Independent book fairs draw record crowds in Peru and Chile

The IRRUMPE 2026 Fair of Independent Book Publishing will be held June 10‑14 in the Plaza de Armas of Santiago de Surco, Lima. The event, organized by the Independent Publishers Commission of the Peruvian Book Chamber with the Surco municipality, will feature 23 independent publishers from across Peru and more than 30 cultural activities, including talks, book launches, debates and performances. All events are free to the public. Mayor Carlos Bruce will attend the opening and commission president Sandra López said, “IRRUMPE is the necessary noise that guarantees the democratization of the book. We are a front of autonomous editors committed to what others tend to omit.”

Chile’s La Furia del Libro 2026 set a new attendance record, drawing about 66,000 visitors to the Centro Cultural Estación Mapocho from May 28‑31. The four‑day fair hosted 330 editorial stands, featured 150 activities across seven venues, and welcomed roughly 500 authors, including international names such as Selva Almada and Sabina Urraca. Director Carolina Ruiz noted, “Reaching 66,000 attendees signals a growing interest in reading and independent publishing across Chile and Latin America.” The fair’s success underscores its role as a major platform for bibliodiversity and cultural engagement in the region.