More than 316,000 people visited the 29th International Book Fair (SIEL) that concluded on Sunday in Rabat, a 32% increase over last year, according to Morocco’s Ministry of Culture.
In an “unprecedented initiative,” this year’s fair featured a new exhibit space to showcase the creations of famous artists and storytellers from the Marvel & DC universe, the Ministry stated in its press release. More than 51 activities occurred in the space, with more than 15,000 people participating over the course of the exhibition.
“The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) as the guest of honor, distinguished this edition [of the bookfair],” the Ministry stated, “reflecting the fruitful cooperation between Morocco and the organization.”
743 exhibitors from 48 countries, including 290 direct participants and 453 indirect participants, participated in the 2024 fair which featured nearly 100,000 titles spanning numerous fields of knowledge and creative genres.
On offer were a whopping 1,480 cultural activities. 320 were presented directly by the ministry or in partnership with participating research and government centers, with over 3,703 contributors involved in implementing the cultural program, including 885 participants in the ministry’s program.
“The cultural program was characterized by its depth and diversity, turning the fairgrounds into a hub of intellectual and creative exchange involving thinkers, researchers, novelists, and poets,” the Ministry highlighted.
The exhibition also offered an educational and entertaining program of children’s activities under the theme “Happiness in Colors,” to enhance knowledge and cognitive development through more than ten thousand workshops.
68 national and international news outlets provided comprehensive coverage of the event.