The recent São Vicente Book Fair in Cabo Verde has reported impressive sales, with over 10,000 copies sold out of 15,000 books made available. The event, which took place in Mindelo, achieved a commercialization rate of more than 70%. Matilde Santos, president of the National Library of Cabo Verde, hailed the seventh edition of the 2026 book fair as a "truly extraordinary" moment, surpassing the results of the 2024 and 2025 editions on the island.
The most sought-after books at the fair included children's and juvenile literature, technical books, particularly in the field of Law, classic Cabo Verdean literature, Social Sciences, Economics, and Self-Help. According to Matilde Santos, hundreds of titles sold out, with some being snapped up in the first few days of the fair. These included translated literature, Law, and Self-Help books. The unsold books will not be stored for the next edition but will instead be donated to public and private libraries, schools, and communities to update their collections and create small reading spaces.
The Minister of Culture and Creative Industries, Youth, and Sports, António Duarte, expressed satisfaction with the fair's results, highlighting the significant number of visitors and sales recorded. He emphasized the importance of the event taking place in São Vicente, a year that marks the 90th anniversary of the Revista Claridade. Duarte also noted the presence of many children at the fair, some of whom returned with their parents to buy books they had discovered during previous visits.
António Duarte sees the high attendance of children as a positive sign, potentially indicating a resurgence of interest in reading. He noted that reading habits have become less frequent and that initiatives like the book fair should gain more visibility and reach to reinforce the importance of books and reading in Cabo Verdean society. A significant portion of the revenue collected during the fair will be channeled into the National Reading Plan, specifically to support the Grand Reading Contest launched about three weeks ago.
Matilde Santos and António Duarte both emphasized the significance of the book fair in promoting reading and literature in Cabo Verde. The event has demonstrated a strong demand for books, particularly in certain genres. By donating unsold books to libraries and communities, the organizers aim to further promote reading and access to literature.
The success of the São Vicente Book Fair has sparked optimism about the future of reading and literature in Cabo Verde. The event has shown that, with the right initiatives, it is possible to promote a culture of reading and appreciation for literature. The government's support for such initiatives is seen as crucial in fostering a love for reading among the population.
The seventh edition of the São Vicente Book Fair has set a positive precedent for future events. With over 10,000 copies sold and a significant impact on promoting reading, the fair has demonstrated its importance in Cabo Verde's cultural landscape. As the country looks to the future, events like the book fair will likely play a vital role in shaping the reading habits and literary tastes of its population.
Key points
- Over 10,000 books were sold at the São Vicente Book Fair in Cabo Verde.
- The event achieved a commercialization rate of more than 70%.
- Unsold books will be donated to public and private libraries, schools, and communities.
