As a member of the Alicante Cultural Council, Anthony Manresa addressed the recent Book Fair held from April 1 to 10 at Plaza Séneca, defending the choice of the venue while emphasizing a practical reality of the event. He noted that while the organizers had hung a window display and arranged the setup, it is ultimately the responsibility of local bookstores to drive sales. People have free will to decide what to purchase, and influencing buying choices remains outside the council’s authority, he suggested. His comment captured a broader sentiment across the board: the fair exists to provide a platform, not to compel transactions, and the vitality of the fair hinges on audience engagement rather than coercion.”
Manresa also pushed back against the complaints voiced by some booksellers who spoke to this newspaper about the Plaza Séneca location and even threatened not to participate next year. He argued that there is no gun to anyone’s head, only a shared opportunity to participate. While disagreements are natural, he warned that a subset of voices may be trying to undermine a collective effort. The council believes the event should be fair and supportive, pointing out that resources were allocated for organization and communication in order to foster participation and visibility for publishers and authors alike.”
The councilor confirmed that the fair is operating this year with 22 exhibition cabins, noting that the footprint is double what it was in previous years. He described how authors and publishers expressed satisfaction with the setup, and he claimed that Saturday afternoon saw a crowded atmosphere with more passersby compared to last year, except during rainy periods that dampened attendance. The emphasis remained on showing that the fair can attract a steady stream of visitors when the weather cooperates and the program remains engaging.”
In this context, the historical nature of the event was highlighted as a point of alignment with the booksellers’ preferences. The representatives of the booksellers’ association were consulted, and their preference for the timing was respected. Manresa noted that the organizers had hoped for a May timeline, but the decision was made to avoid clashing with other city fairs that could dilute attendance, thus preserving the opportunity for local authors to connect with readers in a dedicated window.”
He also clarified that the timing did not coincide with the Old and Second Hand Book Fair organized by the Valencia Community Booksellers and Stationers Association, as some complaints had implied. He pointed out that the fair began on April 11 and that the weekend was the primary period for activities and displays, while weekday traffic typically sees fewer visitors. He added that routine road-use regulations were observed to ensure safe access for visitors and vendors, and that there was no intention to disrupt the opening of other related events in the area.”
Jose Antonio Lopez Vizcaino, who serves as Director and President of the Editorial Club Universitario Alicante State Booksellers and Stationers Association and has organized the Book Fair for several years, offered another perspective. He remarked that his initial surprise stemmed from a public statement indicating uncertainty about the venue, followed by an acknowledgment that it could indeed be suitable for the fair. He stressed that everyone has the right to reconsider a position, especially in a dynamic event landscape where logistics and audience behavior can shift rapidly.”
Manresa concluded with a tempered sense of satisfaction regarding the event’s outcomes. He stressed that satisfaction does not mean perfection and that there remains room for improvement. The council intends to review feedback and implement changes to enhance future editions, ensuring the fair continues to serve both readers and the booksellers who participate.”
Book Fair attendees condemn poor location and threaten not to return next year
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