Fourth edition brings literature to city streets

The Sant Miquel de les Lletres literary festival returns to Lleida for its fourth edition, running from Monday 5 October to Saturday 10 October. Organised by the Lleida-based Fundació Horitzons 2050, the event aims to establish the city as a national hub for Catalan literature. This year’s programme includes more than 50 activities, building on last year’s attendance of 12,500 people. A key innovation is the introduction of 'Cantonades de poesia', public poetry recitals held in street corners across the city to make literature more accessible. Mertxe París, the festival's director, said this year represents "a qualitative leap at national level". She stressed the goal is not only to engage local residents but also to position Lleida as an essential cultural destination within Catalonia.

Full week of talks, readings and awards

The festival opens on 5 October at the Institut d'Estudis Ilerdencs (IEI) with a dialogue titled "La mort i els llibres", exploring representations of death in literature with writer Teresa Ibars. Further discussions include:

  • Tuesday 6 October: "Preparant la República", revisiting the legacy of the magazine Vida Lleidatana with journalist Enric Calpena, writer Antonieta Jarne and historian Josep Maria Solé i Sabaté, moderated by Segre editor Anna Sàez;
  • Wednesday 7 October: "Cap a on va el món?" on global affairs at Sala Alfred Perenya;
  • Thursday 8 October: "Del microcosmos al macrocosmos de la literatura" featuring writers Carlota Gurt and Núria Cadenes, moderated by Joana Soto;
  • Friday 9 October: "Què són les editorials i les llibreries independents?" with Marta Farré (La Singratalla, Tremp), Maria Sempere (Les Hores), Matilde Martínez (Godall Edicions), and Joan Roure (La Irreductible) moderating.

Each session will have its own downloadable bibliography available via the Fundació Horitzons 2050 website, allowing attendees to explore recommended readings.

We want people to find literature everywhere, not just in books, but in our streets, schools and care homes., Antoni Gelonch, president, Fundació Horitzons 2050

Antoni Gelonch, president of the foundation, emphasised the festival’s mission to promote reading in Catalan and encourage wider cultural participation beyond Barcelona. He urged national cultural organisations to engage with initiatives outside the capital.

Events for all ages and closing celebration

The festival extends to younger and older audiences through storytelling sessions at 10 primary schools, five secondary schools and three elderly care homes in Lleida. On Saturday 10 October, the IEI’s Aula Magna hosts a live broadcast of Catalunya Ràdio’s "El Suplement" programme, followed by a new edition of the Marató de Contes in the courtyard. The day concludes with the second presentation of the Premis Rosa Fabregat, followed by a closing party at Cafè del Teatre. The evening features "L'Arbre de l'Alliberament", a performance combining music by composer David Pradas, poetry by Maria Mercè Marçal recited by Núria Miret, and vocals by soprano Maria Altadill. A book market with nine stalls will operate throughout the week at Pati de les Comèdies, alongside literary and cooking sessions at Espai Sunka.

Reported by Grup Segre, contingut patrocinat, lamanyana.cat, ACN, Segre.com.