The ler (en) pontevedra initiative is set to resume its activities on 26 October with a literary walk inspired by Federico García Lorca's 'Seis poemas galegos'. This programme aims to foster community reading experiences and will dedicate its first term to exploring historical memory.
Demetrio, the councillor for culture, highlighted that ler (en) pontevedra is more than just a reading club; it is a community reading experience designed for all book lovers. The programme will feature literary works connected to Pontevedra, either through local authors or by setting the city as a backdrop. Activities will include a variety of genres and align with the cultural events in the city. A new addition this year is the International Centre for Creativity Maruxa Mallo, which will serve as a base for the programme.
Anxos Rial, the new coordinator, emphasised the initiative's commitment to engaging new audiences and enhancing reader experiences. She stated, “We want to combine traditional discussions about literature with outdoor reading experiences, such as walks and community reading gatherings. This year, we are also targeting a younger audience by collaborating with local school reading clubs to bridge the perspectives of adults and youth.”
The first event will take place on 27 October at 19:00, starting from Plaza de la Estrella. Participants will explore Lorca's connection to Galicia and the poet's two visits to Pontevedra, reflecting on the significance of 'Seis poemas galegos', published in 1935 as his only work written in a language other than Spanish.
Subsequent events will include a discussion with Iria Morgade on 18 November at the Maruxa Mallo Centre, centred around her award-winning book 'Quen escribirá a miña historia?' which examines themes of memory and repression during the Franco regime. On 16 December, Xosé Monteagudo will present his novel 'Vémonos mañá', which tells the story of a love affair between a republican mayor and his former partner, reuniting after fifty years.
The programme will continue until July 2027, with future events planned, including a meeting with Santiago Lopo, winner of the 2026 Jules Verne Prize for Youth Literature, and a celebration of World Poetry Day in March. The initiative will also participate in the Letras Galegas in May, focusing on the works of Xosé Neira Vilas and Anisia Miranda, and will conclude with a comic book event in July.
Registration for the initial activities is open at apuntate.pontevedra.gal.
