What is the Encuentro de Escritores y Escritoras del Mediterráneo 2026
The Encuentro de Escritores y Escritoras del Mediterráneo 2026 kicks off its programme on 2 November at the OCCC with an event gathering key figures from Mediterranean literature and civil society. Organised by Mostra Viva del Mediterrani, this year’s theme is «The Mediterranean of Cities», focusing on how mass tourism and armed conflicts are transforming—and dehumanising—coastal urban centres.
Who is taking part
Confirmed guests include Greek writer and translator Petros Márkaris (author of the crime novels featuring Inspector Jaritos), poet and essayist Azahara Palomeque, journalist Manuel Aznar, and writer Anna Pacheco. The Valencian platform La MataObras, which campaigns against urban speculation, will also participate. The event blends literary voices with collectives analysing these changes from a local perspective.
Themes and approach
According to Samuel Sebastià, artistic director of Mostra Viva, the debate will centre on «the loss of identity that displaces residents from their cities», driven by tourist capitalism in the northern Mediterranean and the destruction of ancient urban centres in the east due to armed conflicts. Sessions will explore these issues through narrative, essays, and urban activism, adopting a critical stance towards policies that prioritise economic profit over community life.
Programme and context
This opening event is part of Mostra Viva del Mediterrani 2026, which begins on 27 October with the Premis Pont del Mediterrani awards and includes two exhibitions. The poster for this edition was designed by artist Amparo Carbonell, a sculptor and professor at the Universitat Politècnica de València. The writers’ gathering runs until 6 November, with the 2 November opening marking the start of literary and social debates.
