Book Fair Kicks Off in Plasencia with a Focus on New Voices. The book fair has opened in Plasencia with eight local bookstores taking part. The highlight of the program is the presentation of a novel about the recent crown theft. Organizers note a record interest from authors.
The annual book fair opened today in Plasencia, drawing attention this year not only with its traditional meetings with writers but also with a hot topic linked to a recent incident in the city. The event takes place in the main square and will run for five days, bringing together readers, authors, and representatives from eight local bookstores. Organizers note that this time they had to choose between regular participants and new authors due to the high demand for participation.
The crown theft as a plot
One of the highlights of the fair was the release of the novel "Coronación" by writer Julio Pérez. His new book is based on a real event—the theft of the Virgin del Puerto's crown, which occurred in March 2024. The author used this case as a starting point for a detective story weaving together investigation, psychological motives, and the city's historical details. The novel features the return of characters already familiar to readers—members of the National Police and Civil Guard—whose relationships evolve in new ways. Pérez emphasizes that Plasencia becomes not just a backdrop but a protagonist in its own right, and his work on the book involved deep research into city archives and little-known corners.
Program and participants
The fair is organized by the municipality with the support of the government of Extremadura. This year, twelve pavilions have been set up in the square, featuring bookstores such as La Puerta de Tannhäuser and El Tintero, as well as Editora Regional. The opening included writer Jesús Sánchez Adalid, who presented his new novel "Tres halcones para Tamerlán" and reminded the audience of the city's 840th anniversary — a theme reflected in his book "El alma de la ciudad." During the week, presentations, book signings, poetry evenings, and children's programs are scheduled. Among the invited guests are Bernardo Atxaga, Joaquín Araújo, and Jesús Carrasco. Special attention is given to poetry, while the weekend program is aimed at families, with interactive readings and workshops.
Schedule and details
The fair is open to visitors from May 6 to 10: on weekdays — from 11:00 to 14:00 and from 17:30 to 21:00; on Friday and Saturday, the evening program runs until 21:30, and on Sunday it finishes at 19:30. A detailed schedule and a list of events are available on the official website of the city's cultural events. Interest in literary events in Spain remains consistently high: for example, a recent exhibition in Barcelona showcased little-known aspects of the history of the Sagrada Familia, presenting unique archival materials and rare photographs as part of a special exhibition.
The grand finale of the fair will be the presentation of a new book by Jesús Carrasco. Organizers note that the growing interest from authors and readers alike reflects a notable revival of literary life in the region.
