La Teruel Book and Comic Book Fair The Glorieta will once again be filled with stalls, presentations, and readers for four days, from Thursday, May 7th to Sunday, May 10th. In its eleventh edition, the event has established itself as one of Aragon's major cultural events, offering a combination of literature, comics, historical presentations, children's activities, and author meet-and-greets.
Throughout these days, the fair brings together to 45 authors and 25 booths Among bookstores, publishers, and cultural projects, the city's heart is transformed into a space for conversation about books. The program includes everything from book signings and morning and afternoon talks to themed workshops, family activities, and presentations geared toward both young readers and adults.
Opening, proclamation and spirit of the fair
The official start of the 11th Teruel Book and Comic Book Fair takes place on Thursday afternoon, with the reading of Opening address by the writer from Teruel, Sebastián RoaThe author, known for his historical novels such as "Nemesis", "Enemies of Sparta" or "The Lineage of the Eagle", presents in his speech reading as a permanent journey, which accompanies the reader from childhood to maturity.
Roa champions the power of books to to forge character and nurture one's own judgmentHe recalled readings that influenced him, such as Delibes's "El camino," "The Iliad," and "The Divine Comedy." In his opening address, he compared the old Casa Dominguín kiosk to a port from which to set sail for impossible destinations, emphasizing reading as a tool for freedom and critical thinking.
Institutional representatives such as the Director General of Culture of the Government of Aragon, Pedro OlloquiAmong those present were the mayor of Teruel, Emma Buj; the president of the Provincial Council, Joaquín Juste; and the president of the Teruel Booksellers Association, Tomás Cirugeda. Their remarks emphasized public support for book culture and the role of the book fair as both a cultural hub and a space for community interaction.
Olloqui points out that, following the success of April 23 in Zaragoza, the book fair season in Aragon It kicks off in Teruel with a well-established eventThe fair invites residents of the city and the entire province to attend. The atmosphere in La Glorieta these days, with bustling stalls and a diverse crowd, reinforces the idea of the fair as a true celebration of books.
Main stage, booths and participating exhibitors
The Glorieta welcomes 25 booths set up for this 11th editionThese venues, which remain open throughout the day, are the hub of much of the activity. Up to 45 authors perform on the fair's main stage over the weekend, ranging from well-known figures on the national scene to emerging voices from Aragon and Teruel.
Among the participating exhibitors are local bookstores and a wide variety of publishing projectsThe following bookstores are participating: Librería Escolar, Perruca-Senda, Tilos, Zombies y Princesas, and the bookstore El Reino del Revés (from Andorra), as well as institutions such as the Instituto de Estudios Terolenses. They are joined by Aragonese and national publishers such as Prames, Gara d'Edizions, Libros del Gato Negro, Libros del Innombrable, Sin Cabeza, Hola Monstruo, Mala Vida (specializing in comics), Cosquillas, Xordica, Taula, Acrotera, Onagro, Prensas de la Universidad de Zaragoza, Olifante, Fundación Térvalis, Alma Editorial, Gp Ediciones, and a guest national publisher.
The fair also reinforces the presence of the Poets for Teruel Platformwhich has its own stand this year. There you can find new works by authors such as Cristina Giménez, Nacho Escuín, and Mario Lafuente, among others, highlighting the importance of local poetry and creative work in the event's program.
The design of the advertising poster is by Israel Gómez, creator of the Hola Monstruo labelwhich reinterprets the La Glorieta kiosk as a character in its own right, accompanied by recognizable figures from comics and literature. This graphic touch perfectly encapsulates the blend of local tradition and imagination that characterizes the fair.
Guest authors and featured new releases
The program of presentations brings together a wide range of voices. Among the leading authors visiting the fair are Fernando Jáuregui, Elsa Punset, Blue Jeans, Luz Gabás, Julián Casanova, José Luis Corral or Isabel San SebastiánAlong with them, Aragonese figures such as Antón Castro, Manuel Vilas, Sandra Araguás, and Sebastián Roa himself are participating, in addition to a large group of writers from Teruel.
Among the New publications being unveiled for the first time in Teruel Highlights include "Heart of Gold" by Luz Gabás; "Spain Divided in Two," a historical work by Julián Casanova adapted into a comic by Miguel Casanova and illustrator Carles Esquembre; "Burned" by Fernando Jáuregui; "The Apostle's Revenge" by Isabel San Sebastián; "The 15 of Fosbury" by the bestselling young adult author Blue Jeans; "Wings to Fly" by Elsa Punset; and "Myths and Legends of Aragon" by José Luis Corral, among others.
The presence of Teruel and Aragon is noticeable with authors such as Angélica Morales, Alicia Blasco, David Alegre, Juan Villalba, Cristina Armunia or Adrián Colladosas well as several members of the Poets for Teruel Platform. Their presentations alternate between the presentation of recent works, relaxed conversations with readers, and book signings at the booths.
Poetry occupies its own place in the program. Saturday, considered the main day of the fair, is reserved for a special space dedicated to it. tribute to Marina Heredia, founder of the Aragonese publishing house Los Libros del Gato Negro, who died in November 2025. Starting at 20:30 p.m., the poets from Teruel, Cristina Giménez and Ángel Portolés, will present their titles "No quiero ser olvido" and "Hojarasca infinita", accompanied by the writer from Zaragoza, Olga Bernad, author of "La cosecha de los nombres".
Daily programming and activities for all audiences
The program for the 11th Teruel Book and Comic Book Fair is structured as follows: morning workshops and book presentations throughout the dayBoth in the morning (between 11:00 and 14:00) and in the afternoon, starting at 17:30. To prevent possible rain, the organization sets up a covered tent where the meetings with authors and the signings take place, guaranteeing the event despite the inclement weather.
The children's and family workshops They are a cornerstone of the program. Throughout the event, fun activities are organized to introduce reading to young children, with a special focus on comics and illustration. Among the most striking offerings is the commemoration of Asterix's anniversary, with themed workshops that leverage the popularity of the French series to introduce children to reading comics.
In addition to comics, the fair reserves space for math workshops In these workshops, a group of fifteen teachers demonstrate to participants that mathematics can also be explored in a hands-on and engaging way. Through games, passports that are stamped at each activity, and small prizes, reasoning skills are developed while maintaining a playful element, in collaboration with the Pedro Sánchez Ciruelo Aragonese Society of Mathematics Teachers.
The mornings and afternoons are completed with linked presentationsFor example, Saturday afternoon includes the story "The Moon Plays Mischief" by Luisa Valdivielso, presented in conjunction with Babidibú Editorial, followed by Patricia Gayán's presentation of "Coco: An Unexpected Journey," and Tacita y Media Ediciones' "Raccoon Command" by Joaquín Berges. Juan Villalba, from Teruel, also participates, speaking about "Jota of Cinema," reinforcing the fair's connection with local artists.
Sunday morning kicks off with Pedro Cifuentes and his comic strip "Stories from history"Published by Molino, followed by the writer Sandra Araguás with "Las tres naranjitas" from Editorial Sin Cabeza. In parallel, the Institute of Teruel Studies presents several of its own research projects and collections, which highlight the historical and cultural heritage of the province.
History, comics and popular science on the front lines
One of the central themes of this year's fair is the historical dissemination through books and comicsHistorian Julián Casanova, together with illustrator Carles Esquembre, presents the graphic adaptation of "Spain Divided in Two" (Planeta), a comic book that addresses the Spanish Civil War and its European context. Casanova emphasizes that comics, provided they combine a solid script with careful artwork, are a very effective tool for bringing history closer to young people and offering a quick and understandable "social snapshot."
The historian emphasizes the importance of new generations Learn about Europe's traumatic past in the 30s and 40sMarked by wars, ethnic cleansing, and policies of extermination, this history is crucial to understanding how democratic values were shattered. Faced with a present where discourses relativizing these events proliferate, he insists that knowledge and information are more necessary than ever, both internationally and locally.
Similarly, historical fiction has a very notable presence. Journalist and writer Isabel San Sebastián presents "The Apostle's Revenge" (Plaza y Janés), the seventh installment in her saga about the Reconquista, narrated from a female perspective. The author defends historical accuracy as a basic requirement of the genre, noting that for many readers, historical fiction is their primary way of accessing the past.
San Sebastián argues that it is necessary to respect the context, the mentality of each era, the customs, and the way of life without falling into what he calls "presentism." In his opinion, this is not the case in the current education system. There is a lack of history and an excess of ignorance. The focus is on periods prior to the Civil War, while the public demonstrates a growing interest in learning more about the country's history. In this context, the Teruel book fair becomes a valuable showcase for this type of work.
Other presentations connected with history and memory include titles such as "Myths and Legends of Aragon" by José Luis Corral, or works that delve into the heritage collections of the province, such as "Incunabula Bibliographic Jewels: Diocese of Teruel and Albarracín" or studies on modernist architecture in the city and its surroundings, presented under the umbrella of the Institute of Teruel Studies.
Children's and youth activities and science for the little ones
Children and young people occupy a central place at the fair, not only as companions to adults, but as protagonist of many of his own activitiesOne of the leading figures among young readers is Blue Jeans, who presents "The 15 of Fosbury" (Planeta), reinforcing the connection between young adult literature and an audience that already closely follows his novels.
Among the proposals designed for the early ages, the story stands out. "The moon plays tricks"From astrophysicist Luisa Valdivielso of the Center for Studies in Physics of the Cosmos (CEFCA), published by Babidibú. Designed for children between 4 and 6 years old, the book combines a simple story with basic scientific concepts such as gravity, the Moon's orbit, and eclipses, with illustrations by Fiammetta Manola that give personality to the Sun, the Earth, and the Moon itself.
The work is accompanied by a teaching notebook and practical proposalsThis includes instructions for safely observing an eclipse and a guide for building a pinhole camera from a cardboard box. This blend of storytelling, science, and crafts aims to allow families to experiment together and help children become familiar with the sky and astronomical phenomena from a very young age.
There is also room for the Illustrated books and comics aimed at different audiencesAt the booths of artists like Xcar Malavida and Luis Orús, a particularly lively atmosphere is created, with personalized drawings and works ranging from children's picture books to comics for adults. Humor and a friendly approach are the hallmarks of these signings, which attract curious readers and families looking for different kinds of reading material.
At the same time, the presence of math workshops and activities with a passport and prize reinforces the idea that the fair is not limited to traditional reading, but acts as platform for different forms of knowledgeThe goal is for children to associate books and culture with something familiar, fun, and experienced in community.
Poetry, music, and local projects with their own unique style
Beyond narrative and comics, the programming reserves a solid space for the poetry and independent publishersThe booth of the Poetas por Teruel Platform becomes a meeting point for readers looking for contemporary lyrical voices, with titles by authors such as Cristina Giménez, Nacho Escuín or Mario Lafuente, who alternate signings with small impromptu talks.
The publishing house Los Libros del Gato Negro, which has strong ties to the city, is experiencing a special moment this year with the presentation of its first references after the death of its founder, Marina HerediaSaturday's tribute event combines poetry readings, a conversation with the public, and a remembrance of Heredia's publishing work, highlighting the importance of independent projects in Aragonese cultural life.
The final day also includes a musical touch with a performance by Mario Lafuente and his project "Ciro's Journey"The event, which combines songs and a novel under the Los Libros del Gato Negro imprint, is a hybrid offering that blends literature and music. It is scheduled to close the festival on Sunday at 19:00 p.m., broadening the audience beyond just readers.
In terms of local and regional narrative, the fair offers a showcase to authors from Teruel and Aragon of different genresFrom historical novels to short stories, poetry, and essays, many authors take advantage of the opportunity to talk with readers about the writing process, the role of small publishers, or the difficulties of publishing from outside major urban centers.
All of this contributes to the Teruel Book and Comic Fair being perceived as a space where Local cultural projects are recognized and made visible, while connecting with catalogs and labels of national reach, generating a collaborative network that goes beyond the four days of activity in La Glorieta.
Organizing institutions, support for the sector, and conditions for the public
The organization of the 11th Teruel Book and Comic Book Fair is the responsibility of the Provincial Association of Booksellers, the Provincial Council of Teruel, the Government of Aragon and the City Council of TeruelIn addition to these entities, the collaboration of the Aragon Publishers' Guild, Caja Rural de Teruel, Fundación Térvalis and the Teruel Community Region is also supporting the event both logistically and financially.
This institutional framework aims to strengthen the Aragonese book and publishing industryOffering a showcase where bookstores and publishers can present their catalogs, attract new readers, and establish professional contacts, the fair is conceived not only as a cultural event but also as a tool for revitalizing a sector particularly sensitive to changing consumer habits and competition from digital formats.
During the days the event lasts, readers can purchase the books with a 10% discountThis incentive aims to encourage purchases and ensure that those who come to sign books or listen to an author don't leave empty-handed. These types of measures, common at Spanish book fairs, help translate visits into direct sales for bookstores and publishers.
Despite weather forecasts predicting periods of overcast skies and even some drizzle, the installation of a covered tent for presentations and signings This ensures the continuation of the main activities. In this way, the public can continue to enjoy talks and meetings without the rain significantly disrupting the program.
Taken together, the institutional support, the involvement of the book sector, and the public response make La Glorieta a meeting point where Readers, authors, booksellers, and publishers cross paths.The fair consolidates its role as an essential event on the Aragonese cultural calendar, while reinforcing the city's link with reading, comics and literary creation in all its forms.
The 11th Teruel Book and Comic Book Fair is presented as an event where renowned names in Spanish literature coexist with authors from Aragon and Teruel, offering workshops for children, historical outreach activities, and poetry and music performances. The atmosphere in La Glorieta, the diverse stalls, the new publications, and the institutional support combine to create an event that reinforces the... Image of Teruel as a reading city and a point of reference for books and comics in Aragoninviting neighbors and visitors to reserve a space in their schedule to get lost among pages, vignettes and literary conversations.