9-11 OCTOBER 2026
Honored Country- Spain
TRIBUTE TO SPANISH LITERATURE
Tribute to Spanish Literature and Culture
The Nicosia Book Fest 2026 has the honor of hosting Spain as its featured country, highlighting its multifaceted culture and deeply rooted literary tradition. This year’s tribute brings Spanish literature, poetry, and the arts to the forefront through a rich, multidimensional program of events, presentations, and creative activities.
In the literary universe of Spanish letters, Miguel de Cervantes stands as a towering figure, the creator of the iconic Don Quixote—one of the most important works of world literature, blending satire, philosophy, and profound humanism. In poetry, Federico García Lorca is renowned for the lyricism and dramatic intensity of his work, while Antonio Machado sensitively captured landscape, time, and human existence.
In the 20th century, Spanish literature was enriched by voices such as Camilo José Cela, a Nobel laureate, and Javier Marías, who explored memory, identity, and narrative with remarkable depth. At the same time, Carlos Ruiz Zafón captivated modern readers with works like The Shadow of the Wind, where literature becomes a world of mystery and nostalgia.
Spanish culture extends beyond literature, embracing painting, music, and cinema. From the surrealism of Salvador Dalí and the innovation of Pablo Picasso, to the films of Pedro Almodóvar, Spanish creativity is marked by intense passion, imagination, and constant reinvention.
Spain’s intellectual tradition, influenced by historical periods such as the Spanish Golden Age, has played a decisive role in shaping European and global cultural identity, promoting values such as freedom of expression, diversity of voices, and creative boldness.
As part of this year’s tribute, the festival offers innovative activities for both children and adults, showcasing the vibrancy and richness of Spanish culture. Join us in discovering the fascinating world of Spanish literature and art!
WRITERS FROM SPAIN
Meet the Spanish writers and artists who will attend Nicosia Book Fest 2026
We are delighted to welcome distinguished authors from Spain to this year's Nicosia Book Fest!
Elena Medel
by © Laura C. Vela
Isaac Palmiola
Javier Moreno
The events dedicated to the Honored Country - Spain are co-organized by the Embassy of Spain in Cyprus, the Cervantes Institute and the Nicosia Book Fest.
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SPAIN AT NICOSIA BOOK FEST 2026
A three-day celebration filled with stories, poetry, music, theatre, cinema and creativity.
9–11 October 2026
📍 Akropolis Park, Strovolos
🎟️ Free admission
PROGRAMME OF EVENTS DEDICATED TO THE COUNTRY OF HONOUR
🟠 FRIDAY, 9 OCTOBER
✨ OPENING CEREMONY
Central Stage | 19:00
The official opening of Nicosia Book Fest 2026 is dedicated to the Guest Country, Spain.
Programme:
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🎙️ Greetings by the Ambassador of Spain, the Deputy Minister of Culture, the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Research Institute Promitheas and the Mayor of Strovolos.
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🏆 Presentation of the Guest Country Award to Spain.
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🎭 Artistic programme dedicated to Spanish literature, featuring actors Stelios Kallistratis and Olga Assiotou.
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💃 Flamenco performance with Filippa Stylianoudi and guitarist Stefanos Riris.
A special evening dedicated to Spain and its rich literary heritage.
🔴 SATURDAY, 10 OCTOBER
📚 LITERARY STAGE
16:55 | Intellectual and Literary Reflections on the Spanish Civil War
A discussion on the impact of the Spanish Civil War on intellectual and literary creation in Spain and Cyprus.
Javier Moreno, Professor at the University of Seville, examines the activities of PCE intellectuals during the Civil War, while philologist Giorgos Myaris explores the impact of the war on Cypriot literature, with reference to the work of Theodosis Pierides.
Organised by: Transform!Europe & Research Institute Promitheas
18:25 | 📖 The Wonders – Las maravillas
Award-winning Spanish author Elena Medel talks with Eleni Evangelou, Head of the Organising Committee of Femme Fest Cyprus, about her book The Wonders (Las maravillas).
A work that gives a voice to women who remain unseen, bringing class and feminist issues to the forefront.
Organised by: Instituto Cervantes Cyprus, Embassy of Spain & Nicosia Book Fest
🌐 The presentation will be in English.
🎭 CENTRAL STAGE
19:30 | BOHEMIAN CHRONICLES | CRÓNICAS BOHEMIAS
With Marina Giannou
A presentation of works by outstanding Spanish creators, explored through a distinctive artistic perspective.
🌐 Presentation language: English
20:30 | 🎭 Between Light and Silence: Lorca & Elytis
A musical-poetic performance weaving the lyricism of Federico García Lorca with the Aegean light of Odysseas Elytis.
Artistic direction: Giorgos Kalogirou
Under the auspices and with the support of the Embassy of Greece in Cyprus
👧👦 CHILDREN'S STAGE
Beloved children's author Isaac Palmiola meets his young readers in Cyprus!
Together with Vasiliki Andreou and theatre group PICCOLLO, he presents a theatrical play activity inspired by the stories of SHERLOCK HOLMES.
🎈 For children and families
Organised by:Embassy of Spain, Instituto Cervantes Cyprus & Nicosia Book Fest
19:00 | 🎬 Spanish Animated Film Screening | Tadeo Jones
Tad, the Lost Explorer
Tad, a construction worker who dreams of becoming a famous archaeologist, finds himself caught up in an incredible adventure.
🎬 Screening of a Spanish short film
Organised by: Instituto Cervantes Cyprus, Embassy of Spain & Nicosia Book Fest
🟢 SUNDAY, 11 OCTOBER
🕊️ SPILIES HALL
15:45 | ✍️ A Conversation with Federico García Lorca
Author Dr Andri Christofidou-Antoniadou presents her books:
“Federico García Lorca in Three Dimensions” and “I, Federico García Lorca”
Actor Dimitris Konstantinidis performs excerpts, accompanied by projections from the author’s archive.
✨ A meeting with the life and work of one of Spain’s most important poets.
16:30 | ✍️ “Without water, the flower that blooms withers.” Lorca on the stages of Cyprus
Scientific Association of Theatre Scholars (ESOTH)
A group of theatre scholars discuss, research and present a concise overview of the journey of Federico García Lorca’s plays on the stages of Cyprus — from 1963, when Monica Vassiliou staged and embodied The Wondrous Shoemaker’s Wife, to the present day — examining, among other things, theatre companies’ preferences in terms of repertoire and the critical reception of the productions.
Organised by: Scientific Association of Theatre Scholars .
19:30 | 🎬 Spanish Cinema Screening
La lengua de las mariposas “Butterfly’s Language”
The acclaimed Spanish film is based on the short story of the same name by Manuel Rivas. Through the relationship between a child and his teacher, the film portrays a society standing on the threshold of dramatic political change.
Organised by: Embassy of Spain & Instituto Cervantes
👧 CHILDREN'S STAGE
14:45 | 🗺️ La Aventura Española “The Spanish Adventure”
Ready for an adventure?
An interactive treasure hunt inspired by Spain, featuring riddles, clues and challenges that take participants on a journey of knowledge, culture and discovery.
🇪🇸 A Spanish adventure for little explorers!
Organised by: Nicosia Book Fest
🎭 CENTRAL STAGE
20:00 | 🎶 Don Quixote: A Story in Songs
The musical theatre performance by the Compass group brings Miguel de Cervantes’ masterpiece to life.
The dreamer Don Quixote and his loyal squire, Sancho Panza, come alive through narration, live music and original songs.
On stage, actress Varvara Christofi narrates and embodies the characters, while musicians Dimitris Spyrou and Yiannis Christidis perform live music and original songs.
🐴📖 A Don Quixote adventure for young and old!
