The literary festival in Matosinhos is set to stage its largest edition to date, bringing together both national and international authors in a series of book-centered discussions.
This marks the 19th edition of the festival, known as LeV, which offers an expanded program this year. The event will welcome a notable lineup of both national and international authors who will engage in dialogues exploring various contemporary themes in free-entry sessions.
Centered around the Florbela Espanca Municipal Library and the Municipal Gallery, the literary festival will span nine days, covering two weekends.
Confirmed participants include notable figures such as Ricardo Araújo Pereira, Bruno Nogueira, Filipe Melo, José Luís Peixoto, and Rita Redshoes, alongside a unique roster of international writers.
From Barcelona, journalist and author Anna Pacheco, known for her work on feminism and popular culture from a social and gender perspective, will be present. Her latest book, “Estive aqui e lembrei-me de nós,” will be the basis for a discussion on tourism, work, and class.
Another prominent attendee is Joumana Haddad, a celebrated Lebanese writer, poet, journalist, and activist, famed as one of the most influential Arab female figures. Joumana Haddad founded and edits “Jasad,” an Arabic-language cultural erotic magazine.
The festival is also hosting award-winning English journalist, author, and documentarian Jenny Kleeman, notable for her book “Sex Robots and Vegan Meat.”
The program will feature several book launches, including “Saber perder” by Margarida Ferra on April 7, “Conversas com escritores” by Isabel Lucas on April 8, “A Arte de Ser Boa Pessoa” by Vítor Pinto Bastos on April 10, and “Marília ou a Justiça das Crianças” by Álvaro Laborinho Lúcio and Odete Severino Soares on April 11.
A parallel program includes music, with Portuguese alternative rock band Mundo Cão performing at the Constantino Nery Municipal Theater on April 12 at 10 PM.
On the following day at 6 PM, a poetic performance workshop led by singer Ana Celeste Ferreira, named “Boca em Flor,” is scheduled.
The Florbela Espanca Municipal Library will host two exhibitions, one being a documentary display on “200 years of Camilo Castelo Branco,” available until May 17.
The other exhibition, titled “Matosinhos – Place and Memory,” showcases a photographic exploration of the city’s past and present, accessible throughout the festival days.
As is customary, part of the festival will cater to children and the school community, with the “Levzinho” programming taking place during the week.
According to Fernando Rocha, the Culture Councilor for the Matosinhos City Council, which hosts the event, “approaching its 20th edition, LeV – Literatura em Viagem is a model of persistence and continual renewal.”
“This year, we are offering a reinforced, diverse, and pluralistic program to reach diverse audiences of varying ages and literary interests, while maintaining the intimate and highly engaging nature between authors and audiences that the festival is known for,” added Rocha.
LeV – Literatura em Viagem is an initiative of the Matosinhos City Council, produced by The Book Company.
