Barcelona is getting ready to celebrate a feast of letters and adventures at the twentieth edition of Món Llibre. This literary festival for children and young people, the largest of its kind in Spain, promises a renovation that goes beyond expectations. With new faces at the helm, such as Piu Martínez and Anna Juan Cantavella, the festival is completely reinventing itself. They bring a fresh vision that places literature alongside gaming, creating a space where these elements are absolute protagonists. Undoubtedly, attendees will live an experience that will transform the way we see and enjoy books.
A renewed commitment to children and young people
Món Llibre is not only an event; it is a celebration of literature. In this edition, which will take place on May 23, 24 and 25, the festival becomes an epicenter of creativity. This year, the festival seeks to be more inclusive than ever, opening its doors in the heart of the Raval and extending to the Sant Martí district, at the Gabriel García Márquez Library.
This expansion highlights a clear commitment to cultural decentralization, seeking to bring literature to all corners of Barcelona. By involving different parts of the city, it is expected to attract a wider and more diverse audience.
Activities for all tastes and ages
The Món Llibre program is broader and more varied than ever. The days of the festival will be filled with free activities that combine oral storytelling, literary and artistic workshops, and shows that merge literature with the performing arts. These activities not only seek to attract children, but also teenagers and families, making literature a shared experience accessible to all. The idea is that each participant will find something new and exciting in each activity they attend.
Advances in art direction
With Piu Martínez and Anna Juan Cantavella at the helm, the festival’s artistic direction has turned towards a more creative and innovative exploration. They have paid special attention to creating programming that feels fresh and relevant, offering activities that range from the traditional to the avant-garde. The inclusion of different artistic disciplines and narratives ensures that each visitor takes away more than just a book; they take away a complete experience.
A means for encounter and exploration
Món Llibre is not just a festival; it is a meeting place. Here, children and young people can interact with authors, illustrators and other members of the literary world in ways they otherwise would not be able to. Direct interaction with industry professionals offers youngsters a window into the creative process behind their favorite stories, fostering a genuine love of reading and writing.
An impact that transcends the festival
The impact of Món Llibre certainly goes beyond the dates on which it takes place. The work done during the festival creates a ripple effect in Barcelona’s literary community, promoting children’s and young adult literature throughout the year. In addition, by including the Institució de les Lletres Catalanes and the Ministry of Culture, the festival reaffirms its importance and commitment to continued cultural development.
What can we expect from the future?
With its twentieth edition, Món Llibre 2025 marks a new chapter in children’s and young people’s literature not only in Barcelona, but throughout the country. The determined direction towards decentralization and inclusiveness is committed to a future where everyone has access to quality cultural expressions. Literature, as you well know, is a door to new realities; this festival is the key that opens those doors, ensuring that every child and young person has the opportunity to enter.
From its humble beginnings to the grand celebration it is today, Món Llibre continues to evolve, as do its visitors. So as you await the 2025 edition, you can be sure that what is to come is a true literary revolution, where every story is an adventure waiting to be lived.
