Avilés will once again be the epicenter This summer for fans of fantasy, horror and science fiction, as the Asturian city hosts a new edition of the Celsius Festival 232. This unmissable event for readers, creators and the curious It has established itself as one of the most renowned literary events nationally and internationally, and its unique atmosphere invites you to explore everything from the esoteric to the frontiers of the imagination.
In a matter of weeks, July 15-19, 2025, the programming will accommodate numerous voices, where creativity and social criticism will join in presentations, signings, activities and much more. The contest stands out precisely for this climate of complicity which is created between the public and the authors, where the fantastic serves as a springboard to understand the world from another perspective.
Guests and notable absences at Celsius 232
Among this year's new features is the return of Lisa Tuttle, who previously captivated attendees with her novel "Shelter from the Wind," written with the renowned George RR Martin. Her new book, "My Death (Infinite Doll)," will be one of the most anticipated literary offerings at this edition. Robin Hobb's absence, announced months ago as one of the event's main attractions, has been confirmed due to health reasons. A piece of news that will undoubtedly leave a mark on the author's followers., but that does not detract from a program full of surprises.
Other key names in this edition The participating panelists are Brandon Sanderson, Joe Abercrombie, Jay Kristoff and Lawrence Schick, the latter recognized both for his work as a writer and for his involvement in the world of video games and role-playing games, including recent contributions to "Baldur's Gate 3." With them, the list focuses on variety and quality. of those who make up the current fantasy scene.
Presence of national talent and activities for all
The festival not only features international stars. Spanish authors such as Adrián Carbayales will also have their space. Carbayales, known for fusing classic characters such as Ana Ozores and Frankenstein's monster in his stories, will present his new literary proposals in Avilés. They drink from tradition and reinvent it.
Arturo Balseiro, winner of the Goya Award for the special effects on "Eva" and a key contributor to "Pan's Labyrinth," will share his expertise in creating fantastical creatures. The public will be able to find him reinterpreting creatures from Sanderson's universe in workshops that, in previous editions, have been especially popular with attendees, drawing long lines of fans.
The importance of imagination and critical thinking
The Celsius 232 Festival is not just a showcase of new releases. It is also a space that vindicates a different perspective. and lateral thinking, where both a sense of humor and social criticism are valued. The texts and proposals shared in Avilés invite us to see reality with new eyes., to question the established and celebrate the richness of the imaginary without prejudices or borders.
This event highlights the courage of those who write fantasy in Spain, recognizing the authors' efforts to break new literary ground. It also celebrates readers' ability to immerse themselves in alternative universes, and those who, without the need for labels, make fantasy, horror, and science fiction a legitimate way to interpret the present and anticipate possible futures.