Sabiñánigo hosts an essential event for lovers of the ninth art with the celebration of Spanish-French Comic FairFor a few days, the town becomes a true epicenter of comic book culture, bringing together professionals and the general public around original offerings, exhibitions, and activities for all ages.
The event, organized by the Aragonese Association of Comic Authors (AAAC), transforms several urban and cultural spaces in Sabiñánigo, with special emphasis on the Plaza de España, a focal point where exhibitors, workshops and artist signings gather, and an environment dedicated to comics and their creators unfolds on both sides of the Pyrenees.
A varied program for all audiences
La programming of the Spanish-French Comic Fair includes everything from talks, workshops and exhibitions to recreational and educational activities. One of the great attractions of this edition is the establishment of the First Pyrenees Comic Awards, which recognize both the best work published in the participating regions and those who contribute to its dissemination.
The Plaza de España hosts more than 20 stands commercials from publishers, bookstores, fanzines, and self-published projects, as well as free and accessible activities where the public can interact with authors, attend signings, and discover new releases.
El Periel Mill It hosts talks, professional meetings, and the presentation of the TRAN Memory Award, while the municipal art gallery houses the exhibition "Ramón Monzón. An Andorran cartoonist in France," which focuses on relevant and sometimes under-recognized figures in the world of comics.
Exhibitions such as “Dystopian and Rural” and the urban exhibition “The Pyrenees as a border and transit space” fill Sabiñánigo with cartoons and reflect the role of graphic art in social and identity issues.
Protagonists and notable encounters
Among the most notable activities is the Colloquium "Comics and Gender: Realities and Challenges on Both Sides of the Pyrenees", which will feature the presence of renowned authors such as Marika Vila, a reference in gender studies and Spanish adult comics; Léa Mazé, an award-winning French author whose work has crossed borders and will also be adapted for audiovisual purposes and screened at the fair; and Sara Jotabe, an Aragonese author and current president of the AAAC, who adds to her resume extensive experience in media and social projects.
There will be one Masterclass with Pedro Cifuentes, award-winning popularizer and professor, on the educational potential of comics in the 21st century. In addition, the 1st Sabiñánigo Libraries and Comics Meeting, which will bring librarians and publishing professionals the most interesting developments in the sector. The screening of the film "Aya de Yopougo," followed by a discussion, completes the first-class cultural offering.
The , which will bring together representatives of French and Spanish associations, will foster the exchange of views on comic book criticism in both countries.
A space for creativity, dissemination and play
The show pays special attention to the participation of young people and families. The new feature “Playing in cartoons” will allow girls and boys to enjoy board games related to the comic. As with every edition, the classic one will not be missing. children's cartoonist battle, practical workshops, and the opportunity for fanzine and self-publishing creators to present their projects to the public.
Multiple prestigious publishers such as La Cúpula, Harriet Editions, Grafito Editorial, Cascaborra Editions or ILATINA Publishing House They have a direct presence, alongside established authors such as Antonio Altarriba, Daniel Viñuales or Vincent Lefèbvre, the latter author of this year's poster, as well as other prominent names from both Spain and France.
The poster and the cultural collaboration between Sabiñánigo and Billère
The official poster of the show, designed by Vincent Lefèvre, reflects the Pyrenean spirit and the connection between Spanish and French cultures through the image of a character sailing through a river of comics. The work is the result of collaboration between the organizers of the exhibition in Sabiñánigo and the Les Pichenettes Association, within the framework of twinning with the BD Pyrénées Festival in Billère, France.
Local authorities and organizers have stressed the importance of this hall as a cultural bridge and social facilitator, expanding the range of activities in the town and highlighting reading, creativity, and cross-border cooperation.
This event stands out for its , with activities for everyone and a program that ranges from theoretical reflection to more recreational and artistic aspects. The presence of renowned figures in the industry, the openness to new voices in comics, and the involvement of local institutions and businesses consolidate this event as one of the most important in the cultural scene surrounding the ninth art.
