Viseu Revives Book Fair & Debuts New International Festival
Viseu is preparing for a major cultural transformation this fall. Mayor João Azevedo announced today that the city will revive its long-dormant book fair and launch its first-ever international literary festival this October, signaling a “consistent path of investment in culture” for the region.
The dual literary celebration kicks off on October 2 with the return of the Viseu Book Fair, an event that has been absent from the city’s calendar since 2014. Five days later, on October 7, the inaugural Viseu International Literary Festival (FLIV) will debut under the poignant theme, “Before it’s too late.” Both events are scheduled to run through October 11.
A Platform for Global Dialogue
In a period defined by rapid technological and environmental shifts, Mayor Azevedo believes the festival arrives at a critical moment. “The festival aims to promote spaces for critical reflection, cultural dialogue, and interdisciplinary thinking,” Azevedo told journalists. “Viseu is asserting itself as a privileged space where literature, thought, and citizenship meet.”
The municipality has assembled a high-profile curatorial team to lead the initiative, including Paulo Alexandre Sousa Santos, an experienced literary programmer; university professor Luísa Antunes Paolinelli; and editor Teresa Adão. While the city previously hosted a festival called “Tinto no Branco” between 2015 and 2020, FLIV marks a fresh, internationally-focused chapter for Viseu’s literary scene.
Transforming the Historic Heart
The festival will breathe new life into Viseu’s historic center. Events will be centered around the Cathedral, Rua Direita, and the Mercado 2 de Maio. “Our goal is to use the city’s old town to project that magnificent and historic space within this collective project,” Azevedo explained.
Though the full schedule is still under development, more than 100 sessions are already confirmed. Attendees can expect a diverse lineup of debates, book launches, workshops, theater performances, and concerts. The festival has already secured participation from authors across the Portuguese-speaking world—including Brazil, Angola, Guinea-Bissau, and Cape Verde—as well as writers from Spain and Italy.
Local Pride and Infrastructure Improvements
Beyond literature, the Mayor shared two other significant updates for the municipality. On June 1, the “Artistic Pewter of Bodiosa” (Estanhos Artísticos de Bodiosa) officially received European protection as a Protected Geographical Indication (PGI). This classification, requested by the City Council in late 2025, is expected to bolster the value and heritage of the local craft.
Azevedo also addressed urban concerns, announcing a major road restructuring project for the Colégio da Via Sacra area. The project aims to heal a “road wound” by resolving chronic traffic congestion near the local school and hospital. Construction is expected to be completed within 12 months.
Image: Pexels – Emmanuel Codden
