The Otoño Literario, now in its seventh edition, will take place in Cáceres over the months of October and November, offering readers a chance to enjoy a variety of literary perspectives. The festival consists of 24 presentations featuring 12 male and 12 female authors, reflecting a commitment to gender parity in literature.
Jorge Suárez, the city’s Cultural Councillor, emphasized the importance of this event, stating, "It is a significant occasion in our cultural calendar that highlights the literary creation of Cáceres." He announced the program, which includes notable authors such as Pablo Monge, who will present his work "El ayudante de piedra" on October 7, and Ángel Barra, who will present on October 28. Other events include storytelling sessions for children by Marta and Débora Moreno on November 6.
Suárez noted that the enthusiastic response to the festival demonstrates a strong interest in literary projects and positions Cáceres as an attractive venue for new publications and literary exchanges. He remarked, "This encourages us to continue our efforts, as Cáceres is a city that supports cultural initiatives and offers opportunities for writers to share their work with readers. We expect two exciting months ahead."
The festival is organized by the City Council, through the Department of Culture and the Municipal Library Julián Rodríguez Marcos, with the aim of bringing literature closer to the public and transforming various spaces in Cáceres into meeting points for authors and readers. Suárez stated, "We want books to come off the shelves and for the stories, ideas, and reflections they contain to reach new audiences."
In addition to the presentations, the Otoño Literario will also provide a platform for authors and publishers who were unable to showcase their works during the Book Fair. The initiative aims to enhance visibility for diverse literary genres and themes, enriching the editorial landscape.
As part of the festival, a day will be dedicated to the Día de las Escritoras (Day of Women Writers) on October 19, aligning with a national initiative by the Biblioteca Nacional (National Library) to highlight the role of women in literature.
Suárez concluded by reaffirming the city’s commitment to fostering an open, diverse, and accessible cultural program. He stated, "The Otoño Literario is a testament to this commitment. Seven editions later, we remain convinced that literature has much to offer Cáceres and that our city has a lot to give to both writers and readers."
The festival kicks off on October 7, with Pablo Monge Holgado presenting "El ayudante de piedra" at the Palacio de la Isla at 6:30 PM. This comic, set in Cáceres, blends mystery, adventure, and historical action, aimed at engaging readers of all ages.
The story follows Martín de la Calleja, a humble scribe's assistant in 1600 Cáceres, who mistakenly receives a sealed letter sought after by powerful families. What begins as a simple task leads him into hidden courtyards, alleys, archives, and family secrets that the city has concealed for decades. In a city of stone, listening can be more dangerous than speaking.
