On October 2, 2026, Morocco continues to make a significant impact as the guest of honor at the fifth edition of the International Book and Reading Fair held in Morelia, Mexico. This vibrant cultural event, running until October 4, showcases the rich tapestry of Moroccan literature, heritage, and culture through a diverse program that includes exhibitions of publications and books, participation in various meetings, as well as performances highlighting music, culinary arts, traditional crafts, and folk dance. Additionally, there are dedicated activities aimed at children and youth, providing the Mexican audience with an opportunity to engage with and appreciate the creative and cultural aspects of Morocco.
The academic dimension of Morocco's participation is also noteworthy, featuring contributions from Professor Hassan Ouabbou of Hassan II University in Casablanca, who actively participated in several discussions, including one titled "Morocco and Latin America: New Paths for Cooperation." This meeting served as a platform to highlight the Kingdom's connections with the region and, in particular, with Mexico, exploring available opportunities to foster new spaces for dialogue and collaboration.
Professor Ouabbou also delivered a lecture titled "Morocco and Foreign Trade: A Logistics Hub Connecting Africa, Europe, Asia, and Latin America," emphasizing Morocco's strategic role in international trade and its unique geographical position that enables it to play a leading role in this arena.
Morocco's ambassador to Mexico, Abdel Fattah Lebbar, underscored the special significance of Morocco's participation in the fair, especially considering that Morelia has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1991, as a city that has made culture, heritage, and memory integral to its identity. During his speech at the opening ceremony, Mr. Lebbar noted that this participation comes at a particularly symbolic year for Morocco, as UNESCO has designated its capital, Rabat, as the World Capital of Books for 2026. He indicated that Morocco's presence in Morelia, while Rabat celebrates this honor, represents a unique opportunity to enhance Moroccan cultural visibility and strengthen communication bridges between the Moroccan and Mexican peoples.
Looking ahead to potential new projects, the ambassador expressed Morocco's desire to explore the possibility of establishing a cooperation agreement between a university in Morelia and a Moroccan university, aimed at fostering academic exchanges, student and faculty mobility, and collaborative research projects in literature, languages, culture, and heritage.
The fifth edition of this fair is characterized by a rich program that includes not only the opportunity to purchase books from thousands of titles on display but also workshops, exhibitions, and dialogue sessions, alongside activities inspired by Moroccan traditions, celebrating the Kingdom's role as the guest of honor in this year’s event.
As reported by maroc.ma.
