book fair.
The expo will also cater to children by providing them with scientific and artistic workshops to nurture and stimulate young minds.
Last year, more than 204,000 book enthusiasts flocked to the 28th SIEL 2023 held in June, also in Rabat, according to the Ministry of Culture.
SIEL 2024 runs from May 10-19.