Did you know that the Madrid Book Fair is considered the biggest event in the book industry in Spain? It is held once a year, and the fair has already been around for 90 years since its first edition.
The 2022 Madrid Book Fair was a smashing success in terms of sales (over 10 million euros) and visitor turnout (over 3 million people). This 82nd edition promises to surpass the previous year, offering an even better experience.
So mark your calendars and get ready for this unique event for all book lovers out there. Remember that admission to the fair is free, and in this edition, there won’t be any COVID-19 restrictions.
When is the 2023 Madrid Book Fair?
The 2023 Madrid Book Fair takes place from May 26 to June 11.
Opening hours of the Madrid Book Fair
The opening hours of the fair are from Monday to Thursday from 10:30 am to 2:00 pm and from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm. Saturdays and Sundays from 10:30 am to 3:00 pm and from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm.
Where is the 2023 Madrid Book Fair located?
The Madrid Book Fair 2023 takes place at the iconic El Retiro Park along the carriageway called Paseo Fernán Núñez. This beautiful park is the perfect setting for this highly anticipated literary event.
The entrance to the fair which leads directly to the book fair is the “Puerta de Madrid”, located across from number 1 on Calle O’Donnell. Other entrances near the fair can be found on Avenida de Menéndez Pelayo, where there are also reserved parking spaces for people with reduced mobility.
How to get to the Madrid Book Fair?
El Retiro Park is very well located in the city center, so getting to the fair is pretty easy, even if you are coming from outside the city. But just to make it even easier, the closest Metro Madrid stations are Príncipe de Vergara (Lines 2 and 9), Ibiza (Line 9), and Retiro (Line 2).
Isn’t it fantastic to have such an amazing event in such a stunning location?
What’s new in the 2023 edition?
If you’re wondering what’s happening at this year’s Madrid Book Fair, keep reading because there are many exciting updates in the 2023 edition. Take note and don’t miss a single detail!
- The ‘Shade Project’ is the big novelty this year, aiming to overcome the challenge of the heat. A part of the fair’s route will be covered with awnings to provide pleasant shade and additional protection against high temperatures.
- The fairgrounds have been redesigned to offer an even better experience. Three special plazas have been created: one for guilds and publishing associations, another for international participants, and a third dedicated to Science and Universities. These will be must-visit meeting points!
- The list of exhibitors can be accessed through a mobile app, as well as on four luminous screens placed along the fair.
- One of the great perks of the Madrid Book Fair is that it offers you the opportunity to meet your favorite authors. In 2023 the book fair will have five signing spaces (instead of the usual four).
The poster of the 2023 edition
The artist María Simavilla has created this year’s poster, capturing the essence of what this event means to Madrid. The poster showcases a typical Madrid façade, setting the scene for a diverse community of readers that could belong to any traditional neighborhood in the city.
The artwork captures the spirit of inclusivity, diversity, and the sense of community that the Book Fair brings to Madrid. The aim is to convey the idea that Madrid is an open and diverse city where there are as many readings as there are types of readers.
What is the official theme of the Madrid Book Fair 2023?
Guess what the official theme of the Madrid Book Fair 2023 is? Science! That’s right, science takes center stage in the 82nd edition.
This year, the fair is all about embracing the wonders of science, and let me tell you, the program is jam-packed with almost 400 events revolving around this captivating theme. The motto is “We’re into Science and Letters” and you can join the conversation on social media using the hashtag #DeCienciasYLetras.
Isn’t it fascinating to explore the intersection of science and literature? The Madrid Book Fair 2023 is going to be an exhilarating journey to discover how these two fields come together in captivating ways.
Which authors are signing in this edition?
The Madrid Book Fair provides readers with the opportunity to talk to authors and publishers. You might even get a chance to take a photo with them and get that coveted author’s signature.
The list of authors who will be present in this edition of the Fair is long and exciting. Among them, you’ll find names like Eva García Sáenz de Urturi, Dolores Redondo, Fernando Aramburu, Carmen Mola, Ian Gibson, and many others.
You can check the complete list of authors at the official website of the book fair.
Loyalty Award 2023
Great news for comic lovers this year! At the Madrid Book Fair 2023, the special guest and recipient of the Loyalty Award is the legendary Francisco Ibáñez.
This renowned Spanish comic book author, known for his popular characters Mortadelo and Filemón, will be honored in this edition to recognize his career.
Tips for visiting the Madrid Book Fair in 2023
Here are some friendly tips for visiting the Madrid Book Fair in 2023:
- Plan your visit: Check the fair’s schedule and plan your day accordingly, especially if you want to get your books signed.
- Explore different genres: The fair offers a wide range of books, take the opportunity to explore new authors and genres you haven’t tried before.
- Engage with authors and publishers: Don’t be shy to strike up conversations with authors and publishers at their booths.
- Enjoy the ambiance: Take your time to soak in the vibrant atmosphere of the fair. Find a cozy spot in the park to sit, relax, and dive into a book. It’s a perfect opportunity to escape into the world of literature.
- Stay hydrated: As the Fair is held in late spring, it can be pretty hot. So remember to stay hydrated by carrying a water bottle. In any case, there are several stalls to get a refreshing drink and this year there are more shady places available.
- Discover the park: The Madrid Book Fair provides a wonderful opportunity to discover this beautiful park.
Happy exploring at the Madrid Book Fair!