Illya Haro resigned Wednesday as head of Tijuana’s Secretaría de Cultura (Department of Culture), one day after the city’s Booksellers Union publicly accused her department of canceling the annual Tijuana Book Fair. Mayor Ismael Burgueño thanked Haro for her service and confirmed he is already reviewing candidates for her replacement.
The resignation caps a turbulent period for Haro, who had led the department through the planning of the book fair’s 40th edition earlier this year. In April, Haro herself announced that the city would allocate 4 million pesos (roughly $200,000 USD) for the fair, which was held in June at the Trompo Interactive Museum. The Booksellers Union, led by President Vladimir López Ontiveros, went public Tuesday blaming her office for canceling a subsequent fair event.
Workplace Harassment Complaints Preceded Departure
Haro’s exit also follows workplace harassment complaints filed by two former employees between January and April. The complaints were submitted to the city’s Sindicatura Procuradora, Tijuana’s internal oversight body. One was made publicly on social media by Samantha Alvarado Luna, a former acting director of the Instituto Municipal de Arte y Cultura (IMAC), who alleged she was abruptly fired after hostile treatment.
On the same day Haro stepped down, the Sindicatura announced a formal review of the Culture Department. It remains unclear whether the review played a role in her decision to resign or whether Mayor Burgueño requested her departure.
Mayor Pledges Book Fair Will Continue
Burgueño moved quickly to reassure the city’s cultural community. He pledged the book fair will go ahead, funded through the Fondos Tijuana trust, a municipal fund used for public projects. The mayor said he has already met with members of the Booksellers Union to work out details, though no firm date or budget for the next event has been announced.
The Tijuana Book Fair, known locally as the Feria del Libro de Tijuana (FLT), is one of the city’s largest cultural events. Its 40th edition in June featured book presentations, local and national exhibitors, and a food court serving regional cuisine. The fair has historically drawn visitors from both sides of the border, including San Diego residents who cross for the event.
No replacement for Haro has been named. First reported by Jornada BC.