A cocktail crafted by a renowned Madrid bartender and designed to refresh without spirit alcohol, it highlights one goal: a waterless, vibrant drink. The creation honors a celebrated publishing figure and was featured during a book-leaning event on a sunlit Friday afternoon. Its purpose extended beyond taste, strengthening connections, encouraging shared moments, and supporting the gathering at a stylish terrace venue in central Madrid.
This April persona, born on April 21, represents a decision to celebrate literature across the calendar. Why limit bookish joy to a single day when the whole year offers opportunities? The month’s influence helped rejuvenate the local publishing scene, rallying writers, editors, translators, journalists, illustrators, and printers. The book fair, drawing thousands of readers, was urged to blend minds and shake up the cultural landscape.
Key organizers included a deputy leader of a major publishing group and the additional director, who took on the hosting duties. As evening settled and heat lingered, the editorial leadership of a prominent Madrid newspaper arrived alongside top executives from the sister publication. They were soon joined by the overarching head of the publishing group and other family members, marking a relaxed, informal gathering.
Unity and friendship
The first rounds of non-alcoholic cocktails, styled with tropical fruit essences, began to circulate. The scene welcomed a well-known literary figure, the widow of a Nobel laureate, who carried a fan and spoke about the early stages of a regional campaign. A fellow cultural insider added that the mood was not about competition but about unity and shared promotion for books and culture. The author of a provocative novel also weighed in, underscoring that broad collaboration benefits all participants.
Sunglasses, bright outfits, and a laid-back Friday vibe dominated the atmosphere. Attendees mingled without formal attire and without masks, reflecting a sense of relief and continuity after tough times. The spread featured an array of appetizers—crisp bread with cured meat, potato omelette, doughnuts, prawns and ham croquettes, octopus skewers, and bite-sized Kobe burgers. Conversations wandered from fair happenings to long-coveted updates, with gossip flowing as if from a long held pause caused by recent events.
Several notable figures made appearances after a long day of work, including a trailblazing minister responsible for culture and tourism, who also happened to be the first woman to lead the Madrid Book Fair. An acclaimed novelist later recounted auto-signing sessions that lasted well into the afternoon. Other regional literary representatives and publishing executives circulated, including managers from a major group with well-known imprints, and editors from respected publishing houses.
Among the attendees was a guest publisher from Oaxaca who had recently expanded into Spain. The plan was to introduce a diverse catalog, linking works from Latin American authors with a growing Spanish audience. The event carried a sense of pride in cross-border literary collaboration and the aim to build lasting ties between markets.
Conversation flowed freely as guests swapped stories about titles, collaborations, and upcoming releases. The gathering focused on celebrating books, toasting with a caramel-hued rum cocktail that evoked memories of warm afternoons, and signaling a broader commitment: the calendar would host April-inspired activity throughout the year.