The 15th edition of the Mercat de Lletres, a fair dedicated to literature and language, will feature prominent figures such as theologian Francesc Torralba and author Care Santos. Organised by the Central Library of Igualada and the Culture Department of the Igualada City Council, the event is set to take place on Saturday, 3 October, throughout the day in Cal Font Square and the library.
This year marks the fair's fiftieth edition, which will include book stalls from local bookstores, discussions, workshops for both children and adults, and a variety of performances. Collaborating entities include Narranació, Òmnium Anoia, CECI, and APLEC.
Highlights of the event
Poesy will play a significant role in this edition, with activities centred around Miquel Martí i Pol and Theodor Kavafis, alongside the presentation of Anna Enrich's poetry collection, Clepsidra.
The fair will kick off at 10:30 with Francesc Torralba, author of Anatomía de la esperanza and La palabra que me sostiene, leading an open philosophy club. Care Santos will officially inaugurate the Mercat at 11:45 on the Cal Font stage, discussing her latest book, Buidar la casa, accompanied by Maria Enrich.
At 1:00 PM, the stage will host a live radio programme titled Casas encantadas, organised by Narranació, featuring writer Gemma Solsona and philologist Àstrid Lozano, and hosted by Javi Fernández and Laia Rubio.
In the afternoon, poetry and the Catalan language will take centre stage. Anna Enrich will present her haiku collection, Clepsidra, at 6:00 PM, joined by translator Albert Nolla, rhapsodist Marta Coll, and musician Xevi Ariza. The event will conclude at 8:00 PM with a literary performance by David Vila and Jessica Neuquelman, commemorating the work of Miquel Martí i Pol. They will also participate in a round table discussion titled Vivir en catalán, organised by APLEC Igualada, at 5:30 PM in the library's second floor.
Family activities and workshops
The Mercat de Lletres will also feature interactive and family-oriented activities. Two workshops for young people and adults will be held, requiring prior registration. At 11:30 AM, a bookmark-making workshop using scrapbooking techniques will take place, followed by an ex-libris workshop at 5:30 PM.
For younger audiences, the morning will include Cuentos en la plaza with Gerard Garcés at 11:00 AM, a fun storytelling event supported by the Municipal Library Network of the Diputació. Concurrently, a special session of musical storytelling for babies titled El pez Opopó will be led by Sara Genovart, with a second session at 12:30 PM.
The highlight for children will be the family show La máquina de cuentos by Curuxa Teatre at 4:30 PM on the Cal Font stage. Later, at 6:00 PM, a Lego workshop titled Build the change will allow children to reflect on the differences between rural and urban life through the story El bosque de los hermanos by Yukkio Noritake.
Families can also enjoy a reading and wooden games area in Cal Font Square, amidst the stalls of local bookstores and organisations.
Pre-event activities
In the week leading up to the Mercat de Lletres, the library will host two engaging events. On Thursday, 1 October, at 7:00 PM, Universo Kavafis: de Alejandría a Valencia will feature translator Eusebi Ayensa and musician Elies Monxolí in a poetic-musical show focused on the works of the Greek poet, organised by the Igualada Centre for Regional Studies in collaboration with Òmnium Anoia. The following day, Friday, 2 October, also at 7:00 PM, author Berta Creus will present her second novel, Mons on trobar-te, published by Males Herbes.
Over the past 15 years, the Mercat de Lletres has welcomed numerous authors, including Sílvia Soler, Carlota Gurt, Xavier Bosch, and many others. Initially held at the Museum of Leather in Igualada, the fair has been hosted at the Central Library and Cal Font Square since 2017. The full programme is available on the websites of the Igualada City Council and the Central Library.
