Turning Pages in Paradise: Hay Festival 2026 Brings 180 Global Voices to Colombia’s Literary Shores

Updated: December 02, 2025 00:15

Image Source: Hay Festival

The Hay Festival Cartagena 2026 will host over 180 guests from 25 countries, celebrating literature, culture, and ideas. Running from January 29 to February 1, the event expands to Medellín, Jericó, and Barranquilla, featuring writers, scientists, and artists. Highlights include Nobel laureates, acclaimed novelists, and discussions on innovation and sustainability.

The Hay Festival Cartagena de Indias 2026 promises to be one of the most vibrant cultural gatherings in Latin America. Known globally as a celebration of literature and ideas, the festival will bring together more than 180 international guests, including writers, journalists, scientists, philosophers, and artists, to engage in dialogue and creativity.

Founded 37 years ago in Hay-on-Wye, Wales, the festival has grown into a global phenomenon, with editions across continents. Its Colombian chapter, now in its 21st edition, continues to expand its reach, offering events not only in Cartagena but also in Medellín, Jericó, and Barranquilla, ensuring diverse audiences can participate.

Major Takeaways

Dates & Venues: Scheduled from January 29 – February 1, 2026, across Cartagena and other Colombian cities.

Global Participation: Over 180 guests from 25 countries, including Nobel Peace Prize winner María Corina Machado and Spanish novelist Santiago Posteguillo.

Wide Scope: Discussions will span literature, music, journalism, philosophy, film, theatre, science, and innovation.

Community Engagement: Free tickets for students, live-streamed events, and youth-focused programs in Barranquilla.

Cultural Impact: Reinforces Colombia’s role as a hub for intellectual exchange and artistic collaboration.

Notable Updates

The festival will feature South to North conversations, bridging Latin American voices with global perspectives.

Scholarships and university partnerships aim to broaden access to cultural dialogue.

A special sound-and-light documentary will mark 20 years of Hay Festival in Colombia.

The event underscores the importance of literature in addressing current affairs, sustainability, and social change.

Conclusion: The Hay Festival 2026 is more than a literary gathering—it’s a global stage for ideas, culture, and creativity. By bringing together diverse voices in Colombia’s historic cities, the festival continues its mission of making literature accessible, inspiring dialogue, and celebrating the power of storytelling in shaping societies.

Sources: Clarín , Hay Festival Cartagena , El Nacional

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