By Nicole Vergara and Yazid Guelida
The Miami Book Fair, the Magic City’s most diverse and largest literary festival, flooded the streets of downtown from November 16-23 during its 42nd rendition at Wolfson Campus.
It featured more than 500 renowned authors, artists and writers from more than 35 countries.
Festivities popped off with the Jump ‘N Funk afrobeat block party led by four-time Grammy nominee Kenny Dope, accompanied with visuals by The Marksmen.
Throughout the eight days of celebration, fairgoers got the opportunity to meet with their favorite writers and attend panels while enjoying live music and good food.
“This year has been really spectacular,” said Mitchell Kaplan, co-founder of the Book Fair. “The authors have been varied and different, from photography to brain surgery, to country music to solar energy, it’s all been amazing.”
The Fair’s annual Evenings With series began on Nov. 17, offering in-depth conversations with distinguished authors and artists such as Bill McKibben, Kenny Chesney and Arthur Sze.
“Learning the personality of the writers and getting to know them a little more personally than just their works is very special to me,” said Laine Shakeridge, who attended the Fair on Nov. 19. “I like coming to these talks, to hear people and get to know them a little bit.”
Several literary showcases also took place, featuring authors from different cultures, such as the IberoAmerican Authors program.
One event—Ensayo y Poesía—featured a panel of Cuban artists from the publishing company Casa Vacia. It included writer and actress Rosie Inguanzo, poet Pablo De Cuba Soria, writer Jose Prats Sariol and violinist Alfredo Triff.
“Fighting for more Cuban voices and more of our personal stories in the world of literature brings me a lot of happiness and pride,” said Mercedes Gonzales, who attended the panel.
On Nov. 20, photographer Sally Mann presented her latest book, Art Work: On the Creative Life. It highlights the challenges and joys of creativity, the importance of risk-taking and the role of luck in the creative journey.
“I think listening to photographers that have been documenting and taking their work as artists very seriously is important, as they bring fresh, new perspectives,” said Marite Iglesias, a curator and gallerist.
On Friday, the annual three-day Street Fair began. The Kyriakides Plaza, along with strips of Northeast Second Avenue and Northeast Fourth Street, was lined with the Fair’s signature colorful tents.
Authors provided signed copies of their books, while vendors sold pastries, jewelry and hand-made products. More than 30 local restaurants hawked their food at the Street Fair.
Children’s Alley also returned throughout the weekend, bringing plenty of story-telling, performances, art and live music.
The National Book Foundation presented several nominees for the 2025 National Book Award for Translated Literature during a panel. Honorees included Jazmina Barrera, Gabriela Cabezón Camara and Hamid Ismailov.
“The diversity in Miami is so profound that when we program the Book Fair, we have to make sure that it’s really something for everyone,” Kaplan said. “And that’s not only with the authors, but when you come to the Street Fair, when you look at what we do for the children and young adults, it’s just a glorious coming together of community. That’s what this is all about.”
Staff writers Ivette Gomez, Ninette Portero and Pietra Romano contributed to this story.
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