Spain’s hidden gems: a journey through its literary festivals

Spain offers a rich tapestry of literary festivals that celebrate its diverse cultural heritage, providing a unique experience for book lovers and cultural enthusiasts alike. These festivals not only honor the written word but also showcase the regions’ culinary delights, historic landmarks, and vibrant local traditions. The journey begins in the Basque Country, where the Gutun Zuria Festival in Bilbao invites writers, readers, and artists to explore the relationship between literature and other cultural expressions. Held at the iconic Azkuna Zentroa, the festival is a melting pot of ideas, with a focus on themes like exile, identity, and the future of the written word. Visitors can wander through the city’s historic streets, sample pintxos in the old town, and reflect on the interplay between tradition and modernity that defines this unique region. In Catalonia, the Barcelona International Literary Festival is a highlight on the literary calendar, drawing authors from around the world to discuss their works and engage with readers. Barcelona’s rich literary history, famously captured by authors like Carlos Ruiz Zafón in The Shadow of the Wind, provides a fitting backdrop for this celebration of storytelling. From the Gothic Quarter to the modernist gems of Gaudí, the city’s architecture tells its own stories, while the festival’s events ignite conversations that linger long after the sessions end. Further south, the Hay Festival Segovia offers a dynamic program of literary talks, art exhibitions, and musical performances against the backdrop of the city’s Roman aqueduct and medieval castle. This festival is part of the wider Hay Festival network, which originated in Wales and has since spread to cities across the globe. In Segovia, literature becomes a bridge between cultures, as international authors share their perspectives and local writers introduce audiences to the rich literary traditions of Spain. Segovia’s cobblestone streets and historic buildings provide a picturesque setting for these exchanges, creating an atmosphere where the past and present meet. In the heart of Spain’s wine country, the Haro Wine and Literary Festival combines the pleasures of literature and gastronomy. Set in the Rioja region, this festival features readings, workshops, and wine tastings, where visitors can enjoy the robust flavors of Spanish wine while listening to stories that explore the nuances of the human experience. Haro’s historic wineries, with their centuries-old cellars, provide a unique setting for these events, inviting guests to savor the region’s viticultural heritage as they immerse themselves in the world of books. For those who prefer the seaside, the Costa del Sol’s Marbella Book Fair offers a sun-soaked celebration of literature, with book stalls and author signings lining the city’s palm-fringed avenues. This festival is a testament to Marbella’s cosmopolitan charm, attracting writers from across Europe and beyond. Visitors can enjoy the city’s luxury resorts and beaches by day, then take in an evening of readings and discussions under the stars. Marbella’s vibrant nightlife and culinary scene offer plenty of opportunities to continue the conversation long into the night. In the autumn, the San Sebastián Gastronomika festival in the Basque Country combines literature with the art of cooking, highlighting the connections between food and storytelling. This unique event brings together chefs, writers, and food enthusiasts to explore the stories behind the dishes that define Spanish cuisine. From the kitchens of Michelin-starred restaurants to the bustling markets of San Sebastián, the festival celebrates the creativity and passion that make Spanish gastronomy a global sensation. Visitors can sample traditional Basque dishes like pintxos and bacalao a la vizcaína, while learning about the cultural influences that have shaped the region’s culinary identity. In Madrid, the Letras y Espadas festival pays homage to the city’s literary heritage and its role in shaping the Spanish language. Held in the atmospheric surroundings of the Barrio de las Letras, where literary giants like Cervantes and Lope de Vega once lived, the festival features readings, theatrical performances, and historical reenactments. Visitors can stroll through the neighborhood’s narrow streets, stopping at iconic landmarks like the Casa Museo Lope de Vega or the Convent of the Barefoot Royals, where the city’s literary history comes to life. The festival also highlights the connections between literature and other art forms, with exhibitions and workshops exploring themes like the relationship between words and images. In Andalucía, the Córdoba International Poetry Festival is a celebration of the spoken word, bringing together poets from across the globe to share their work in the city’s ancient courtyards and palaces. Córdoba’s rich cultural heritage, with its blend of Moorish, Christian, and Jewish influences, provides a fitting backdrop for this gathering of voices. The city’s iconic Mezquita-Catedral, with its stunning arches and intricate mosaics, is a testament to the power of art to transcend cultural boundaries, much like the festival’s diverse lineup of poets. As the sun sets over the Guadalquivir River, visitors can enjoy evenings of poetry and music in the city’s many plazas, where the words of the poets mingle with the sounds of flamenco guitar and the laughter of the crowds. For those who love detective stories, the Getafe Negro Festival near Madrid is a must-visit, celebrating crime fiction in all its forms. This festival explores the darker side of storytelling, with a focus on mystery, suspense, and the eternal battle between good and evil. Authors and readers gather to discuss the latest thrillers, while workshops offer insights into the craft of writing compelling crime fiction. Getafe’s historic center, with its medieval walls and narrow streets, provides a suitably atmospheric setting for these tales of intrigue and suspense. The festival also includes a program of film screenings and art exhibitions, highlighting the many ways that crime stories are told across different media. In Galicia, the Compostela Literary Festival in Santiago de Compostela is a celebration of the city’s rich literary and spiritual heritage. As the endpoint of the Camino de Santiago, the city has long been a meeting place for pilgrims and travelers, making it a fitting location for a festival that brings together writers from across the globe. The festival’s program includes readings, discussions, and workshops, with a particular focus on themes of travel, identity, and discovery. Visitors can explore Santiago’s historic old town, with its winding streets and stunning cathedral, while attending events that celebrate the power of the written word to inspire and connect us. The festival also includes a series of guided walks along the Camino, allowing participants to experience the journey that has inspired so many writers and artists throughout history. Beyond the literary events, Spain’s festivals offer a chance to immerse yourself in the country’s vibrant local culture. From the colorful parades of Seville’s Feria de Abril to the exhilarating bull runs of Pamplona’s San Fermín, these festivals are a celebration of life and tradition. In Valencia, the Las Fallas festival combines art, fire, and storytelling, with elaborate sculptures depicting scenes from Spanish literature and history, culminating in a spectacular display of fireworks and bonfires that light up the night sky. Each festival offers a unique window into the soul of Spain, providing a deeper understanding of its people, its stories, and its enduring love of the written word. Whether you’re sipping wine in the vineyards of Rioja, wandering the historic streets of Toledo, or listening to poetry in the gardens of the Alhambra, Spain’s literary festivals invite you to embark on a cultural journey that will stay with you long after the last page is turned.