Lisbon Hosts Sal World Literature Festival Extension
Cardinal and poet José Tolentino Mendonça and PAIGC President Domingos Simões Pereira are set to headline the Lisbon extension of the Sal World Literature Festival (FLMSal) on September 17. The event, hosted at the historic Lisbon Literary Guild (Grémio Literário), marks a significant expansion of the prestigious Cape Verdean festival into the heart of Portugal.
A Dialogue Between Spirituality and Thought
Organized by the Rosa de Porcelana publishing house and curated by Professor Inocência Mata, the Lisbon program bridges the gap between literature, spirituality, and contemporary African philosophy. A central highlight will be the session “Literature and Spirituality,” featuring insights from poet Ana Mafalda Leite, writer Dina Salústio, and anthropologist Manuel Brito-Semedo.
The festival will also pay special tribute to Cardinal José Tolentino Mendonça. His work will be honored by publisher Filinto Elísio and Gustavo Ruckert, a professor of African Literatures at the University of Pelotas in Brazil.
Shifting African Paradigms
Politics and philosophy take center stage with the launch of Mudar de Paradigma (Changing Paradigms) by Bissau-Guinean philosopher and journalist Filomeno Lopes. The book, which explores the intersection of thoughts by revolutionary Amílcar Cabral and scholar Cheikh Anta Diop, will be presented by both Simões Pereira and Tolentino Mendonça.
The timing is poignant, as the PAIGC celebrates its 70th anniversary on September 19. “This party was fundamental to the independence of our countries and to the April 25th Revolution,” said Filinto Elísio. “The world must reflect on its contribution to contemporary history.”
Global Reach, Local Roots
The 8th edition of FLMSal originally took place in June on Sal Island, Cape Verde, under the theme “Poetics of the Earth.” The Lisbon extension continues a tradition of bringing the festival’s unique voice to international audiences in Brazil, Italy, and Portugal.
“Each year, we honor one Cape Verdean writer and one international author,” the organizers explained, noting that these extensions help “internationalize” the tributes first presented on Sal. While the June event celebrated singer-songwriter Nha Nacia Gomi and Brazilian poet Manoel de Barros, the Lisbon gathering will look forward to the 9th edition by honoring São Toméan poet Conceição Lima.
Founded in 2017, the Sal World Literature Festival has become a vital platform for challenging traditional literary canons and celebrating the diversity of global creative expression.
Image: Pexels – Igor Passchier
