Literary festivals scheduled for Dakar and Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean

Dakar, Senegal, will host two major literary events in October 2026. From October 15 to 19, the city will hold the 18th edition of the International Book and Educational Material Fair (FILDAK) at the Esplanade du Grand Théâtre Doudou Ndiaye Coumba Rose. The fair’s theme is ‘Library, transmission, sovereignty.’

Following this, from October 22 to 24, the 5th Dakar Women's Book Fair will take place at the Place de la Nation. Organized by the association Les Cultur’Elles, the event focuses on ‘matrimoine’—the cultural heritage transmitted by women. Featured guests include Ivorian writer Véronique Tadjo, and Mali will serve as the guest country.

In Canada, the 62nd Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean Book Fair begins on October 1 in Jonquière. The event features over 360 authors, including Dany Turcotte and Michel Jean, across more than 130 stands. New accessibility initiatives include story readings and book signings in Quebec Sign Language (LSQ).