Ministry of Culture Announces Postponement of the International Culture and Book Fair

Minister of Culture, Architect Eduardo Selman, said the postponement decision was made after receiving instructions from President Danilo Medina, due to the emergency measures introduced to combat the Coronavirus (COVID-19).

Santo Domingo, April 17, 2020 – Minister of Culture Eduardo Selman formally announced the postponement of Santo Domingo´s 2020 23rd International Culture and Book Fair, scheduled to be held from April 24 to May 3 in the country´s capital city.

The decision to postpone the Fair was made after President Medina explained in his national televised speech on March 17 on the emergency measures that were to be introduced in the country in order to confront the spread of the virus.  The new date for the traditional literary and cultural event has not been announced by the authorities.

“We are truly sorry that we have to postpone this traditional cultural and literary event that we were so enthusiastically planning,” expressed Minister Selman.

“I encourage all Dominicans, especially our artists and cultural sector, to listen and support the measures adopted by the Government, in order to stop the spread of this mortal virus and that its spread brings even more devastation to our population,” explained the country´s Cultural Minister.

Santo Domingo´s Culture and Book Fair is organized by the Fair´s General Directorate.  This year event will be held in honor of Dominican writers Camila Henríquez Ureña and Abigaíl Mejía, for their contributions to the country´s literary and cultural development.

The Central American nation of Honduras is the Fair´s invited Guest of Honor.