The Guadalajara International Book Fair and the Hay Festival of Literature and Arts will be sharing this year’s Princess of Asturias Awards of Communication and Humanities , the foundation named after the heir to the Spanish throne announced Tuesday.
From their respective bases in the Welsh town of Hay-on-Wye and the Mexican city, both festivals “encourage the habit of reading ” and “strengthen the publishing industry ,” the jury of the prestigious awards said in a statement .
Recommended: Mobile bookstore promotes reading during Mexico's COVID-19 lockdown
The Guadalajara Book Fair, launched in 1987 , is the world’s most important annual event in the Spanish-speaking publishing world . The Hay Festival, first held in 1988 , has expanded from its birthplace of 1,800 residents to hold several literary events on three continents.
The award of 50,000 euros is one of eight prizes handed out annually by a foundation named for Spanish Crown Princess Leonor . They recognize achievements in the arts , social sciences , sports , and other disciplines.
Recommended: Mexican writer Fernanda Melchor in International Booker Prize shortlist
The award ceremony usually takes place in October in the northern city of Oviedo .
The jury said the Mexican book fair has become a “ universal literary phenomenon ” since its foundation and that “with an enormous influence on people and massive participation , it is a focal point for the visibility of the Spanish language .”
Recommended: Mexican writer Valeria Luiselli, first woman to win the Rathbones Folio Prize
mp