This Sunday is the day of Sant Jordi, the patron saint of Catalonia in Spain. On this day, people celebrate by exchanging books and roses. Sunday is also World Book Day as declared by Unesco in 1995.
To mark this occasion, Mesa 312 Cultural Lab in collaboration with the Embassy of Spain is holding “Sant Jordi Bangkok 2023 World Book Day” at GalileOasis, Soi Rong Rian King Phet, Phetchaburi Road, on Sunday from 10am to 7pm.
Held to promote reading among children and adults, and Spanish culture to Thais, the event will bring new and second-hand books from independent bookstores and editorials from Spain and Thailand.
Expect to see books, stationery, packing, craft and DIY items by Wanvimajakai, second-hand books, literature and rare collectables, including reproduction, prints and art posters from museums and galleries from around the world by Chambre du Treasure Collectibles & Bookstore, and Out Of Eden’s pocket-sized bi-annual magazine.
Among the stands of books, magazines, artwork and food will be a space where people can donate books and school materials for children in need.
Activities for the second edition include readings of children’s books, talks from local and international writers and artists, art workshops, live music, Spanish food, book signings and more. To keep with tradition, all vendors will give away a red rose with each purchase.
The first talk of the day will be “Inside The Mind Of The Writer And The Translator” by writer Veeraporn Nitiprapha and writer/film critic Kong Rithdee, at 11am. They will exchange their experiences of writing and translating fiction.
It will be followed by “Texts To Visuals: Voices And Voyages”, a dialogue between Assoc Prof Pasuree Luesakul and visual artist Nakrob Moonmanas, at 1pm. Both will recount their interests and pursuits of history, literature, literary translation and artistic visualisation of texts that link Thailand and the Western world, especially Spain and Latin America.
Then, Bangkok-based Spanish journalist Gaspar Ruiz-Canela will give a talk session in English about his book Magic Chronicles In Thailand at 2pm. Published in 2018, the book is a collection of articles and stories about Thai spirits, religious festivals, floating nuns, fortune tellers and superstitious politicians and coup leaders.
There is no admission fee. Visit worldbookdaythailand.blogspot.com.
