Panama, Aug 18 (Prensa Latina) The public visiting the Atlapa Convention Center, home of the 11th International Book Fair in Panama, will have access to more than 100,000 titles from 65 foreign and national publishing houses.

Although the official opening is scheduled for tomorrow afternoon, the literary event already hosts readers, authors, publishers, promoters and artists under the premise: From Guatemala to Panama, Central America integrated.

‘The Book Fair is the most important cultural event in the country and is the fourth largest in America. Its contribution in raising the education level is the engine that will include us in the first world countries list’, said to the reporters Ms. Orit Btesh, President of the Panamanian Chamber of Book.

Meanwhile, the ambassador of Guatemala, Anamaria Dieguez, highlighted how pleased she was of knowing that this way the literature and culture of her country can be appreciated in its proper perspective.

The exhibition event is attended by over 60 writers from 16 countries and the program includes 250 artistic, educational, recreational and professional activities.

In the case of Guatemala, the delegation is composed of 45 personalities, including nine writers, two storytellers, one chef, a weaver of huipiles (traditional garment worn by indigenous women of the nation) and the National Folkloric Ballet, as well five publishers.

During the inauguration will be displayed 14 traditional costumes from different Guatemalan municipalities, said Dieguez.

In our stand ‘we will have a representation of the Santa Catalina Arch, Guatemala, handicrafts and about 900 books’, she said. For its part, the National Folkloric Ballet will perform traditional dances dating from the days before the colony and will be accompanied by melodies of the marimba, Dieguez added.

The International Book Fair of Panama, which will be held until Sunday, also pays tribute to the poets Ruben Dario (1867-1916) and Cesar Young.