The historically-rich city of Puebla is set to host a stellar lineup of international and local authors during the prestigious Puebla International Literature Festival 2024 (PILF2024). Organised by the Africa Center Mexico, according to a statement, this three-day-long event will celebrate literature, culture, and creativity from October 4 to 6.
“We are thrilled to host the Puebla International Literary Festival, a celebration of the power of words to connect, inspire and transform,” said Ikenna Okeh, Director of PILF 2024 and writer-in-residence at the Africa Center Mexico. “This festival is a testament to Puebla’s relevance to literary and cultural consciousness.”
“Puebla’s rich history and vibrant culture provide the perfect backdrop for this international gathering of literary minds,” added George K. George, Executive Director of the Africa Center Mexico. “We look forward to welcoming visitors from around the world to experience the magic of literature in our beautiful city.”
The festival will gather renowned authors, emerging writers, literary enthusiasts, and cultural aficionados from Africa, Latin America, Europe and Asia. This year, the Republic of South Africa will be the country in focus, spotlighting its rich literary tradition.
Attendees can look forward to readings, discussions and book signings with literary giants such as Prof Javier Lozano, Ever Obi, Cindy Allman, Niq Mhlongo, Prof Akachi Ezeigbo, Alejandro Rejon Huchin, Ikhide Ikheloa, Michael Oloyede, Dr. Wale Okediran, Obinna Odenigbo, Kester Aburam, Peter Njila Njeria, Ricardo Enriquez, E.C Osondu, America Trejo, Pablo Gross Harrera, Anja Sundaram, Dr. Denja Abdullahi, Jahman Anikulapo, Rato Mogoatlhe and Gabriela Cabezut.
This diverse roster offers a unique opportunity for festival-goers to engage with celebrated authors and gain insights into their creative processes, according to the organisers.
PILF 2024 will showcase a wide array of literary genres, from fiction and poetry to non-fiction and graphic novels. Special sessions will explore contemporary trends in literature, such as climate fiction, migrant narratives, and digital storytelling. These sessions aim to highlight the evolving nature of literature and its role in reflecting and shaping societal issues.
Beyond the literary events, the festival will feature cultural performances, including traditional music, dance, and theatre, along with art exhibitions showcasing Puebla’s rich cultural heritage. These performances and exhibits will provide attendees with a deeper appreciation of the city’s vibrant cultural landscape.
Aspiring writers can participate in workshops and masterclasses led by industry experts. These sessions will cover various aspects of writing, publishing, and promoting literary works, offering valuable guidance for both emerging and seasoned writers. The workshops aim to nurture the next generation of literary talent and provide them with the tools they need to succeed.
The festival is committed to fostering a love of reading and writing among young audiences. Special programs for children and young adults will include storytelling sessions, interactive activities, and opportunities to meet popular children’s authors. These programs are designed to inspire a lifelong passion for literature in young readers.
The festival will culminate in an awards ceremony honouring outstanding literary contributions. Awards will be presented in multiple categories, celebrating excellence in writing and promoting diverse voices in literature. This recognition aims to highlight the significant impact of literature on culture and society.
The Puebla International Literature Festival is an annual event dedicated to celebrating literature and promoting cultural exchange. Founded in 2024, the festival aims to bring together writers, readers, and artists from diverse backgrounds to share their stories and inspire one another.
For more information contact: info@pueblalitfest.com, director@pueblalitfest.com or follow the festival on X @PueblaLitFest
