During the first weekend of July , the city of Pontevedra was transformed into a true literary hub thanks to the eighth edition of the Festa dos Libros (Book Festival ). This event, held in the emblematic Praza da FerrerÃa , brought together around one hundred authors and thirteen of the city's most renowned bookstores, solidifying its position as one of the most important events on the Galician cultural calendar.
The central tent set up in the square hosted a varied and enriching program, designed for all ages. From the youngest children to seasoned readers, everyone found activities tailored to their interests in a dynamic and welcoming atmosphere. The bookstalls offered a wide selection of titles , and a large number of visitors were noticeably in attendance throughout the three days of the fair.
A literary program for all tastes
The Book Fair stood out for its diverse program , which included book presentations, literary debates, poetry readings, storytelling, workshops, book signings, and musical performances. The organizers once again enjoyed the active collaboration of the Pontevedra City Council and the following bookstores: Aviones de Papel, Clip, D-Lectum, El Naranjo, El Pueblo, Espazo Lector Nobel, La Nube de Papel, LibrarÃa Paz, LibrerÃa Escolma, LibrerÃa Metáfora, LibrerÃa Seijas, LibrerÃa Cronopios, and Mononoke Manga.
The tent's opening hours allowed the fair's pace to be adapted to the attendees' schedules: from 11:00 to 14:00 and from 18:00 to 22:30 , with closing at 22:00 on Sunday. The program included activities for all ages, with special attention to children and young people, reinforcing the commitment to promoting reading among the youngest.
Among the literary figures invited were prominent names such as Silvia Intxaurrondo , Arantza Portabales , Pedro Feijoo , Cristina Pato , Ulises Bértolo , Francisco Castro , and Eva Mejuto , who participated in panel discussions and presentations. The opening ceremony was also attended by Mayor Miguel Anxo Fernández Lores, who emphasized the importance of this event for the cultural revitalization of Pontevedra.
Tributes, diversity and new literary voices
One of the most moving moments of the Festa dos Libros was the tribute to Yolanda Castaño , renowned for her advocacy of the Galician language and winner of the 2023 National Poetry Prize, who participated in debates and talks. The literary activities revolved around diversity , memory , emotion , and personal experience , with events designed to highlight the transformative power of literature.
The Sunday programming, primarily aimed at families, has played a vital role in promoting Galician children's and young adult literature . Events such as the musical storytelling by Polo Correo do Vento and the traditional literary vermouth gathering at Pinto e Maragota have brought local culture closer to new generations, while the "Novedades da Lix" panel discussion has served as a showcase for prominent authors like Antonio Manuel Fraga, Ramón D. Veiga, Manuel Lourenzo, and Diego Bará.
The Pinto e Maragota Prize has addressed the importance of sex and gender diversity in literature, with the participation of authors and institutional representatives, fostering an open and plural dialogue.
Participation, news and impact
Despite this year's intense heat, the public response has been exceptional. The fans distributed by the organizers helped combat the high temperatures, maintaining attendance and a positive atmosphere throughout the event. Readers showed great interest in both author signings and the most sought-after new releases, including titles in genres such as crime fiction, young adult romance, and children's literature. Books like * Onde Nacen as Bestas* by Pedro Feijoo, *El albatros negro* by MarÃa Oruña, and * Mi nombre es Emilia del Valle* by Isabel Allende were among the most popular.
Participating bookstores highlighted the vibrant atmosphere and enthusiasm of attendees, noting that the event is growing stronger year after year, both in sales and in its social and cultural impact. The presence of authors signing copies throughout the weekend, including Marcos Paricio, Rober Cagiao, Fernando Tomé, Paula Cheshire , and MarÃa José Lorenzo , allowed readers to share their thoughts and connect with their favorite writers.
Musical events, recitals and experiences for everyone
The musical aspect of the event was also very important, with performances such as that of the duo As Meigas , who brought the fair to a close after winning first prize in the Ben Veñas Maio music competition. Poetry recitals, such as those promoted by Editorial Discursiva, and storytelling activities complemented the offerings for all audiences, highlighting the inclusive and festive nature of the event.
The fun, family-friendly atmosphere, combined with a broad cultural agenda, has made Pontevedra the capital of Galician literature and a benchmark for promoting reading, for a few days.
The impressions gathered by the participants, both booksellers and readers, reflect the affection and excitement with which this event is experienced year after year. The book signings, literary debates, the opportunity to discover new voices, and the intergenerational interaction make the Book Festival a special occasion for those who enjoy the world of literature in Galicia.