The Lisbon Book Fair returns for its 94th edition from 29 May to 16 June 2024, and it promises to be bigger than ever. This literary event, which attracts thousands of enthusiasts every year, will be held in the Parque Eduardo VII, an emblematic venue that contributes greatly to its charm and success.
Join us as we delve into the details of this not-to-be-missed event for all book lovers.
A festival with a large program
This year, the Lisbon Book Fair has extended its opening hours to offer visitors a better experience:
- Weekdays: 12pm to 10pm
- Weekends and public holidays: 10am to 10pm
- Fridays, Saturdays and the eve of public holidays: 10am to 11pm
With 350 pavilions, 10 more than last year, the Book Fair has reached an impressive size this year:
- Pavilions: 350
- Publishers: 960
- Titles available: over 85,000
Visitors will have the opportunity to discover a multitude of genres, from the great classics to the latest releases, not forgetting independent works. This richness ensures that every visitor, whether a fan of fiction, poetry, science fiction or non-fiction, will find something to their liking.
A unique place: Lisbon’s Eduardo VII Park
The Parque Eduardo VII, with its breathtaking views over the city and its leafy atmosphere, provides the perfect setting for this event. This central and accessible location is ideal for a literary stroll, allowing visitors to lose themselves among the pavilions while enjoying the peaceful atmosphere of the park. The link between the fair and this iconic park is such that it would be unthinkable to move it elsewhere.
The Lisbon Book Fair doesn’t just offer books. There’s also a festive atmosphere, with a variety of activities for all ages:
- Live music concerts: every Friday at 10pm
- Open-air film screenings
- Public readings and book signing sessions
- Creative workshops for children
A visit to the Book Fair would not be complete without a gourmet break. Numerous food stalls will be offering local specialities and international dishes, allowing visitors to eat while strolling between the pavilions. Whether you’re in the mood for a quick snack or a full meal, you’ll find something to satisfy your taste buds.
Accessibility and Inclusion
The 2024 edition stands out for its commitment to accessibility. In partnership with Access Lab, the organizers have stepped up their efforts to make the show more welcoming for people with reduced mobility:
- Additional accessible toilets
- Baby changing facilities
- Events in Portuguese sign language
- Color system for the color-blind
Pedro Sobral, president of the Portuguese Publishers and Booksellers Association (APEL), stresses the importance of making the fair accessible to everyone. “We want everyone, regardless of their physical abilities, to be able to enjoy the Lisbon Book Fair. This year, we have taken concrete steps to achieve this”, he explains. This desire to create an inclusive event shows just how much the fair is designed to be a space for sharing and discovery for all.
Special offers and opportunities at the 2024 Book Festival
The famous “Hora H” returns this year, allowing visitors to buy books published more than two years ago at a 50% discount. This offer, available from Monday to Thursday one hour before closing time, is an excellent opportunity for book lovers to grab a bargain while adding to their personal library.
The Lisbon Book Fair also makes a point of encouraging young people to read. Initiatives such as “Camping with Stories” are specially designed to capture children’s imaginations and introduce them to reading. The National Reading Plan offers a “Reading Advisory Service” to guide young readers towards books that match their interests, making it easier for them to discover new literary horizons.
Pedro Sobral is predicting a million visitors for this year’s event, surpassing the previous year’s record of 894,000. However, he insists that the fair’s main objective is not to break attendance records, but to promote reading and increase reading rates in Portugal. This strong commitment to culture and education shows how essential the Lisbon Book Fair is for the community.
