Barcelona's cultural power is on full display at the Guadalajara International Book Fair
With the Rodorodian-esque motto "Flowers will come", Barcelona has presented a proposal that has gone beyond a strictly literary approach to offer a broad and contemporary vision of our culture.
The 39th Guadalajara International Book Fair closed on December 7th with record attendance and participation, solidifying its position once again as one of the major literary events on the world calendar. In this context of success, Barcelona played the role of guest of honor, an invitation that allowed the Catalan capital to showcase its vibrant cultural and creative scene internationally.
With the motto of Rodoredian echoes"The flowers will come"Barcelona has presented a program that goes beyond a strictly literary approach, offering a broad and contemporary vision of our culture. More than sixty writers, along with creators from other disciplines, have featured in a program that aims to reflect the coexistence of languages, formats, and voices that define Barcelona's creative ecosystem today. Literature, film, music, thought, and science have engaged in dialogue throughout the festival, showcasing a city that understands culture as a shared and constantly evolving space.
The Barcelona initiative has been met with remarkable enthusiasm from both the general public and industry professionals. Conversations between authors from Barcelona and Latin America, as well as activities exploring the intersections between literature and other artistic disciplines, have been among the most celebrated moments of a program that has emphasized cultural exchange and dialogue. This cross-disciplinary approach has been key to reaching new audiences and strengthening historical and contemporary ties between both sides of the Atlantic.
Data provided by the FIL organizers confirms the impact of this year's edition, which has registered record highs in attendance, professional participation, and international media coverage. Within this context, Barcelona's presence has enjoyed remarkable visibility, both at the fair itself and in the media, thus reinforcing the city's image as a leading literary capital. The assessment from the book industry is decidedly positive: publishers, authors, and translators agree that the FIL is an effective platform for international exposure and for opening new professional opportunities.
From the Barcelona Institute of Culture (ICUB), participation in Guadalajara is seen as a decisive step within a sustained internationalization strategy. Beyond the immediate visibility, the presence at the Guadalajara International Book Fair (FIL) has facilitated contacts and conversations that are already translating into concrete projects, especially in the areas of translation, publishing collaborations, and literary residencies. This return, often less visible but fundamental, is one of the main benefits of Barcelona's participation in the fair.
Participation in the 2025 Guadalajara International Book Fair (FIL Guadalajara) is not, however, an end in itself, but rather another key element within an ambitious program that consolidates Barcelona's position as a central hub for international literary debate. In the coming years, the city will host top-tier events such asICORN 2026, an international meeting focused on cultural innovation and new narrative formats; theIBBY World Congress in 2028which will position Barcelona as the capital of the debate on children's and young adult literature; or theInternational Forum of Translators of Catalan LiteratureThe event, planned for 2026, is conceived as a space for reflection and exchange on the translation and international circulation of Catalan works. According to the ICUB (Barcelona Institute of Books), the key now lies in ensuring the continuity of this impact. Maintaining an active presence at major international book fairs, strengthening alliances with institutions and professionals from other countries, and continuing to commit to a program that reflects the diversity and quality of Barcelona's literary output are some of the strategies that should allow the project to consolidate the progress already made.
With its participation as guest city of honor at the FIL Guadalajara 2025, Barcelona has not only celebrated its cultural vitality, but has reaffirmed its commitment to books and to a culture open to the world.