Medellín Announces Participation of Over 11 International Writers in 19th Annual Book and Culture Festival

The Medellín Mayor’s Office, through its Book Events division, has announced that over 11 international writers will participate in the 19th annual Book and Culture Festival, scheduled from September 12th to 21st. This literary and cultural gathering is recognized as one of the most prominent in Latin America.

Authors, editors, booksellers, comic artists, poets, and literary critics will meet with numerous attendees to exchange ideas and insights during the 10-day event. This free-admission event will take place at the Joaquín Antonio Uribe Botanical Garden and the northern district of the city.

“Writers from five countries have confirmed their presence, all of whom will bring their voices, stories, and reflections on the contemporary world to the city. Furthermore, we continue to strengthen our cultural relationship with Mexico, which this year stands out as the country with the most confirmed authors, addressing narratives that explore feminisms, social issues, and environmental challenges,” confirmed the Secretary of Citizen Culture, Santiago Silva Jaramillo.

The invited international publishing house is Periférica (Spain), an independent publisher that has focused on disseminating Latin American literature globally for nearly two decades. Its founder, Paca Flores, will lead the delegation to Medellín, accompanied by already confirmed authors: poet and translator Munir Hachemi (Spain), writer and essayist Diamela Eltit (Chile), and writer Juan Cárdenas (Colombia). Additionally, Jorge Carrión, a Spanish author, critic, and essayist known for his deep reflections on the complex relationships between literature and technology, will also join us from Spain.

From Mexico, the confirmed writers to date include: Brenda Navarro, writer and editor; Fabio Morábito, poet, short story writer, and novelist; Dahlia de la Cerda, author and feminist activist; Sebastián Tonda, business consultant and writer; and Luis Felipe Fabre, poet and essayist.

Cuban writer Elaine Vilar will present her work and discuss her experience as a narrator and playwright. From the southern part of the continent, other voices enriching the literary landscape with their diversity will visit the Festival: Cecilia Fanti (Argentina), author, editor, and independent bookseller; Diamela Eltit (Chile), a renowned writer and teacher; and Begoña Ugalde (Chile), who will share her journey between poetry and short stories.

The field of comics and graphic novels, currently booming within the publishing world, will feature the presence of two award-winning artists: Ian Debiase (Argentina), an illustrator and graphic novelist, and Ana Galváñ (Spain), a recognized illustrator and comic author. They will be joined by prominent figures in children’s and young adult literature such as Ana Garralón (Spain) and Manuel Peña Muñoz (Chile).

The public is invited to read or rediscover the works of the authors participating in the Book and Culture Festival. Additionally, they are encouraged to explore the work of other writers who will be announced in the coming months and will be part of this literary and cultural celebration.

Photo credit: Fiesta del Libro y la Cultura/Facebook.