What’s Debated at the 2026 Meeting
The Encuentro de Escritores y Escritoras del Mediterráneo 2026 focuses its programme on The Mediterranean of Cities, an analysis of how mass tourism and armed conflicts are transforming urban centres along the coast. According to Samuel Sebastià, artistic director of the Mostra Viva del Mediterrani, the debate will address the "aggressive dehumanisation" driving residents out of historic cities, both on the European and eastern shores. The session will feature writer and translator Petros Márkaris, poet Azahara Palomeque, and the Valencian collective La MataObras, among others.
Who’s Taking Part
Alongside Márkaris—known for his crime novels set in Athens—and Palomeque, the event will include Jacques Pelinq (musician and cultural activist) and will be moderated by journalist Vicent Gregori. The platform La MataObras, founded in Valencia to defend the right to the city, will bring a civil society perspective. The 2026 edition is part of the Mostra Viva del Mediterrani, which kicks off on 27 October with the Premis Pont del Mediterrani awards and two parallel exhibitions.
Programme and Access
The main event will take place at the Octubre Centre de Cultura Contemporània (C/ Sant Ferran, Valencia) from 27 October to 6 November 2026. Entry is free, though visitors are advised to check the Mostra Viva website for updated schedules and any registration requirements. It’s unclear whether simultaneous translation or accessible materials will be provided.
