During the first weekend of July, the city of Pontevedra has become a true literary meeting point thanks to the eighth edition of the Book FestivalThis event, held at the emblematic FerrerÃa Square, has gathered a hundred authors and thirteen of the city's most renowned bookstores, consolidating the event as one of the most important on the Galician cultural calendar.
La central tent The square has hosted a varied and enriching program, fully designed for all audiences. From the youngest children to the most experienced readers, they have all found activities tailored to their interests, in a dynamic and friendly atmosphere. The book stalls have offered a wide editorial offer and a large influx of visitors has been noted during the three days of the fair.
A literary program for all tastes
The Book Festival has stood out for a diverse programming which included book presentations, literary debates, poetry recitals, storytelling, workshops, book signings, and musical performances. The organization once again enjoyed the active collaboration of the Council of Pontevedra and the bookstores Paper Planes, Clip, D-Lectum, El Naranjo, El Pueblo, Espazo Lector Nobel, La Nube de Papel, Paz Bookstore, Escolma Bookstore, Metáfora Bookstore, Seijas Bookstore, Cronopios Bookstore and Mononoke Manga.
The tent's schedule allowed the fair's rhythm to be adapted to that of the attendees: 11:00 - 14:00 and 18:00 - 22:30, closing at 22:00 p.m. on Sundays. The program includes activities for all ages, with a special focus on children and young people, consolidating the commitment to promoting reading among children.
Among the invited literary figures, names such as Silvia Intxaurrondo, Arantza Portable Holders, Peter Feijoo, Christina Duck, Ulises Bértolo, Francisco Castro y Eva Mejuto, who participated in roundtable discussions and presentations. The opening 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 emotional moments of the Book Festival was the tribute to Yolanda Castaño, recognized for her defense of Galician and winner of the 2023 National Poetry Prize, who has been present at debates and talks. The literary activities have revolved around the diversity, the the memory, the emotion and personal experience, with meetings designed to highlight the transformative role of literature.
Sunday programming, focused mainly on family audiences, has played an essential role in promoting the Galician children's and young adult literature. Proposals such as the musical storytelling of Wind Mail Pole and the traditional Pinto e Maragota Literary Vermouth They have brought local culture closer to the new generations, while the "Novedades da Lix" panel has served as a showcase for prominent authors such as Antonio Manuel Fraga, Ramón D. Veiga, Manuel Lourenzo and Diego Bará.
El Pinto and Maragota Award has addressed the importance of sex and gender diversity in literature, with the participation of authors and institutional representatives, promoting 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 have helped combat the high temperatures, maintaining attendance and a good atmosphere throughout the days. Readers have shown great interest in both the author signatures as well as the most in-demand new releases, including titles in genres such as crime novels, young adult romance, and children's literature. Books such as Where Beasts Are Born by Pedro Feijoo, The black albatross by MarÃa Oruña or My name is Emilia del Valle Isabel Allende's have been among the most sought after.
Participating bookstores highlighted the activity and enthusiasm of the attendees, noting that the event continues to grow year after year, both in sales and in social and cultural impact. The presence of authors signing copies throughout the weekend, including Marcos Paricio, Rober Cagiao, Fernando Tomé, Paula Cheshire y Maria José Lorenzo, has allowed readers to share impressions and get closer to their favorite writers.
Musical events, recitals and experiences for everyone
The musical part of the event has also been very relevant, with performances such as those 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 oral storytelling activities complemented the offerings for all audiences, underscoring 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.