Anwesha Santra
Frankfurt Book Fair in Frankfurt am Main, traces its roots to the 15th century and has been held in its modern form since 1949. Often described as the global meeting point of publishing, it draws around 240,000 visitors from more than 90 countries each year.
The International Kolkata Book Fair, held at Central Park in Salt Lake, Kolkata, began in 1976 and has grown into one of the world’s most loved literary gatherings. With nearly 2.7 million visitors in recent editions, it feels as much like a cultural festival as a book fair.
The New Delhi World Book Fair was established in 1972 and takes place at Pragati Maidan or Bharat Mandapam in India’s capital. It regularly attracts close to two million visitors, including students, families, publishers, and writers.
Sharjah International Book Fair in the United Arab Emirates started in 1982 and has become a major cultural landmark in the Arab world. Hosted in Sharjah, it welcomes over two million visitors during its multi-day celebration of books, arts, and ideas.
Cairo International Book Fair, founded in 1969 in Egypt’s capital, is the oldest book fair in the Arab world. Every year, between one and two million people attend, making it a vital platform for literature and public discourse in the region.
The Guadalajara International Book Fair in Mexico is regarded as the largest literary event in the Americas. Launched in 1987, the fair draws over 850,000 visitors who come for books, author interactions, and cultural programming.
The Beijing International Book Fair first began in the late 1980s and is held annually in China’s capital city. It attracts more than 300,000 visitors and plays a significant role in connecting Chinese publishing with the global book industry.
Dating back to 1932, the Antwerp Book Fair in Belgium has long been a favourite among European readers. It traditionally welcomes around 150,000 visitors and is known for its warm, community-driven atmosphere.
The London Book Fair, held annually in London, United Kingdom, was established in 1971 and has since been one of the most influential publishing events in Europe. Though primarily industry-focused, it attracts around 25,000 visitors from across the world.
The world's leading fair for children's publishing, the Bologna Children's Book Fair takes place in Bologna, Italy. Visitors can meet publishers, authors, translators, graphic designers, and illustrators here.