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Rabat – The number of visitors to the International Book and Publishing Fair’s (SIEL) 29th edition exceeded 316,000, according to the Ministry of Youth, Culture, and Communication.
This edition saw “a massive influx of visitors, with a total number exceeding 316,00, indicating an increase of 32%” compared to the previous edition, claimed the minister in a statement to the MAP.
According to the same source, this edition marked “a new stage in the history of this major cultural event, demonstrating with each edition the value and usefulness of the efforts made to make books more accessible to citizens.”
Organized under the auspices of King Mohammed VI, SIEL’s 29th edition saw the participation of 743 exhibitors from 48 countries.
The exhibitors presented a varied documentary offering of almost 100,000 titles in different fields of knowledge and interest.
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) was the guest of honor at this year’s event.
It was organized in partnership with the Wilaya of the Rabat-Sale-Kenitra region, the Rabat-Sale-Kenitra Regional Council, and the Commune of Rabat.
Osama Muslim’s book signing contributed immensely to luring a larger audience to the Book Fair. Saturday, May 11 saw a sudden influx of visitors. A staggering 23,000 in a single day.
The 2024 edition also featured a new area dedicated to the creations of famous artists from Marvel and DC Comics.
The cultural program was diverse and eclectic, transforming the exhibition spaces into an intellectual and creative haven for thinkers, researchers, and writers.
SIEL is an international cultural manifestation organized every year by the Ministry of Youth, Culture, and Communication.
In 2004, SIEL Casablanca became an annual cultural event, whereas, since 1987, the Book Fair has been held every two years. In 2022, the 27th edition was held in Rabat for the first time.
According to the organizers, some of the objectives of the Book Fair are to provide an opportunity for inter-professional communication between the various branches of the book industry, to encourage reading and bring books closer to Moroccan citizens, as well as to promote opportunities for exchanges between publishers, authors, and readers.
