Every February the coastal city of Póvoa de Varzim organises Correntes d’Escritas, a major Iberian literary festival that brings together Portuguese and Spanish‑language authors to celebrate books, debate ideas and promote cultural exchange.
When and where
The festival takes place annually in February with programming across the city, and recent editions run mid‑month drawing hundreds of writers, editors and readers to venues including the casino and public squares.
Origins and history
Correntes d’Escritas began in 2000, initially honouring local literary figures and quickly growing into one of Portugal’s most important literary gatherings with a continuous programme that expanded Iberian and Ibero‑American participation.
Programme and participants
The festival presents author talks, panels, launches and awards, routinely hosting more than a hundred participants from diverse Portuguese‑ and Spanish‑speaking regions and featuring book launches and publisher events during the weeklong schedule.
Literary significance
Correntes d’Escritas serves as a hub for cross‑border literary dialogue, spotlighting established and emerging voices, strengthening ties between writers and publishers, and reinforcing Póvoa de Varzim’s reputation as a city of literature.
Community and cultural impact
Beyond panels and launches the festival activates the public space with readings, street poetry and prizes, engaging local schools, cultural organisations and residents while promoting cultural tourism and lifelong reading in the region.
Takeaway
Each February Correntes d’Escritas transforms Póvoa de Varzim into a meeting point for Iberian letters, mixing high‑profile guests, grassroots programming and cross‑cultural exchange to celebrate the vitality of Portuguese and Spanish‑language literature.