A day full of camaraderie, learning and love for literature was experienced last Saturday, November 19, at the President Roberto F. Chiari Library, on the occasion of the Panama Independent Writers’ Fair.  Twelve writers exhibited works of the romance genre, historical novels and autobiography.

Linda Astwood, writer and organizer of the event, pointed out that “this place breathes history and culture. Every piece of the past that they protect behind their doors are treasures of the construction of a country. Its beautiful architecture and the great human qualities of its staff make it the ideal place to research, learn and create. The event also featured a visit from students of the Special Education program of the Children’s Orchestras and Choirs Network of the Ministry of Culture, who delighted the audience with musical pieces.

“I am fascinated with the artistic and historical beauty that the Panama Canal holds,” expressed Daniel González, creator of the Instagram account @modernpty, who was in charge of a tour in the rotunda of the Canal Administration Building. The tour also included the monument to the January 9 Martyrs and the Ascanio Arosemena Training Center, where materials from the construction of the trans-isthmian railroad and the Canal are on display.

Thatiana Pretelt, the popular history communicator known as “the spy of stories”, participated in the talks and noted: “I liked seeing so many new writers exhibiting their works. It is not easy to write a book, let alone print and market it. It is a great effort and there are several writers here in Panama doing it“.

In addition to the literary works, works by artists Berta Polo and Luis Rudas were exhibited.