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Rabat – Casablanca’s second International Children and Youth Book Fair concluded today, with the event drawing over 101,000 visitors and 340 exhibitors from 29 countries.
Held at Anfa Park from December 14 to 22, the fair went beyond being a gathering for book enthusiasts—it became a platform for fostering creativity, literacy, and collaboration among young Moroccans.
The event was organized by the Ministry of Culture, Communication, and Youth, and it featured over 40,000 titles and more than 150,000 copies. Wallonia-Brussels was the guest of honor, showcasing its cultural contributions to a diverse audience.
Developing Talent in Literature and Art
A major focus of the event was the sowing of literary passion in Morocco’s children and youth. 70 workshops and professional training sessions were held for aspiring authors, illustrators, and designers, aiming to support the development of a burgeoning Moroccan literary scene.
Participants explored careers in writing, visual storytelling, and artistic production, preparing them to contribute to a growing industry.
Meanwhile, school libraries benefited from targeted training to improve library management practices, enhancing the role of educational spaces in promoting reading habits.
Immersive Cultural Experiences
The fair also featured the “Words of Arts” program, held across seven spaces, offering over 405 activities spanning creative writing, theater, photography, ceramics, design, and live arts.
More than 20,000 children visited an exhibit celebrating the work of Belgian artist Peyo, creator of The Smurfs, engaging directly with his legacy of storytelling and illustration.
Publishing houses and cultural organizations added further depth to the event with over 300 activities, including book signings, educational sessions, and artistic workshops, creating an environment for meaningful exchanges between creators and their audiences.
A Growing Cultural Hub
With media coverage from 65 outlets and a robust social media presence, the fair solidified its role as a major cultural event in Casablanca.
The ministry described this edition as a key moment in advancing a reading culture and supporting human development through access to knowledge.
The enthusiastic turnout of children and young adults from Casablanca and beyond demonstrated the importance of such initiatives in connecting communities with literature and the arts.
As the fair closed its doors, it left a lasting impression on attendees and reinforced its mission to inspire a new generation of creators and readers.
Read Also: UNESCO Names Rabat the World Book Capital for 2026, Promoting Literature and Literacy
