The Amadora Book Festival returns to the Fernando Piteira Santos Municipal Library on September 11th, 12th and 13th. The 11th edition, part of the Amadora in Festa program and with executive production by Gerador, is a celebration of literature in its most diverse forms, shifting the focus to languages, practices and territories that do not always occupy the center of traditional debate.
Historically a central city in the world of comics and marked by a strong musical culture linked to the written word, Amadora proposes thinking about literature from "other places." Here, the physical book is the starting point, but not the limit.
Over three days, a vibrant territory unfolds, made up of music, oral tradition, journalism, manga, public speeches, and civic engagement. Pato Bravo (also known as B Fachada), Mynda Guevara, Alberto Mangel, Eliana Alves Cruz, Hilda de Paulo, Nerve, and Ana Bárbara Pedrosa are some of the personalities featured in the program.
PERMANENT:
September 11th (Friday): 16:00 PM to 21:00 PM
September 12th and 13th (Saturday and Sunday): 10:00 AM to 21:00 PM
Literary Esplanade
Throughout the event, visitors will be able to enjoy the Literary Esplanade, which features a curated selection of books by Livraria Snob, support from Bar Akademia, autograph sessions with guest writers, a Literary Café with emerging authors, among other initiatives.
Find the autograph session times here:
September 11
16h30: B Facade + António Jorge Gonçalves
17h30: Ricardo Farinha
20h00: Alberto Manguel
September 12
17h30: João Miguel Tavares + Ana Bárbara Pedrosa
20h00: Eliana Alves Cruz + Hilda de Paulo
September 13
15h00: Pedro Vieira de Moura + Ana Matilde Sousa (Hetamoé)
19h30: Samuel F. Pimenta
SEPTEMBER 11
17:00 Ground floor
Conversation: Comics Among Friends
With: Pato Bravo (B Fachada) and António Jorge Gonçalves
What happens when the mentor of a fearless comic book publisher joins forces with the latest winner of the National Comic Book Award? A relaxed conversation between Pato Bravo (B Fachada) and António Jorge Gonçalves. From visual references to the behind-the-scenes of independent publishing. An informal meeting about the passions and curiosities that unite lovers of the ninth art.
18:00 Ground floor
Conversation: Hip-Hop Poets
With: Mynda Guevara and Nerve
Moderated by: Ricardo Farinha
A celebration of songwriters and writing within the Hip-Hop universe. This panel discusses and legitimizes contemporary rappers and storytellers as literary authors in their own right, exploring the power of rhythmic words as living poetry.
19:00 Ground floor
Conversation: Ana Daniela Soares talks with Alberto Manguel
An in-depth conversation with one of the world's greatest essayists and bibliophiles, led by the renowned cultural journalist from RTP. A moment of celebration focused on the love of books and the history of reading.
20:30 - Exterior of the library
Performance: Mynda Guevara
The power of female rap takes center stage in a unique show designed especially for the Amadora Book Festival. A magnetic moment where music and literature merge, giving new and urgent forms to the spoken word.
SEPTEMBER 12
10:00 Rogério Rodrigues Auditorium
Workshop: Creative Writing with Maze
A hands-on session focused on rhyme, meter, and poetic expression. Musician and facilitator MAZE challenges participants to use writing and words as powerful tools for individual and collective liberation of identity.
Audience: 16 years and older
Registration costs €5 and must be done through... bibliotecas@cm-amadora.pt or 214369054
11:00 Ground floor
Presentation of the Orlando Gonçalves Literary Prize
12:30 - Exterior of the library
Literary Cafe
With: Maria Do Mar Neto, Maria Angélico and Roberto Saraiva
Emerging authors who are shaping the new landscape of national literature come together to share their latest creations. In a format that breaks down the traditional barrier between stage and audience, the public is challenged to get closer and engage directly with the new authors. An opportunity to experience firsthand the aesthetics and themes that mark the new publishing scene in the country.
16:00 - Exterior of the library
Parliament of Words
What is the role of art in defending human rights? A project by Gerador, integrated into the European project ART4U (Artvocacy for Union) , which brings together 50 young people (aged 12 to 20) in a creative storytelling process focused on democracy and freedom of expression. The final result is presented at the Amadora Book Festival. Learn more about the Parliament of Words here.
18:00 Ground floor
Conversation: The Writing of Chronicles
With João Miguel Tavares and Ana Bárbara Pedrosa
A session dedicated to one of the most unique and beloved genres in the Portuguese press. Writers and journalists discuss the art of capturing poetry, political detail, and the complexities of our daily lives through the chronicle.
19:00 Ground floor
Conversation: Territories, Borders and Identities
With: Eliana Alves Cruz and Hilda de Paulo
The multi-award-winning Brazilian writer and journalist Eliana Alves Cruz comes to Portugal for the first time for an unmissable dialogue with the author and artist Hilda de Paulo. A space for critical reflection on literary geographies and the reconstruction of history through fiction.
20:30 - Exterior of the library
Concert: Slug
The power trio Leonor Casimiro, Beatriz Sobralinho, and Rita Mira will close the night with an electrifying stage presence that is shaking up the national independent scene. Expect abrasive guitars and combative poetry focused on issues of gender, equality, and generational resistance within the underground landscape.
SEPTEMBER 13
10:00 Rogério Rodrigues Auditorium
Workshop: Hybrid Illustration and Photography
With: Maíra Zenun
Under the motto "How many images fit inside us?" , writer and visual artist Maíra Zenun proposes a hands-on workshop where families and children create their own visual narratives from hybrid photographs, weaving together possible futures and real stories.
Target audience: families, from 6 years old and up.
Registration costs €5 and must be done through... bibliotecas@cm-amadora.pt or 214369054
11:30 Ground floor
Philosophy for children
With: Tomás Magalhães Carneiro (Porto Philosophical Club)
What questions lie hidden in our daily lives? Far from offering ready-made answers, this practical philosophy session provides children and young people with a space for active listening and debate. Based on reading mediation, the activity stimulates curiosity and the courage to question the world around us.
Audience: families
15:30 Ground floor
Conversation: The Consolidation of Manga in Portugal
With: Rui Alves de Sousa, Pedro Vieira de Moura and Ana Matilde Sousa (Hetamoé)
An in-depth analysis of the publishing, cultural, and sociological phenomenon of manga in the national market. The discussion combines the critical perspective of the specialized press with contemporary academic validation and research.
17:00 Ground floor
Conversation: The Most Important Text of Democracy
With: António Filipe Rodrigues and Teresa Violante
As part of the celebrations marking the 50th anniversary of the founding text of our democracy, the guests come together for an essential reflection on the history, impact, and future of the Constitution of the Portuguese Republic.
20:00 Ground floor
Literary Dinner
With Samuel F. Pimenta
Dinner is a time when stories are invariably told. Stories about those sitting at the table, current events, gossip, or memories of the past. The writer Samuel F. Pimenta takes this idea literally, merging mealtime and writing time into a collective experience where everyone has a say.
Menu:
- Starters: Cheese, charcuterie, bread and olives
- Soup: Cream of vegetable soup
- Main course - choose one of these options: Baked salmon with passion fruit sauce and fresh salad; Roast veal with baked potatoes and vegetables; Chickpea curry with mango and basmati rice (vegetarian option)
- Dessert: Biscuit cake
- Drinks: White or red wine, water, coffee
Registration by bank transfer to IBAN PT50 0035 0041 0000 7917 930 51, sending proof of payment and your main course option to geral@gerador.eu . Price: €20,00
