What’s being debated at the gathering
The Encuentro de Escritores y Escritoras 2026: Reescribir la ciudad mediterránea addresses the urban crisis in the Mediterranean region through two key lenses: the expansion of mass tourism and armed conflicts in the eastern Mediterranean. According to Samuel Sebastià, artistic director of Mostra Viva del Mediterrani, both phenomena drive an "aggressive dehumanisation" that displaces residents and erases the identity of millennia-old cities. The discussions are structured around literary genres such as narrative, poetry, and essays, with contributions from authors and civil society groups.
Who’s taking part
The event features prominent figures like Petros Márkaris (Greek writer and translator known for his crime novels), poet Azahara Palomeque, journalist Manuel Aznar, and writer Anna Pacheco. The Valencian platform La MataObras, which develops cultural projects tied to the region, will also participate. The programme is part of Mostra Viva del Mediterrani, kicking off on 27 October with the Pont del Mediterrani Awards and two parallel exhibitions.
Dates and context
The gathering runs from 27 October to 6 November 2026 at OCCC in Valencia, as part of Mostra Viva del Mediterrani. This edition focuses on the "Mediterranean of cities", a theme that aligns with the festival’s artistic vision: highlighting the cultural and social tensions of the region through literature and contemporary art.
