Retiro Park is preparing to transform once again into an open-air literary hub. For seventeen days, the Spanish capital will host one of its most anticipated cultural events, where the scent of new paper and conversations about literature will fill the Paseo de Coches.
This 85th edition arrives with a renewed spirit, proposing humor and irony not only as entertainment, but as a tool for reflection and critical resistance. With 366 booths , the event seeks to attract readers of all ages and backgrounds.
Dates, times and access
The event will begin on Friday, May 29th and run until Sunday, June 14th. For those planning to visit, it's important to note that admission is free and all books are sold at a 10% discount, making it an ideal opportunity to refresh your personal library.
Regarding the timetable, the schedules are divided according to the day of the week:
- Monday to Friday: from 10: 30 to 14: 00 and from 17: 00 to 21: 00 hours.
- Saturdays and Sundays: from 10: 30 to 15: 00 and from 17: 00 to 21: 00 hours.
It is advisable to keep in mind that these schedules may vary if the weather turns bad, as wind or extreme temperatures often force the booths to close for safety reasons.
Distribution of booths and special spaces
This year's map features a diverse mix of exhibitors. We'll have 220 publisher booths, 118 bookstores, 12 distributors, and 16 official organizations. One particularly interesting area is Indómitas , which, with 42 stalls, is dedicated to fanzines and independent publishing projects that break with convention.
In addition, the Community of Madrid will have its own pavilion with activities designed for families and a strong focus on young adult literature. All of this is complemented by the poster design by Miguel Pang, who has depicted a pine tree from El Retiro Park surrounded by readers in absurd poses, reinforcing the lighthearted tone of the event.
Confirmed authors and signing schedule
The list of writers who will be visiting the park is extensive, with 231 authors confirmed . Among the most prominent names are Javier Cercas, Rosa Montero, Juan Gómez-Jurado, and Fernando Aramburu. There will also be a strong presence of figures associated with satire and graphic humor, such as Maitena and Eva Soriano.
Some of the most prominent firms include:
- Concostrina Snow, which will be present in various booths such as El Buscón or Reno.
- David Ucles and Juan del Val, who will be signing at the La Casa del Libro stands.
- Authors like pillar eyre or José Ángel Mañas, who will also have scheduled appointments towards the end of the fair.
For the more curious, there will be journalistic literature workshops taught by Martín Caparrós and the Iberoamérica Lee meeting, which will bring guests from thirteen different countries.
Logistics and potential complications
This year, getting to El Retiro Park might be a bit more complicated than usual. The visit of Pope Leo XIV between June 6th and 9th, along with Bad Bunny's concerts at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano Stadium, will generate a massive influx of people that could disrupt public transport and access.
The best way to get around is by Metro, using the Retiro, Ibiza, or Príncipe de Vergara stations . If you prefer the bus, lines like the 20, 26, or 14 have stops very close by. It's advisable to avoid driving due to potential traffic disruptions and parking shortages during the second weekend.
The event has established itself as a unique cultural showcase in Spain, combining book sales with a rich program of podcasts, debates, and workshops. With its mix of discounts, signings by international authors, and a relaxed atmosphere under the trees, the capital is preparing to welcome thousands of visitors to an edition where humor takes center stage.