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From Recoletos to El Retiro: How the Book Fair Evolved Over Nine Decades

From El Nacional · () Spanish

Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

In-depth Sources not specified Context piece
  • The Madrid Book Fair, established in 1933, has undergone significant changes in its 93-year history, including location shifts and suspended editions.
  • Originally held on Paseo de Recoletos and coinciding with the death of Cervantes, it moved to El Retiro park in 1967 and now takes place in late spring.
  • The fair's evolution reflects societal changes, from lower literacy rates and expensive books to its current role as a major cultural event featuring international guests.

When the Madrid Book Fair began in 1933, Spain was a republic and television was a distant dream. Over its 93-year history, the fair has witnessed pivotal moments, from the Spanish Civil War to the adoption of the euro. Though now intrinsically linked to Madrid's El Retiro park, its home has not always been there.

When it was born, in 1933, Spain was a republic and television did not even exist.

Setting the historical context of the fair's origin.

The fair has moved locations, canceled editions, and even ventured outside the capital. Its inaugural event in 1933 was on Paseo de Recoletos, a date different from today's celebration, which now occurs in El Retiro park between late May and mid-June, originally chosen to honor Miguel de Cervantes and Book Day.

An interesting historical note is its temporary relocation to Casa de Campo in 1979. This move proved less successful, reinforcing the importance of a central location. In the 1930s, with lower literacy rates and books as a luxury for many, booksellers and publishers initiated the fair to make literature more accessible. For decades, stalls were even required to offer a 10% discount.

Although today it is identified inseparably with Madrid and El Retiro park, it did not always have its home there.

Highlighting the fair's changing locations throughout its history.

The concept of early fairs differed significantly from today's. Book sales dominated, with author signings playing a minor role. Early events featured loudspeakers for institutional speeches and public writer interventions, leaning more towards cultural dissemination than the massive gathering seen now. A unique feature was the use of "book trucks" to bring literature to other parts of Spain.

The initial date was chosen because it coincided with the death of Miguel de Cervantes and with Book Day.

Explaining the historical significance of the fair's original date.

Despite its 93-year existence, the fair has only held 85 editions. The 1936 edition was halted by the Spanish Civil War and did not resume until 1944. In recent decades, the fair has adopted a theme country, fostering literary exchange and editorial ties, transforming El Retiro into a global literary map.

The attendance was much lower than expected and the experience reinforced the idea of keeping the fair in a central location.

Describing the outcome of the temporary move to Casa de Campo.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by El Nacional in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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