In the capital of Argentina, Buenos Aires, the 50th anniversary edition of the Feria Internacional del Libro de Buenos Aires — one of the largest cultural events in the Spanish-speaking world — is currently underway. This year, Ukraine is represented with its own national stand, which has become a space of strength, dialogue, and cultural presence.
The event is held at the La Rural exhibition center, bringing together publishers, writers, intellectuals, and artists from around the globe. The Ukrainian program is presented under the symbolic slogan:
“Cultura que resiste, Nación que vence” — “A culture that resists — a nation that prevails.”
This message runs like a red thread through all events, from book presentations to musical performances and discussions. Ukraine showcases not only its literary heritage but also its contemporary voice — the voice of a country that continues to create even in the most difficult times.
On April 23, the official opening of Ukraine’s National Stand took place within the framework of the fair. Ambassador of Ukraine Yurii Klymenko emphasized in his speech the deep symbolism of Ukraine’s participation in this long-standing event. He noted that today Ukraine’s presence carries special significance, demonstrating the vitality of its culture, as well as the resilience and determination of its people in defending independence and freedom.
This tradition has been made possible thanks to the long-standing efforts of the Ukrainian Central Representation, which has consistently supported the development of the Ukrainian stand.
The participation is organized with the support of the Ukrainian Institute and diplomatic missions, including assistance from the Embassy of Austria in Buenos Aires.
The program of the Ukrainian stand includes meetings with contemporary authors such as Yevheniia Kuznietsova and Artem Chapay. They share their experiences of writing during wartime, reflections on identity, and the role of culture in global transformations.
International guests also join the discussions, including Héctor Abad Faciolince and Argentine author María Rosa Lojo. Such meetings create bridges between cultures and open space for meaningful dialogue.
Special attention is given to book presentations, including editions dedicated to Taras Shevchenko, as well as contemporary studies exploring the cultural dialogue between Ukraine and Argentina.
Music holds a special place in the program. Ukrainian singer Solomiia Chubai performs for both adult and children’s audiences, offering interactive sessions with songs and games.
During the opening of the stand, world-renowned Ukrainian opera singer Liudmyla Monastyrska performed. She is currently appearing on the stage of Teatro Colón, and her rendition of the Ukrainian folk song “Oy, u poli viter viie” added a deeply emotional tone to the event.
Marking the 40th anniversary of the Chernobyl disaster, a thematic photo exhibition is presented at the stand. It encourages reflection on the lessons of the past and draws attention to current nuclear safety challenges amid Russia’s full-scale aggression.
Ukraine’s participation in the International Book Fair in Buenos Aires is more than a cultural event. It is an act of presence that shows the world: Ukraine exists, speaks, and creates.
Through words, music, and dialogue, Ukraine continues to build bridges between cultures, strengthen humanitarian ties, and introduce itself to readers in Latin America. It stands as a testament to resilience, intellectual strength, and openness to the world — even in the face of the most difficult trials.
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Author: Olena Zhukova
Photo: Olena Zhukova