At the Sant Jordi festival in Barcelona, queues for popular authors’ autographs have once again become a notable sight. From early morning, dozens of teenagers and their parents were lining up at shops and pavilions to get signatures from writers such as Alice Kellen, Blue Jeans, Meghan Maxwell, and Joana Marcús. For many young readers, meeting their favorite author is not just an event, but an opportunity to turn an ordinary book into a personal keepsake.
Morning excitement
By 9 a.m., about 30 people had gathered at the shopping center on Diagonal, waiting for Meghan Maxwell’s autograph session to begin. Some had come from other cities, afraid they might be late and miss out on being among the first in line. Parents accompanied their children, and some even took time off work to meet the author. According to one of the people in line, Maxwell’s books were her entry point into reading, and a signature in her favorite copy gives it special value.
A fan of Blue Jeans set the record for the earliest arrival, taking her spot in line at Universitat Square as early as eight in the morning. Her friend, who had just finished reading the author’s new book in only a week, was there to support her. Young readers say that Blue Jeans’ style and his ability to create relatable characters make every encounter with him unique.
Strong interest in young authors
At noon on Passeig de Gràcia, Joana Marcús drew public attention, gathering a long line at FNAC de Glòries. For many teenagers, her books have become a source of support in difficult times, and meeting her in person is seen as an opportunity to thank the author for emotional support. To attend the signing session, a ticket had to be obtained in advance, and the line stretched to the end of the building. Some admit they are capable of reading Marcús’s 600-page novel in just a month if the plot captivates them from the first pages.
At the La Casa del Libro tent, Alice Kellen captured attention. Her fans note that the author masterfully describes complex emotions, allowing readers to see themselves in her characters. For many, meeting Kellen is not only a chance to get to know her personally, but also a way to show their support for the writer. Some girls arrived an hour and a half before the start to secure their spot in line and emphasize that Kellen’s writing style is precisely what keeps them returning to her books again and again.
New names and the scale of the event
This year, Regina Rodriguez, Imma Morales, Alina Not, and David Uclés joined the list of authors attracting young readers. The latter drew one of the biggest queues: many were surprised by the scale of interest and remarked that an autograph is not only a keepsake but also a way to personally thank the author for his work. Some were participating in Sant Jordi for the first time and were amazed by the atmosphere and the number of like-minded people.
For most young readers, a signed book becomes a genuine “treasure” that they keep separately from the rest. Many admit they are not willing to part with such copies and designate a special place for them in their room. This attitude toward books and their authors highlights how important the personal connection between writer and reader is for the new generation.
The context of the holiday and its cultural role
The Sant Jordi holiday traditionally brings together literature lovers of all ages, but in recent years it is the younger generation that has been shaping new trends: book signings have become an integral part of the event, and meeting authors in person is now a key element of the reading experience. As noted during Ali Smith’s appearance amid librarian protests, as reported in the article on the reaction to Sant Jordi, cultural events in Barcelona continue to resonate and foster new traditions.
