Literature is once again taking center stage in San José with the 24th Costa Rica International Book Fair (FILCR 2026), which opened its doors this Saturday, August 22, at the Antigua Aduana. The event will run through Sunday, August 30, and admission will be free throughout the fair.

This year’s edition brings together a broad representation of the publishing industry, with 129 stands and the participation of 68 publishing houses, bookstores, and ventures related to the world of books. More than 60 national and international authors will also take part in the various activities scheduled throughout the event.

One of the spaces seeking to give greater visibility to emerging voices is the collective bookstore space, which will feature 25 self-published authors. The initiative aims to create opportunities for independent writers and bring their publications closer to readers.

Guatemala, Guest Country of Honor

One of the highlights of FILCR 2026 is Guatemala’s participation as the guest country of honor. Throughout the fair, a special program will showcase the country’s literary, artistic, and cultural production.

This participation seeks to strengthen cultural ties between the two countries while giving Costa Rican audiences the opportunity to discover different Guatemalan authors and literary expressions.

A Fair for All Audiences

FILCR will be open every day from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., except on Sunday, August 30, when activities will end at 6:00 p.m. In addition to the areas dedicated to books, visitors will find a food area featuring 10 food vendors and four food trucks.

The program includes book presentations, talks, workshops, poetry readings, exhibitions, artistic performances, and activities for children.

Book Fair
Book Fair
Book Fair

Book Fair: Featured Authors and Activities

Over the weekend, the schedule includes meetings with writers and activities exploring different literary genres and traditions.

On Saturday, the closing activities will include the talk El oficio de narrar la oscuridad, focused on crime fiction, as well as a discussion on the current landscape of Guatemalan literature. Both activities are scheduled for 6:00 p.m.

Sunday’s program will begin at 11:00 a.m. with several activities, including the presentation of a commemorative 50th-anniversary edition of Mirrusquita, a work that received the Carmen Lyra Prize, as well as the presentation of El quetzal colibrí gigante by writer Enrique Noriega.

At 2:00 p.m., the talk Karine Bernal: Entre sombras y coronas will take place, accompanied by a book presentation and signing. Among the international guests is Mexican writer Guillermo Arriaga, who will present his book Hombre at 5:00 p.m.

At the same time, Liesel Derezinski Selva will present Nuestra Odisea. A 91-year-old survivor of World War II, she shares in the book her German family’s experiences during the conflict. Sunday’s program will conclude at 6:00 p.m. with a discussion addressing the challenges of publishing and book distribution in Central America.

New Challenges for the Publishing Industry

The 2026 edition also introduces changes to the way the fair is organized. These include modifications to the physical layout of the spaces, the structure of the activities, and the way visitors are served.

Another noteworthy initiative is a book donation campaign that aims to provide books to school and high school libraries across the country. Through this effort, the fair extends its reach beyond the Antigua Aduana venue and seeks to contribute to greater access to reading materials in educational institutions.

FILCR is also taking place at a time of significant transformation for the publishing industry. The growth of self-publishing and the expansion of digital platforms have changed traditional approaches to producing, distributing, and purchasing books. In response to these developments, the industry is seeking to adapt through new approaches and processes that reflect the habits of today’s readers.

Strengthening Reading and Regional Connections

With its return to the Antigua Aduana, FILCR 2026 combines a historic San José venue with a proposal designed to expand the participation of authors, publishers, and independent projects.

Guatemala’s presence as guest country of honor, the participation of international writers, and the promotion of self-published literature also reflect an effort to strengthen cultural and commercial connections throughout the region.

The organizers hope this edition will contribute to creating new partnerships within the publishing industry, increasing the fair’s international reach, and encouraging more people to read. In this way, FILCR aims not only to celebrate books over nine days but also to establish itself as a meeting point for writers, readers, publishers, and cultural projects from Costa Rica and Central America.

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