After the ten-day week, with heat, rain and good writing, the 41st Setmana del Llibre in Català closed the doors this Sunday at the Moll de la Fusta with a provisional balance and the announcement of a new location, and with the satisfaction of having improved last year’s records.
According to provisional data, made public a while before closing, the attendance figure for the more than 300 activities exceeds 60,000 people, which represents an increase of 15% compared to last year (to see the scope of the change, in the In 2019, the last year it was celebrated in front of the cathedral, attendance was 30,000 people).
With respect to billing, the increase has been even more notable, since sales have improved by 20%, according to the organization of Setmana, led by Editors.cat (but also where the Gremi d’Editors, APPEC, the Gremi de Llibreters, the Gremi de Distribuïdors, Generalitat and City Council, among other institutions).
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On the other hand, it was also announced that they are working with the City Council so that the next edition will be held on Paseo Lluís Companys between September 20 and 29. Since during the opening ceremony, on the 8th, Mayor Jaume Collboni made public that due to the Copa del América it would be necessary to change provisionally, there was concern among some of the participants, either because they consider that the continued commitment to the Moll de La Fusta is a success for those who had complained last year and were hoping for a change. The change of dates was also commented on by some of those affected, who were not clear about losing the influx that a holiday like Onze de Setembre can have, although we will have to take into account the Mercè festivities, which will fall on a Tuesday, with the city immersed in its main festival.
And although Setmana has been held in several locations, it arrived at Moll de la Fusta seeking the necessary breadth to maintain it in the midst of a pandemic, in 2020, when distancing and capacity controls were a major health issue. The space also allowed the number of exhibitors to grow, which this year reached a record of 287.
What will need to be clarified, once the new location is officially confirmed – which is not yet one hundred percent secure – is how it will be organized so that everyone is left, since it seems that there will not be as many square meters available as until now. The organization’s intention, however, is to return to Moll de la Fusta as soon as possible.
This Sunday there was still time in the morning for events such as those dedicated to the literature of the Balearic Islands or presentations and children’s shows.
This Monday, Sant Miquel de les Lletres takes over in Lleida, a celebration with debates in bookstores and stalls in the Cathedral Square. When it comes to books, it is never enough.
