Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico - The 30th edition of the most important publishing gathering in Ibero-America, the Guadalajara International Book Fair, (better known as 'the FIL' from its Spanish name: Feria Internacional del Libro de Guadalajara), was inaugurated on November 26, and will run until December 4, 2016.

Though business is one of the FIL's main goals, literature and cognitive content play major roles, with authors from all continents and languages participating, and a forum for the academic discussion of the major issues of our time.

Created 30 years ago by the University of Guadalajara, the Feria Internacional del Libro is also an amazing cultural festival aimed at professionals and the general public alike, a characteristic that sets it apart from other book fairs around the globe.

For nine days, the book industry makes Guadalajara its beating heart; people willingly stand in long lines to listen to their favorite authors; and the whole city is filled with the music, arts, cinema and theater from the featured Guest of Honor, which this year is Latin America.

Among the honored guests are Mexico's Elena Poniatowska and Fernando del Paso, both Cervantes Award winners, who - among others - will talk about the most outstanding aspects of contemporary national literature. Writer and Maya poet, Jorge Cocon Pech (Campeche, Mexico) will receive the Indigenous Literature Award of America, and Leon Plascencia Ñol (Jalisco) will be recognized with the José Emilio Pacheco City and Nature Award.

This year's Fair will also pay homage to Mexican writer Angelina Muñiz-Huberman (the first recipient of the Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz Literature Prize), to Mexican historian Enrique Florescano, and to Luis Estrada, a pioneer in scientific outreach in Mexico. Mexican historian Miguel León-Portilla will also receive a tribute during the Native American Languages Literature Conference.

More than 650 writers and 2000 publishers from 44 countries will be participating in this 30th edition of FIL, along with thought leaders, science professionals and important figures from the book industry and cultural sector who have gathered at the Expo Guadalajara Exhibition Center.

The over 34,000 square meters that houses the FIL will include space for Braille and inclusive books, a Children's Corner, a Comic Book Zone and an Electronic Book Area. Visitors will find more than 400,000 books in 23 languages, among them Tzotzil, Zapoteco, Náhuatl and Maya. In the International Area, there will be stands from Turkey, Bolivia, Italy and Romania.

Over the course of its 29-year history, the Guadalajara International Book Fair has encompassed 261 days of activities. It has received more than 12 million visitors, who, along with authors, academics and professionals, have passionately experienced this magnificent festival that celebrates books and reading.

To learn more about the 30th Guadalajara International Book Fair, visit the official website.