If there’s one thing we can confidently say about the 39th Guadalajara International Book Fair (FIL), it’s this: we understood the assignment—and so did the 800,000 book lovers who flocked to Expo Guadalajara. From November 29 to December 1, Citi of Books proudly took part in one of the world’s biggest and brightest celebrations of literature. FIL isn’t just any book fair—it’s the global hub for Spanish-language publishing, a cultural melting pot, and a nine-day festival where stories bloom, conversations spark, and creativity runs wild.
Our participation this year was nothing short of exhilarating. The halls were buzzing with energy as more than 800 writers from 34 countries took the stage—sharing stories, signing books, meeting readers, and giving us all a reminder of why literature remains the heartbeat of culture. We had the joy of witnessing moments shaped by literary giants like Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Leonardo Padura, María Dueñas, Cristina Rivera Garza, and more. If you’ve ever wondered what it feels like to be surrounded by brilliant minds all at once—it’s exactly as inspiring as you imagine.
Not to mention, Barcelona will be the Guest of Honor, was the star that sprinkled the fair with extra magic. Bringing 69 authors with them, and a vibrant lineup of Catalan and Spanish creativity, the theme “Vindran les flors”—“The Flowers Will Come”—fully bloomed through art exhibits, performances, film screenings, and even delightful gastronomic experiences. Every corner felt like a cultural postcard straight from the heart of Barcelona, reminding us how beautifully stories travel across borders.
For Citi of Books, being part of FIL meant more than simply showing up—it meant connecting. We met fellow publishers, librarians, readers, literary agents, and passionate creatives who reminded us why this industry feels more like a community than a business. Whether it was discovering a debut author, exchanging ideas with colleagues from across the world, or watching young readers fall in love with books right before our eyes, every moment felt like a chapter worth bookmarking.
As we close this year’s FIL adventure, we’re carrying home new insights, new bonds, and a renewed excitement for the stories yet to be told. And trust us—we’re already counting down the days until the next fair. After all, once you experience Guadalajara’s magic, you’ll always come back for more pages, more people, and more possibilities.
Here are some snaps from the event.
PS. These are just some of the pictures from the fair. To see more, make sure to follow our social media accounts below.
Contact Citi of Books at +1 877-389-2759 or send a message at the following links:
Follow our social media accounts to know what’s next with Citi of Books!