A literary ritual
Latin-American literature is one of the main characters of the Madrid Book Fair with writers like the Equatorian Mónica Ojeda. We chat to her about her latest novel: ‘Chamanes eléctricos en la fiesta del sol’.
The Espacio Talento a bordo by Iberia will bring together Spain and Latin America during the next Madrid Book Fair. © Isabel Infantes
The 83rd edition of the Madrid Book Fair is travelling to new latitudes thanks to Iberia and its Talento a bordo initiative. Specifically, to Latin America. To build literary bridges across the pond, the Parque del Retiro will bring together Latin-American writers, publishers, and readers. All with a keen eye on sports, a central theme this year.
Iberia is strengthening its ties with the Madrid Book Fair. Thanks to its Talento a bordo initiative, which fosters connections with Spanish talent and talent in Spanish to generate prosperity, several Latin-American authors —Mónica Ojeda, Juan Gabriel Vásquez, Magalí Etchebarne, Jorge Volpi or Brenda Navarro, among others— will land in the Parque del Retiro to share their thoughts and experiences in a series of interviews entitled La cabina del libro (The Book Booth). The goal is to promote Ibero-American literature and raise awareness of different publishing projects.
Espacio Talento a bordo, located in the central area of Paseo de Coches between the 10th and 16th of June, will be the meeting point for this gathering, featuring an extensive programme. It will also feature a dedicated book-selling area. Specifically, eight Spanish publishers specialised in Latin-American literature from the Asocación LAT will take part —Animal Sospechoso (Barcelona), BajAmar (Asturias), Comba (Barcelona), Contrabando (Valencia), Hispano Chilena (Madrid), Negra Ediciones (Madrid), Lastarria & De Mora (Valladolid) and Tiempo de Papel Ediciones (Valencia)—, but also three sports publishers, two Latin-American, Caballito de Acero (Colombia) and Provincianos (Chile), and one Spanish, Panenka.
The poster for the 2024 Madrid Book Fair, created by illustrator Mikel Casal, brings together literature and sports. © Mikel Casal / Madrid Book Fair
In the words of Eva Orúe, director of the Fair: “The Fair is supported by both sides of the Atlantic, so it includes local talent without disregarding talent that comes from afar. A large part of what the Fair offers comes flying through that transatlantic air bridge that Iberia helps us build year on year; those who nurture the infinitely rich and diverse Ibero-American literary universe travel onboard.” In relation to this, Iberia and the Fair will organise a dynamic interview format called La cabina del libro, where dozens of guests related to the world of literature —writers, publishers, cultural managers— and sports will answer a quick-fire quiz on books and travel.
“At Iberia, we feel a real passion for Spanish talent and talent in Spanish, so it’s a privilege to work with the Madrid Book Fair again this year” — Gemma Juncá
Gemma Juncá, Marketing & Brand Director at Iberia, highlights: “At Iberia, we feel a real passion for Spanish talent and talent in Spanish, so it’s a privilege to work with the Madrid Book Fair again this year. In this edition, we will go one step further by opening the Espacio Talento a bordo, a space within the Fair that allows us to raise awareness of Ibero-American literary talent and connect to it through conversations that foster the exchange of ideas between Latin-American and Spanish literati.” An action that aligns with the company’s purpose, to connect people and cultures to generate prosperity.
