Russia (bbabo.net), - The legendary Leipzig Book Fair has been canceled for the third year in a row due to the coronavirus pandemic. The fair is the largest after the Frankfurt book event in Germany. It has been held since the beginning of the 17th century, and it is known that in 1632 the number of books presented there exceeded the number of publications shown at the fair in Frankfurt.
Leipzig maintained its leading position as a book trade center until 1945. Even during the Second World War, the fair was not canceled, although the number of participating countries, of course, dropped sharply. In the post-war period, when Germany was divided into two states - the GDR and F, the Leipzig Fair ended up on the territory of eastern Germany. But even then it was the most important event at which publishers from the countries of the socialist bloc could get acquainted with the book novelties of the West.
The importance of the Leipzig Book Fair has not diminished even after the reunification of the two Germanys and its move from an old building in the city center to a new modern exhibition center in the business district in 1998. Its popularity grew from year, until the coronavirus pandemic intervened in the organizers' plans.
In 2020, the fair was canceled for the first time, with the hope that it will take place next year. In 2021, the pandemic again prevented events from taking place in Leipzig. And this year, despite the fact that the authorities of F have indicated that some restrictions will be lifted by March, when the fair usually takes place, the publishers decided not to risk it. "Unfortunately, due to the unpredictable situation of the pandemic, many exhibitors are currently unable to confidently schedule participation in such a large public event. This resulted in numerous withdrawals shortly before the fair. Therefore, with a heavy heart, we have decided not to hold it this year" , - the organizing committee of the Leipzig Book Fair says in a statement. The next fair will be held from 23 to 26 March 2023.
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