Participants at the Alicante Book Fair faced a growing sense of frustration as debates swirled around the suitability of the venue in Seneca Square. Several booksellers reported to this newspaper that relocation next year and stronger promotion would be essential if the event were to regain its appeal. The Metropolitan Municipality, which chose the square as the fair’s home, now finds itself under sharp scrutiny for the decision and its consequences for exhibitors and visitors alike. The sentiment is clear: the site plays a decisive role in the fair’s perceived vitality, and current arrangements have sparked debate about publicity and foot traffic.
Professionals consulted by this outlet converge on a common assessment: the public turnout for the Book Fair was disappointingly low, especially on weekdays. The location, they argue, is not a natural commercial corridor, and that reality dampens enthusiasm among vendors. The prevailing critique is simple yet pointed: more effort is needed to draw people in. This view is echoed by many exhibitors who say the promotion surrounding the event has fallen short, making participation financially unattractive. The shift of the traditional old and second-hand book fair to Paseo de Federico Soto further complicates matters for sellers who feel the audience is unlikely to travel between venues for similar offerings.
The director of the Editorial Club Universitario, speaking on condition of anonymity for the moment, underscores that Seneca Square has a reputation for being non-commercial, regardless of what officials may claim. In his view, vendors want to reach readers, yet the location discourages footfall, which creates a vicious circle: limited sales encourage fewer exhibitors, and fewer exhibitors reduce the fair’s draw. He notes this pattern has persisted for several years and warns that without a change in venue or approach, participation could dwindle further next year. He adds that while the old bus station site holds potential, it remains underutilized due to outdated infrastructure, making robust publicity all the more critical to generate interest and foot traffic. The aim should be to bring books to readers, not require readers to seek out a distant event.
López Vizcaíno, a critic of the current arrangements and a representative of a Córdoba publisher, cautions that the municipality is not listening to the booksellers. The relocation of the fair to Seneca Square is cited as evidence, but even more troubling is the idea of hosting an old and second-hand fair in Federico Soto. For him, such a setup diminishes the fair’s credibility. He stresses the necessity of a compelling promotional push and argues that exhibitions must be accessible and visible to avoid isolating both sellers and readers. He also suggests practical steps to improve engagement, including closer collaboration with local networks to ensure the Book Fair truly reaches the public rather than waiting for them to locate it. This, he notes, would be essential for reviving participation and return visits from Córdoba and other regions. He emphasizes that books should be brought to potential readers and given a real chance to be discovered.
Borja Caamano, a Cordovan publisher for Bunker Books, shares a similar frustration. He points out that the current spirit of the fair risks being compromised when exhibition spaces feel disconnected from the city’s daily life. While organizers express a desire to stimulate the region, Caamano argues that there is little human flow through the space, making the fair feel isolated. The message from his perspective is plain: a strong promotional push and easier access are prerequisites if the event is to succeed. He notes that the objective of book fairs—getting books into readers’ hands—depends on clear messaging and high visibility, which should guide future planning and resource allocation. The sense is that the fair must become a dependable conduit to reading rather than a temporary seasonal appearance. Cited: Alicante press, 2024.
The experience of Frank Serrano from Murcia Libros adds another layer of critique. He describes this year as painful and views it as being in line with recent years. He cites a practical example: on a Saturday, the venue drew little attendance, and stands remained sparsely populated until mid-afternoon. He characterizes the results as a total loss and indicates that unless there is a dramatic turnaround, he will not participate again next year. This blunt verdict reflects a broader concern about the fair’s financial viability and its ability to deliver value for participating publishers and booksellers. The tone is cautionary, signaling that action is needed to restore confidence among exhibitors and readers alike. Cited: Alicante press, 2024.
Helios Munoz, speaking for Librería Galeradas de València, voices a strong consensus with other participants: the location has a decisive impact on potential success. He notes that if he had known more about the promotional landscape beforehand, he might have reconsidered attendance. He explains that the issue lies not in the books but in visibility. Adequate promotion could have drawn a larger crowd, and the failure to implement robust advertising seems to have harmed attendance. Munoz also points out a broader scheduling conflict: hosting two fairs at once in nearby times disorients readers and sellers. For him, coordination is key to avoiding internal competition and ensuring both events can thrive. He stresses that the council should align efforts to maximize public engagement rather than dividing resources, which only detracts from the fair’s overall impact. Cited: Alicante press, 2024.
Ester, director of Libros Vobiscum in San Vicente del Raspeig, adds another perspective: this may not be the ideal place for a broad audience. People either know the fair is here or they do not attend at all. She laments the lack of media presence, noting that there were few posters, sparse street notices, and little radio or press coverage. Her critique centers on the need for better exposure to justify the cost of participating. The bookstore also voices concerns about how the City Council uses fair setups to promote the square rather than to create genuine reader engagement. In her view, exhibitors deserve fair compensation for the costs of setting up booths, especially when the purpose is to drive foot traffic and broader readership rather than simply filling the schedule. Cited: Alicante press, 2024.