With over 300 free activities, the León National Book Fair 2026 (Fenal 37) is preparing for a historic edition. For the first time, it will grant a dual 'Commitment to Letters' Recognition to writers Ángeles Mastretta and Héctor Gómez Vargas, as part of the 450th anniversary of the founding of León. The event will take place from May 1 to 10 at Poliforum León, where 538 publishing houses will be distributed across 225 stands, in addition to 25 workshops offering over a thousand sessions for diverse audiences. The inaugural ceremony is scheduled for Friday, May 1, at 11:00, when this dual recognition will be awarded. This decision seeks to balance national prominence with local talent in a commemorative edition. This year, Fenal will feature the 'León 450 Pavilion,' a space focused on the city's memory and identity, with exhibitions, recreational activities, and content designed to rediscover its history. Mayor Alejandra Gutiérrez highlighted that the fair is solidifying itself as a cultural meeting point that fosters talent and encourages the participation of new generations. Meanwhile, the director of the León Cultural Institute, Lisette Ahedo Espinosa, emphasized that the program aims to strengthen a sense of belonging through culture. The program includes the participation of authors and artists like Gepe, Sofía Segovia, Héctor de Mauleón, Benito Taibo, and Xavier Velasco, as well as activities for children, youth, and families, including a 'literary baby rave' and a musical closure with Los Teen Tops. With this initiative, Fenal 37 positions itself as one of the most extensive cultural events in the Bajío region in 2026, articulating literature, art, and memory in a single agenda.
