The Associação Portuguesa de Editores e Livreiros (APEL) and the Lisbon City Hall have officially unveiled the 95th Lisbon Book Fair, described as a “consolidation” of the previous edition. The event has reportedly reached its “physical space limit,” according to the president of APEL, Miguel Pauseiro.
“We have the number of pavilions we consider appropriate for the available space, which brings the added responsibility of maintaining some novelty,” he stated. He emphasized the goal of making the fair a “unique event,” affirming its reputation as “the most beautiful in the world,” as deemed by its visitors.
Pauseiro expressed hopes to surpass last year in terms of cultural initiatives, with over 3,000 events planned, 1,200 of which will feature authors.
A significant introduction this year is the sustainable project “Let’s plant books,” in collaboration with The Navigator Company, linking book sales to tree planting.
“For every 100 books sold, a tree will be planted. We estimate sales of between 700,000 and 800,000 books, leading to the planting of approximately 7,000 to 8,000 new trees in our country,” he detailed.
This year’s fair will see participation from 133 exhibitors, a “slightly lower” number than last year, representing around 960 brands and over 85,000 titles. These figures remain provisional, Pauseiro added.
A new square, Praça Verde, will be inaugurated, and enhancements in accessibility include additional portable ramps and wheelchairs provided by Santa Casa da Misericórdia for individuals with reduced mobility.
Events incorporating Portuguese sign language and a color alphabet for colorblind individuals, aiding navigation in the color-coded squares, will also return this year.
The Mayor of Lisbon, Carlos Moedas, highlighted the growing “importance of investment in the fair,” announcing an increase in financial support to 135,000 euros (an increment of 15,000 euros over last year’s 120,000 euros), aside from logistical support.
The 2025 edition will reinforce the model introduced in 2024, focusing on enhancing the visitor experience through a more fluid layout and seven squares, including the new Praça Verde, as indicated by the organizers.
Over 19 days, the event will feature a range of activities from book signings to debates, book presentations, and Friday concerts with “intimate” performances, notably by Teresa Salgueiro.
The children’s program has been enhanced with workshops, staged readings, and the return of “Camping with Stories” at the Estufa Fria.
Available services will include the return of the cloakroom for postal book delivery and temporary storage of items, an expanded dining area, and book donation and recycling campaigns.
