Flipelô literary festival celebrates 10th edition in Salvador

The 10th edition of the International Literary Festival of Pelourinho (Flipelô) is being held in the historic center of Salvador, Brazil. Organized by the Fundação Casa de Jorge Amado, which is celebrating its 40th anniversary, the event features a diverse lineup of national and international authors, including participation from writers from Angola, Portugal, and the United States.

This year's festival honors the late poet Myriam Fraga. The program includes musical performances, poetry readings, book launches, and debates across various cultural spaces. Notable participants include authors such as Milton Hatoum, Carla Madeira, and Bárbara Carine.

During the event, writer Itamar Vieira Junior addressed the issue of literacy in Brazil, stating that while there is high interest in reading, significant inequality in access remains a major barrier. He noted that the lack of public libraries in peripheral neighborhoods and the high cost of books hinder reading habits. Recent data indicates that while the book market shows signs of recovery, many Brazilians still face difficulties accessing literary resources.