From September 12 to 14, Arganzuela becomes the literary epicenter of Madrid with the second edition of Back to the Book Festival, an event for all those who enjoy reading, books, independent publishing and urban culture.
For three days, the Casa del Lector del Matadero will host top authors such as Mariana Enriquez -a fundamental voice of current Latin American literature-, Marta Sanz -a reference in Spanish-language narrative- and actress Carolina Yuste, who will lead meetings and cultural activities, along with a long list of publishers, writers, illustrators and national and international publishing projects that represent the most vibrant of today’s culture.
The festival, which has managed to consolidate itself as one of the major literary events in the capital, boasts a dynamic and multidisciplinary program. It includes direct sales and exhibition of more than 60 independent publishers -among them Capitán Swing, Nórdica Libros, Libros del K.O., Eterna Cadencia or La Navaja Suiza Editores-, talks and round tables on the hot topics of contemporary narrative and essays, book presentations, live podcasts and family and youth activities.
Back to the Book: Madrid’s new literary festival
The event kicks off on Friday, September 12 with the international inauguration of A Map of Fairs, which brings together the heads of the world’s leading independent book fairs, with fanzine workshops, poetry readings, book clubs and creative writing sessions taking place throughout the weekend.
One of the keys to the success of the Back to the Book Festival is its commitment to connect literature with other disciplines. Throughout the weekend, the program includes music, performance, exhibitions, beer bar and specialty coffee, setting the scene with DJs and providing a social and festive atmosphere where literature is no longer a watertight booth, but an active part of the city and its people.
Back to the Book turns the Arganzuela neighborhood into a laboratory of new trends and literary contacts. Author signings, workshops for all ages, coffees and beers between books, and debates on current publishing news make this festival a celebration of literature and contemporary culture.