Everything is ready in the colonial tourist city of San Miguel de Allende to once again welcome writers, readers and lovers of literature from around the world.
Tomorrow, February 12th and until the 16th, the 20th edition of the San Miguel Writers’ Conference & Literary Festival will take place, an event that is already considered the most important bilingual literary gathering in North America.
What began in 2006 with a small group of 26 attendees, mostly expatriate writers, is now a great gathering of literary talent, attracting more than 10,500 people from countries such as Australia, Greece, Korea or Argentina.
For 5 days, the halls of the Hotel Real de Minas, the official venue of the event, will resonate with conversations about literature, creativity and the publishing industry, bringing together established authors, emerging writers, editors, students and avid readers.
San Miguel de Allende has always been considered a refuge for artists and writers. Its cobblestone streets, its cafes with a scent of history and its bohemian air have inspired countless writers over the years, so it is no coincidence that the festival has found its home here, growing to become a must-see for lovers of literature in Spanish and English, says a statement from the organizers of this cultural event.
It was reported that in 2025, the festival’s program will include more than 100 activities, including: master conferences with renowned writers; creative writing workshops and intensive classes; discussion panels, interviews and round tables; book signings, readings and spaces for new talents, and special evening events and editorial advice.
Among the names that have illuminated past editions are Margaret Atwood, Joyce Carol Oates, Juan Villoro, Ángeles Mastretta, Elena Poniatowska and Guillermo Arriaga, to name a few.
“This year we will have the presence of the writer John Irving, an American literary legend. Jorge Fernández will also accompany us, along with other multicultural and bilingual talents from Mexico, the United States and Canada. We will also have representatives from the Giller Prize of Canada, which is one of the most important in that country,” said Armida Zepeda, director of the festival.
She added that this year more than 70 renowned teachers, writers, professionals from different areas and literary agents will participate. “The variety of workshops in English is impressive. In Spanish, although the program is smaller, we try to cover all genres: fiction, short stories, short stories, poetry, translation, how to publish, journalism and more,” she added.
And the fact is that the festival is not only an opportunity to listen to the great names of literature, but also to strengthen the community of readers and writers in San Miguel de Allende.
Through the Spanish-language program, the event encourages the participation of young talents with scholarships for students, free workshops and a writing contest for emerging authors.
For attendees, the festival represents much more than a literary event. It is a complete cultural experience, with moments of learning, inspiration and coexistence.
During the days of the festival, the city comes to life with an economic spillover, benefiting hotels, restaurants, shops and transporters. In addition, the event will generate more than 250 direct jobs, consolidating itself as a key driver for cultural tourism in the region.
It is indicated that the doors of the festival are open to everyone: from those who have dreamed of writing a book, to those who simply enjoy a good story.
Source: lasillarota
