The 11th Porto Book Fair kicked off on August 23, but its numbers already exceed the total number of visitors during the same period in previous editions. According to the Porto City Council (CMP) website, around 50,000 people have already passed through the venue, in the Gardins do Palácio de Cristal.
If you haven’t yet had the chance to visit the city’s major literary event, don’t despair. The Porto Book Fair will remain open to the public until September 8th. Until then, you can still visit the 130 stands of books from 115 booksellers, publishers and booksellers.
Under the theme “However sunny the heart”, the program for the 11th edition of the initiative includes not only literary works, but activities for the whole family. There are talks, poetry and humor sessions, cinema, concerts, workshops and much more.
Tribute to the “Poet of Light”
As in previous years, the organization chose an author to pay tribute to. This time, the choice fell on none other than Eugénio de Andrade (1923-2005), known as the “Poet of Light”.
Born in Fundão, Eugénio de Andrade spent most of his life in the city of Porto, so this tribute reflects, in some way, his indelible connection to Invicta. He has published several books of poetry and has received several distinctions, especially the Camões Prize (2001).
It is therefore not surprising that his name now appears on the Avenida das Tílias, where other authors have been eternalized, such as Manuel António Pina, Sophia de Mello Breyner and Vasco Graça Moura, among others. Therefore, this edition is also an invitation to (re)visit the work of the “Poet of Light”.
Other activities at the Porto Book Fair
These days, the gardens of the Palácio de Cristal (recently included in the list of the best in the world) promise to welcome even more visitors. But this event isn’t just about ‘bookworms’. After all, as in other editions, the program includes a great variety of activities.
During its entire duration, the Porto Book Fair includes 16 talks, 15 poetry and humor sessions, four film sessions, 21 concerts (including names like Gisela João – who performed at the start of the initiative -, Milhanas and more), seven book presentations and more.
In addition to all of the above, the organization also sets aside a large part of its program for families, including more than 50 activities for babies, children and beyond. However, for more detailed information, you can always explore the official poster.
When: Monday to Thursday, from 12 noon to 9 p.m.; Fridays, from 12 noon to 10 p.m.; Saturdays, from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Sundays, from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Entry: free