Medellín is gearing up for an extraordinary weekend as it hosts the highly anticipated 18th Popular Book Days Fair from Friday, May 24, to Sunday, May 26, 2024. Organized by the Mayor’s Office, this cultural extravaganza promises to be a captivating celebration of literature, music, and community, centered around the theme “The neighborhood, a universe.”
The fair will be held in two iconic locations: the charming Carlos E. Restrepo neighborhood and the esteemed Piloto Public Library. These venues will transform into a haven for book lovers, artists, and knowledge seekers, offering a diverse array of activities that cater to all ages and interests.
The Ministry of Citizen Culture eloquently describes the essence of this year’s theme, stating, “We will enter real and fictional neighborhoods, those of today and tomorrow, we will listen to the stories that made us who we are and feel, with each encounter, the common heartbeat that runs through and defines us.” This sentiment captures the spirit of the fair, which aims to explore the profound impact of neighborhoods on our identities, experiences, and collective narratives.
Attendees can immerse themselves in the fair’s offerings during the following hours:
- Friday, May 24: 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm
- Saturday, May 25: 10:00 am to 10:00 pm
- Sunday, May 26: 10:00 am to 8:00 pm
Saturday 25
- 1:00 pm: Yésica Prado (Book Events) talks with Gilmer Mesa (writer).
- 2:00 pm: Sara Flórez (ExLibris), Manuela Rendón (Fernando del Paso Bookstore, FCE) and Felipe Salazar Tabares (Los Caballitos del Diablo) talk with María José Posada (Te Creo Bookstore).
- 3:00 pm: Yeison Henao (Red Comuna 4), Miriam Páez Villota (Canchimalos – Comuna 12) and Daniela Aguirre (Afromerindia – Comuna 6) talk with Yamili Ocampo (Bookworm).
- 4:00 pm: Mileidy Orozco Domicó (Embera Eyabida and audiovisual producer) and Daniel Esneider Guegia (governor of the University Indigenous Council of Medellín) talk with Santiago Gómez (anthropologist).
- 5:00 pm: Julio Ernesto Estrada “Fruko” (musician and composer), Juan Diego Parra (researcher and musician), Elizabeth Otálvaro (editorial director at Mutante) talk with Sebastián Martínez (music journalist).
- 6:00 pm: Daniel Clavijo (researcher in humanities and literature) and María Antonia Rincón (communicator, columnist and teacher) talk with Esteban Duperly (writer).
- 7:00 pm: Marta Hincapié ( The Reasons for the Wolf ) and Fabián Hernández ( A Man ) talk with Ana María Muñoz (anthropologist and audiovisual producer).
- 8:00 pm: Gerardo Pérez ( Under the skin of Medellín ), Mauricio Mesa (Colectivo Siclas) talk with Andrea Vásquez (Compás Urbano).
Artistic programming: on stage, at 10:00 am, Cantoalegre (playful concert); at 2:00 pm, El Duetto (bolero); at 4:00 pm, Nar Marina (singer-songwriter); at 6:00 pm, Amarelo (bossa nova); and at 8:00 pm Delio (indie, rock & fusion).
Sunday 26
- 2:00 pm: Ana Jaramillo ( Apparent Distance , collective creation of women in essays and poetry) and Juan Carlos Gutiérrez Medina ( The Gray Stripe of the Papaya , stories) talk with Gabriela Parra.
- 3:00 pm Launch of the 5th edition of the #MicroCiFiMedellín micro-story contest: The world of other Universes represented or narrated in science fiction. Dara Hincapié (physics) and Andrés Ruiz (biologist) talk with Alexander Herrera (Book Events).
- 4:00 pm: David Herrera (historian), Víctor Gaviria (filmmaker) and Carolina Zea Fernández (reader) talk with Mónica Quintero (writer).
- 5:00 pm: Luis Fernando González (historian) and Juan Diego Mejía (writer) talk with Valeria Mejía (director of narratives and culture at EAFIT).
- 6:00 pm: The muralists and graffiti artists Raro2, LaPlaga and Mela talk with Diana Gil (researcher in graphic topics).
- 7:00 pm: Writers Carolina Calle ( De fisto y reja ) and Juan Álvarez ( Recover your name ) talk with Yenny León (poet).
- Artistic programming, on stage: at 10:00 am, When the river sounds (music, theater and live illustration); at 2:00 pm, Camerata Jaibaná (chamber music); at 4:00 pm, La Familia Solé (flamenco); and at 6:00 pm, Madera Jazz (latin jazz).
One of the highlights of the fair is the extensive program of conversations and discussions featuring renowned writers, journalists, researchers, and cultural luminaries. These engaging talks will delve into various topics, including literature, music, community development, indigenous rights, and the power of storytelling. Noteworthy speakers include Luis Miguel Rivas, Estefanía Carvajal, Julio Ernesto Estrada “Fruko,” Víctor Gaviria, and many more.
The fair’s musical performances promise to be equally captivating, with a diverse lineup of artists showcasing their talents on stage. From the soulful tango melodies of Carmen Úsuga to the enchanting Latin American rhythms of Illary, the musical offerings will cater to a wide range of tastes. Other notable acts include El Duetto’s romantic boleros, Nar Marina’s heartfelt singer-songwriter compositions, Amarelo’s bossa nova grooves, Delio’s indie rock fusion, Camerata Jaibaná’s mesmerizing chamber music, La Familia Solé’s passionate flamenco, and Madera Jazz’s smooth Latin jazz. These performances are interspersed throughout the fair, providing a delightful accompaniment to the literary events.
In addition to the talks and musical performances, the fair will feature book sales, workshops, exhibitions, and a host of other cultural events. Visitors can explore the rich tapestry of Medellín’s literary scene, discover new authors, and engage in thought-provoking discussions. The fair also provides a platform for emerging talents, such as the participants of the 5th edition of the #MicroCiFiMedellín micro-story contest, which challenges writers to create compelling science fiction narratives.
The 18th Popular Book Days Fair is not just a celebration of literature; it is a testament to the power of communities and the stories that shape them. As the Ministry of Citizen Culture beautifully articulates, the fair invites us to listen to the stories that have made us who we are and to feel the common heartbeat that defines us. It is an opportunity to explore the universes within our neighborhoods and to appreciate the profound impact they have on our lives.
Medellín’s commitment to fostering a vibrant cultural scene is evident in the organization of this remarkable event. The 18th Popular Book Days Fair promises to be an unforgettable experience for book enthusiasts, music lovers, and anyone who appreciates the richness of human creativity and community spirit. As the city prepares to welcome visitors from far and wide, it is clear that this weekend will be a true celebration of the written word, musical expression, and the enduring power of neighborhoods to shape our world.
Location: Carlos E. Restrepo neighborhood – Piloto Public Library
Hours: 10am to 8pm
Days: April 24 to 26th
Cost: Free
