Today Friday, the Portaleburu exhibition hall in Azkoitia will remain open from 17:00 to 20:00 hours. Saturday morning only from 11:00 to 14:00.

One of the organizers of the event is Julen Garate, a member of Maxixatzen Euskaldunak Elkartea. ARGIA spoke to him.

Why a women's fair?

We are an association of Euskera, and as we organize together with the Department of Equality of the City Hall, we focus on the Basque literature that will offer a place to women. We're the only fair of these kinds of books. We believe that both Euskera and women need more presence. And, as we have already mentioned, the objective is to normalize the presence of Euskera, disseminate and normalize the literature in Euskera.

Its foundation dates back to 2004. There were women in the group of readers of the people, but it was increasingly evident that the authors of the books that were read were men, whether they were Atxaga, whether they were Sarrionandia -- that, on the one hand, we believe it is because there are customs, that man has been given more importance. It should also be noted that the level of men and women is the same and that there are more writers in number.

What are the main objectives of the fair?

Standardization of the presentation of Euskera in the literature. Let the plaza be Basque and women. Disseminate and normalize the female literature in Basque.

The plaza will be occupied by guests of all kinds. You also have more local activities.

For us, closing events are very special. We ended this year with some passages of Bizenta Mogel. They will be read by ten citizens. It is a way of promoting the people.

This year's tribute is Jasone Osoro. What will you highlight?

It's like closing a cycle, it's the third year since we've recovered the format. In the first tribute to Arantxa Urretabizkaia and last year to Mariasun Landa. This year will be Jasone Osoro. Osoro has books of all kinds, but we would highlight it for his work in juvenile literature. That is why we decided to pay tribute to everything by sleeping.

What authors would you highlight of what this fair will be?

Karmele Jaio will be presenting us with the book The Loving Capital. Durango sold a lot. We invite him and accept him for us is terrible.

Can independent authors or editors participate?

Yes, for example, will be placed by members of the Pensioners' Movement. Basically, in the year 2023-2024, we bring books from women and in Euskera, no matter what movement it is.

What benefits does the fair bring to the local community?

When we recovered it two years ago, a group of readers emerged in the village. These days are a meeting point. Other things are organized with that. This year we organised a 2-minute competition. It will be reported this Saturday. Such actions and groups are therefore a benefit for the people.

Programme for today and tomorrow:

12 April, Friday:

17:15 h. Tell stories The Evil Wolves of Maite Franco (6-10 years).

18:30 hours. Yolanda Arrieta offers a workshop on Bizenta Mogel: The symbols of a daughter or lady of light.

Saturday, 13 April:

11:15 hours. From the hand of Maite López, Giorgos Seferis, a Nobel poet in Euskera. Presents: Aritz Gorrotxategi.

12:00 hours. Presentation of the book The Love Capital of Karmele Jai. Presenter: Xabier Mendiguren.

12:45 h. 2 minutes presentation of the competition.

13:00 hours. 10 people Reading fragments of the book Ipuin onak by Bizenta Mogel.

Programme of yesterday:

17:15 h. Presentation of the translation of Gema López: The frozen woman of Annie Ernaux. Presents: Mariasun Landa.

18:00 hours. Mariasun Landa will deliver the reminder to honoree Jasone Osoro.

18:30 hours. Presentation of the essay book Jasone Osoro. Presents: Maite Rementeria.