The 13th Yucatán International Reading Fair (FILEY) officially kicked off on Saturday, March 22, 2025, at the Siglo XXI Convention Center in Mérida, with a striking new layout designed to enhance visual appeal and improve functionality. Organized by the Autonomous University of Yucatán (UADY), this year’s fair opened with the prestigious José Emilio Pacheco Excellence in Literature Award being presented to acclaimed writer Alberto Ruy Sánchez. This award, established in 2013 by UADY in partnership with UC-Mexicanistas, recognizes Mexican authors for their lifetime achievements and contributions to literature.
The award jury, composed of prominent academics and previous awardees, unanimously honored Ruy Sánchez for his “writing that unveils worlds to readers through the intimacy of the body and the intensity of his prose.” His storytelling, which explores the sensuality and philosophy of North Africa, has carved out a space for limitless cultural dialogues and literary experimentation. Vittoria Borsò, a jury member, delivered this commendation during the ceremony before an audience of over 500 attendees.
The FILEY, described as a major cultural event across the region, features an impressive collection of over 10,000 titles, 130 exhibitors, and 500 publishing houses participating in more than 700 activities. With the theme “Time to Read,” the fair aims to explore various dimensions of time through literature and encourages interactions across diverse cultural and artistic expressions.
This year, the University of Veracruz serves as the guest institution, enriching the fair with a range of literary, academic, and artistic programs. For the first time since the return to in-person events, the guest institution will offer an array of activities fostering educational collaboration and cultural exchange.
As part of its extensive programming, the fair will commemorate influential figures such as Rosario Castellanos and José Agustín, feature the José Emilio Pacheco Library, and honor the achievements of authors like Margo Glantz and various local literary figures. Attendees can look forward to numerous dialogues, conferences, and workshops featuring renowned authors like Cristina Rivera Garza, David Toscana, and Enrique Osorno, among others.
For more information and to access the full schedule of events, the FILEY program is available [here](https://filey.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Programa-general-FILEY-2025.pdf).
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**Secondary Article:**
**The Societal Impact of Literature: Celebrating Excellence at FILEY 2025**
The Yucatán International Reading Fair (FILEY) does more than just celebrate literature—it contributes to a broader societal dialogue. With the 2025 edition bringing thousands of participants and more than 700 activities, the event is a testament to the influential power of books in fostering understanding and connection across cultures.
Alberto Ruy Sánchez, the recipient of the José Emilio Pacheco Award, exemplifies this cultural bridge-building. His works, which traverse continents through intricate narratives, highlight the role literature plays in broadening perspectives and nurturing mutual respect among diverse populations.
The FILEY 2025 not only acknowledges individual achievements in literature but also reflects on how collective literary endeavors contribute to societal transformation. By engaging with themes like the passage of time and the expansive scope of the imagination, FILEY empowers readers to rethink their own narratives and consider their roles within larger global stories.
This celebration of reading and literature underscores the ongoing relevance of books in a rapidly changing world, reinforcing the idea that storytelling is a timeless, universal human experience that continues to unite us all.