A Cuban who attended the Book Fair in Matanzas took the opportunity to share her experiences there and criticize the high prices displayed on the books.
The internet user identified on TikTok as Brianna revealed in a video posted on that social network that the lowest price for a new book reached 1,500 Cuban pesos, the equivalent to the pension received by many retirees on the Island.
The Cuban also pointed out that, unlike in previous years, the event was empty, as she observed during her walk through the stalls located along Río Street in Matanzas.
The cheapest books found, which cost around 500 CUP, were used.
However, according to the internet user, the most surprising thing was that at that "book fair" they sold toys, shoes, and stuffed animals in so many establishments.
"I don't understand, but well, I'm not here to understand," he/she assured.
The Book Fair has been surrounded by controversy for years due to the high prices of the books sold and the limited bibliographic offerings.
Last year, Cuban parents expressed their dissatisfaction with the prices of textbooks, which ranged from 1,000 to 2,000 and even up to 5,000 pesos.
A YouTuber also reported on the high costs of editorial productions and office supplies, in addition to the shortages evident in empty shelves and the long lines.
In 2023, Cuban mothers also warned that the prices at the Havana Book Fair seemed like they were from Dubai, as some copies cost more than 2,500 pesos.
Between high prices and more transportation
The declining Fair has received full support from the regime this year, in an attempt to encourage attendance from Cubans at the venue.
Last month, when the Fair was inaugurated in Havana, the Provincial Transport Company reported that public transport in the capital was receiving support from other entities to ensure the mobility of the population to and from the venue of the International Book Fair, at the Morro-Cabaña Historic Military Park.
The statement, which emphasized the importance of the cultural event and highlighted the collaboration of other entities to facilitate citizen attendance, received numerous criticisms.
Citizens pointed out the contradiction between the support for the Book Fair and the lack of transportation for workers.
"For the fair, there are buses and fuel, but to go to work, we still have to walk," said a user frustrated with the situation.
Others reported the inequality in resource allocation, such as a resident of Regla who commented, "We still have no transportation; they didn't increase the service for the small boat. After 6:30, you have to pay $250 to get home."
Frequently Asked Questions about the Matanzas Book Fair and its Context
Why are book prices so high at the Book Fair in Matanzas?
The prices of books at the Matanzas Book Fair are extremely high due to inflation and Cuba's constrained economy. According to the account of an attendee, the cheapest book costs around 1,500 Cuban pesos, an unaffordable amount for many, especially retirees who receive equivalent pensions. This issue has been a consistent problem at the country's book fairs, where high costs limit access to culture for most of the population.
What other products are sold at the Matanzas Book Fair?
In addition to books, the Matanzas Book Fair also sells toys, shoes, and stuffed animals. This mix of products has surprised visitors, who expected to find a more literature-focused offering. The presence of these unrelated items reflects the economic difficulties faced by the country, where diversifying the offerings aims to attract a broader audience and address the shortage of specific products.
How has the transportation crisis impacted the Book Fair?
The transportation crisis in Havana has sparked criticism regarding the allocation of resources for the Book Fair. Despite the scarcity of transportation for daily activities, the government has prioritized support for the cultural event, which has upset citizens who are struggling to get around on a daily basis. This situation reflects the regime's priorities, allocating significant resources to cultural events while neglecting the basic transportation needs of the population.
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