Geneva honors Jorge Luis Borges 40 years after his death amid G7 security

Geneva is preparing to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the death of renowned writer Jorge Luis Borges. A series of events, including poetry readings and conferences, are scheduled to take place at the Plainpalais Cemetery, also known as the Cemetery of the Kings, where Borges is buried.

Borges died in this Swiss city, where he resided with his parents and sister Norah from 1914 to 1918. During his time in Geneva, he attended the historic Collège Calvin and learned French. His tomb, a popular site for visitors, is often adorned with offerings such as letters, books, drawings, and flowers.

The cemetery, usually open daily, will be closed to the public on the anniversary. However, organizers, including the association Los Conjurados and the Vargas Llosa Chair, have obtained special permission for a select group to pay tribute to Borges at his gravesite.

This tribute coincides with heightened security measures in Geneva. The city is preparing for a protest march by social organizations against the upcoming G7 summit, scheduled from Monday to Wednesday in Évian, France. Due to the summit, many institutions, shops, and businesses in Geneva have covered their entrances and windows, creating an unusual visual landscape.

Despite the security measures and closures, the organizers are determined to honor Borges's legacy. The events aim to celebrate the literary contributions of the Argentine writer, who left an indelible mark on world literature during his time in Geneva.