The Madrid Book Fair will open on March 25th for the 71st time in history. To prepare for the grand annual event, 365 wooden cabins were hoisted into the ground at Madrid's Retiro Park yesterday.  Over the years, Spain has become a major hub for publishing and this fair is a major event for the industry and for book lovers alike.  This year, organizers say the event will bring 272 publishers, bookstores and distributors to the 15-day fair.

Given that the theme of the festival this year is "Italy, a Country to be Read," there will be  aspecial focus on contemporary Italian writers such as Claudio Magris, Erri de Luca and Corrado Calabro.  However there will be programs that will focus on classics such as Pinocchio and Sandokan.  Since Italy is an important player in children's narrative literature, there will also be children's workshops where they will for example be able to create their own books. 

If you happen to be in Madrid, this looks like a great activity and opportunity to share your love for books with locals there. Also, don't think that the books will all be in Spanish or Italian.  You will be able to find books on practically every subject and in many languages. Just make sure if you're going there on vacation (after reading this), to pack your suitcase half empty so you have somewhere to put all the books you buy.