By now, words could have saved the world. Words are fertile soil, they bring worlds within, they tell multiple stories. With words, we can create common ground, dialogue, and take steps forward. Words help us understand realities and stories that are not our own. So, what's missing?

In a time of immediacy, words struggle to survive amidst noise, infinite screens, and limited attention spans. They struggle to escape those who shape them to exclude, silence, and erect barriers. How can we reclaim words as a place of encounter?

In the days 12, and 13 September 14, the tenth edition of the Amadora Book Festival is the pretext for us to bring together the protagonists of books and reading to reflect on the role of words. Participate in three days of book fair, debates, workshops, shows and much more at the Fernando Piteira Santos Municipal Library.

This initiative, organized by Amadora City Council and executive produced by Gerador, is part of the Amadora em Festa 2025 program.

Discover the full program below.

PROGRAM
Location: Fernando Piteira Santos Municipal Library

12 the 14 September

16:00 PM - 21:00 PM (Fri)
10:00-21:00 (Sat and Sun)
Book Fair
With Carob, Black Orpheus, Water Clock, Indian Ink
Library Exterior 

September 12

17:30 
Crossword Debate: Identity and Culture
With Safaa Dib and Wladimir Vaz 
Two different paths and life trajectories come together for a conversation where we reflect on identity, culture and transformation.
Piso 0 

18:30 
Debate The word as a meeting space
With André Tecedeiro and Mariana Jones 
A conversation about the power of words as tools to open paths, break down barriers, and build inclusive spaces for dialogue.
Piso 0 

19:30
Debate Are comics political? 
With Marcos Farrajota and Sara Figueiredo Costa
Words aren't the only way to question the world. A conversation where we explore how comics interpret the political universe, challenge power, and create new narratives to reflect on the present.
Piso 0 

20:30
Performance Women Poem: “We Are United Hands”
With Maria Caetano Vilalobos and Rute Rocha Ferreira
A celebration in verse of women who made their mark with their vision of the world and life, combining original poetry and poetry by renowned authors of Portuguese literature, with spoken word and music.
Library Exterior 

September 13

10:00 
Creative Writing Workshop 
With Possidónio Cachapa
An invitation to play with words, explore new ways of telling stories, experiment with other voices, and test the limits of our imagination. 
Public: general. Registration for bibliotecas@cm-amadora.pt or 214369054, price: 5 eur 
Auditorium Floor 0 

10:30 
Story time 
With Eva Barros
Through voice and the power of words, we bring stories to life and invite children and families to immerse themselves in a world full of imagination and creativity.
Audience: families
1st floor

11:00
Award ceremony for the 28th Orlando Gonçalves Literary Prize
The Orlando Gonçalves Literary Prize pays tribute to the former journalist and writer, a historical figure from Amadora, by awarding a work of narrative fiction.
Piso 0 

11:45  
Ceremony for the III Rogério Rodrigues Journalistic Chronicle Award
The Rogério Rodrigues Journalistic Chronicle Award pays tribute to the life and work of journalist and writer Rogério Rodrigues, awarding authors of journalistic chronicles every two years.
Piso 0 

12:30 
Debate The Role of Libraries in a Challenging Society
With Ana Alves Pereira and Manuel Malzbender 
Libraries have historically been centers of knowledge and access to information. In a world facing increasingly social and political challenges, what is their role?
Piso 0 

15:00 
Debate on Women's Literature in Portugal
With Margarida Vale de Gato and Tatiana Salem Levy
A conversation about how literature written by women translates, questions, and expands the dominant worldview, revealing alternative ways of thinking about identity, body, and society.
Piso 0 

16:00 
Debate Representation and diversity in comics
With Amanda Baeza and Ricardo Parker
Comics have always been a place for criticism and social reflection. This conversation reflects on the role of this language in creating inclusive narratives.
Piso 0 

17:00 
Debate Literature and Journalism
With Ana França and Paula Cardoso
Is a journalist necessarily a good writer? And vice versa? Let's reflect on the intersections between literature and journalism: from literary journalism to literature that feeds on facts.
Piso 0 

18:30 
Dance show 
With Heart Gun
Active since 2018, the group Heart Gun brings the vibrant energy of K-Pop to the Amadora Book Festival in a performance that combines dance, music and performance.
Library exterior

19:30
Chica Concert
Chica's music emerges from the political and personal implosion that fell into its most natural place: song. The artist brings us an intimate concert that blends folk, anti-folk, and jazz.
Library exterior

September 14

10:00 
Comic Book Workshop
With Nuno Saraiva
An invitation to create characters and build narratives exploring the codes and languages ​​of comics. 
Target audience: youth, over 12 years old. Registration for bibliotecas@cm-amadora.pt or 214369054, price: 3 eur 
Piso 2 

12:00 
Debate In the age of scrolling, are there words for mental health?
With Catarina Janeiro and Daniel Sampaio
A conversation about the immediacy of the digital age and its impact on mental health and the way we communicate.
Piso 0 

14:30
Debate: The power of words in gender equality
With Celia Correia Loureiro and Maria Francisca Gama  
Words have always been a means of denouncing, amplifying voices, and mitigating gender inequalities. But what power do words have in social transformation?
Piso 0 

16:00 
Meeting Letters that Draw
With Pri Ballarin 
Using letter stamps in different shapes and sizes, this workshop invites you to create images that give new meaning to objects, spaces, and writing itself.
Target audience: families, ages 8 and up. 
1st floor 

18:30
Debate: The plasticity of words: paths of modern Portuguese poetry
With Claudia Lucas Chéu and Valério Romão 
A conversation about how Portuguese poetry has reinvented itself and intertwined with other forms of artistic expression to reflect identity, creativity, and cultural experience.
Piso 0 

20:00 
Literary Dinner 
With Storytelling Lisbon
We gather around the table to exchange experiences, flavors, and reflections. The main course? Storytellers who will take us on a journey of memories and emotions.

Menu:
Starter: Mini snacks, bread and olives
Soup: Cream of vegetables
Main course - choose one of these options: Cod au gratin with spinach and cornbread; Leek à Brás (vegetarian option)
Dessert: Red Fruit Cheesecake | Slice of Brigadeiro Cake
Drinks: White or red wine, water, coffee

Registration here or by bank transfer to IBAN PT50 0035 0041 0000 7917 930 51, sending proof of payment and the main course option to the geral@gerador.eu. Price: 21,50 euros 
Piso 2