The municipal program, starting on April 22, has been designed so that reading transcends the individual act and becomes a driver of social cohesion. The Town Council aims to foster interaction between young and old, demonstrating that culture is a fundamental pillar for the municipality's identity.
The literary journey will begin at the Senior Citizens' Center, where, in collaboration with the Red Cross, a workshop will be held to create bookmarks using wood and flowers. This activity highlights local craftsmanship and respect for the natural environment, involving seniors in the prelude to an intense cultural week.
On April 23, International Book Day, the municipality will focus on oral narration. Users of the Senior Citizens' Center will become storytellers, sharing stories they have prepared throughout the month. Simultaneously, the Cultural Center will offer sessions like ¡Hola pajarito! and Trotamundos for the youngest to develop their imagination through fantasy.
The day of April 23 will culminate at the Municipal Library with a Reading Festival, where attendees can share their readings in a communal setting. The group Polvo de Buitre will offer a concert that merges literature and music, seeking comprehensive experiences for the audience.
On Saturday, April 25, the Plaza de la Villa will be the epicenter of the Book Fair, with tents housing bookstores, publishers, and local associations. There will be author signing sessions, engraving and printing workshops, and innovative proposals such as rap inspired by Don Quijote, bringing Cervantes' work to new audiences.
The program will extend until April 26, with activities at the Children's House and the Youth House. The children's play Pinocchio, una historia delirante will be performed, and specific workshops will be held for teenagers and children, aiming to foster a love for reading as a tool for freedom and creativity.
“"Book Day is an annual event that gives us an opportunity to highlight the value of reading and all the participatory activities we develop… but also to create spaces for encounter and coexistence around culture, something that is part of Soto del Real's identity."
The Councillor for Culture, Almudena Sánchez, emphasized that Book Day is an opportunity to showcase ongoing projects of the Municipal Library, such as readings in residences, reading clubs, and collaborations with the local penitentiary center. This inclusive approach seeks to make culture a pillar of social integration in the municipality.
