In El Laguito of the Military District of Caracas, to the west of the capital, the literary festival began under the motto “Reading unites us” with Colombia as the guest country of honor and the participation of 65 international and 161 national delegates, including writers, editors, illustrators, artists and others.
The Head of State accompanied by the first combatant and deputy of the National Assembly Cilia Flores; Culture Minister Ernesto Villegas and other officials toured several of the fair’s 95 pavilions.
The authorities launched Filven with the binational exhibition “Botero Narváez” in honor of the artists Fernando Botero from Colombia and Francisco Narváez from Venezuela, showcasing original works by the two great artists.
As a special guest, a cultural group from the state of Amazonas presented a traditional indigenous dance.
The heads of the Ministry of Culture of Venezuela and the Ministry of Culture, Arts and Knowledge of Colombia, Juan David Correa, also signed a memorandum of understanding on various cultural issues that promote cooperation.
Maduro welcomed the authors and other creators of the book, ambassadors and national and Colombian authorities, making it clear that Caracas and Bogotá are a single homeland, founded on the sword of the liberator Simón Bolívar.
He pointed out that Commander Hugo Chávez (1954-2016) began to sow mutual love between the two nations, “that is the truth,” and explained that “we do not see Colombia as an enemy or anything like that, but as a sister .” .”
The ruler considered it a pleasant idea that emerged from the depths of writers during the previous book fair that “Colombia was the focus and the country was honored” in this new edition.
Correa recognized that it is a privilege for Colombia to be able to be here and “claim the value of our friendship,” the common language, the horizon expressed in our gestures, the sensitivity of knowing that we are close and part of it is the same plains and the same Caribbean. .
The Colombian writer and journalist also considered the opportunity to be welcomed in Caracas today “unique and wonderful,” stressing that “no one can deny us the ability to dream again.”
In addition to Colombia and Venezuela, writers and book managers from Argentina, Cuba, Honduras, Spain, Costa Rica, Iran, France, Mexico, El Salvador, Chile, Italy and Uruguay are taking part in Filven 2023.
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