A new approach for Book Day in Extremadura
This year, the Government of Extremadura has decided to change the format of the central event of International Book Day, which is held at the Library of Extremadura, in Badajoz. Instead of having writers from the region to prepare the ‘Praise of the Book’ and read it on the spot, the participation of senior officials from the Popular Party has been chosen.
New protagonists of the event
According to the institutional agenda of the Board, the event will be led by the general secretary of the Ministry of Culture, Tourism, Youth and Sports, José Luis Gil Soto, the director of the Regional Editor, Antonio Girol, and the director of the Extremeña Foundation of Culture, Carmen Sánchez Risco. All of them are political positions in the ministry headed by Victoria Bazaga.
A new approach to ‘Book Praise’
Traditionally, the responsibility of preparing the ‘Book Praise’ fell to renowned writers in the region. However, this year it has been decided that José Luis Gil Soto, general secretary of the Ministry of Culture, will be in charge of this task. Gil Soto, in addition to being a senior official of the Popular Party, is an agricultural engineer and writer, having published six books and received the Ateneo de Sevilla Novel Award last year.
Reactions and criticism
The change in the format of the event has generated various reactions and criticism. The Socialist Party considers that the region’s writers, who have contributed to the high level of Extremaduran literature, are being turned their backs. In addition, they denounce the use of economic and material resources of the Administration to promote the professional career of a political position.
For its part, the Ministry of Culture defends the participation of José Luis Gil Soto, arguing that he is also a writer and that he has written the ‘Praise of the Book’ out of a true love of art, writing and books, without receiving any remuneration. Furthermore, it stands out that Gil Soto is the only Extremaduran to have won the Ateneo de Sevilla award.
A new approach for Book Day in Extremadura
This change in the format of the Book Day event in Extremadura marks a new approach to the celebration of this important date. Although it has generated controversy, the participation of high-ranking political officials and the election of José Luis Gil Soto as person in charge of the ‘Praise of the Book’ seek to highlight the importance of culture and literature in the region.