Colombia · BOOKS
Key Facts
- —What happened The Cúcuta Book Fair returns from 31 August for its 22nd edition, running to 5 September.
- —How big The fair expands for the first time to six towns beyond Cúcuta, including Tibú and Villa del Rosario.
- —The real story The launch event features a panel on local football history, not a book launch.
- —The catch No full author lineup or ticket price for 2026 has been published yet.
- —Where it happens Main venue is the Julio Pérez Ferrero Public Library in Cúcuta, Norte de Santander.
- —What comes next Organisers have not confirmed whether entry will be free, as it was in 2025.
The 22nd edition of the festival expands beyond Cúcuta to six other towns in Norte de Santander, including several first-time hosts.
The Cúcuta Book Fair returns to Colombia from 31 August with a 22nd edition that stretches far beyond the city. Organisers promise a week of literary events in the capital of Norte de Santander.
For the first time, several surrounding towns will also host events.
Cúcuta Book Fair Dates and Venue
In addition, the Cúcuta Book Fair, or fliC, runs from Monday 31 August to Saturday 5 September 2026. The main venue is the Julio Pérez Ferrero Public Library in Cúcuta, the city’s principal public library.
In fact, it is the main venue. In fact, it is the central hub.
The official launch takes place on Wednesday 26 August at 5pm at the same library. This event marks the start of a programme that organisers say will combine literature with the region’s cultural memory.
The 2026 edition marks the 22nd time the fair has been held. However, the exact street address of the library has not been published.
The 2026 edition is the 22nd time the fair has been held. However, the exact street address of the library has not been published.
Launch Event Features Football History
The centrepiece of the launch is a public discussion titled “The untold story of the Cúcuta champions”. This conversatorio, a Spanish-language panel, will feature Jorge Luis Pinto and Joe Luis Raguá; Diego Clavijo will moderate.
The discussion focuses on local football history, not on a book launch. According to La Opinión, the session will remember and analyse a key sporting episode.
Therefore, it highlights the capital’s history. The discussion will focus on a key sporting moment in the capital’s history.
Meanwhile, no details about the specific club or season have been released. The conversation will be moderated by Diego Clavijo.
Meanwhile, no details about the specific club or season have been released.
Festival Expands to New Towns
In addition to Cúcuta, the 2026 Cúcuta Book Fair will reach six other municipalities in Norte de Santander. For the first time, activities will take place in Sardinata, El Carmen, Teorama and El Tarra, as well as in Tibú.
The regional programme runs from 31 August to 4 September. Meanwhile, the festival also arrives for the first time in Villa del Rosario, where events will be held at the Birthplace Museum.
The regional programme runs from 31 August to 4 September, while the main fair continues until 5 September. In addition, the fair will reach Villa del Rosario for the first time.
The regional programme runs from 31 August to 4 September. In addition, the fair will reach Villa del Rosario for the first time.
Museum Hosts Literature and History
The Villa del Rosario events will take place at the Museo Casa Natal del General Santander. Although it is a museum dedicated to his birthplace.
This venue, according to La Opinión, will allow literature to be combined with the historical and cultural memory of the region. The museum is a new addition to the festival’s list of venues.
No address or opening hours for the museum have been published. The Birthplace Museum of General Santander will host the events.
However, no address or opening hours for the museum have been published. The museum will host literature events for the first time.
However, no address or opening hours for the museum have been published.
Public Bodies Back the Fair
The 2026 edition has the backing of five public bodies. These include the Norte de Santander government, Cúcuta city government, National Library, Ministry of Cultures, and Department of Culture.
This support reflects the festival’s growing importance, therefore. In previous years, the Cúcuta city government and library collaborated.
For example, they presented the 20th edition in 2024. The five public bodies include the departmental and city governments.
In addition, the National Library and the culture ministry are also involved. The five bodies include the departmental and city governments.
In addition, the National Library and the culture ministry are also involved.
Free Entry Was a 2025 Feature
In the 2025 edition, entry to the Cúcuta Book Fair was free for the whole public, according to En La Mira magazine. The library served as the epicentre of that cultural gathering.
For the 2026 edition, however, no source has stated whether entry will be free or charged. Visitors should check official announcements closer to the event.
The 2025 edition offered free access to all visitors. However, no source has confirmed whether the 2026 edition will do the same.
No Full Author Lineup Yet
Organisers have not yet published a complete list of authors and guests for the 2026 festival. The only named participants are those at the launch event: Jorge Luis Pinto, Joe Luis Raguá and Diego Clavijo.
These three belong to the launch discussion, not to the main festival programme. Readers can expect more details as the event approaches.
No complete list of authors or guests has been published for 2026. As a result, only the launch event participants are known so far.
Planning Your Visit to Cúcuta
Cúcuta is the capital of Norte de Santander, a department in north-eastern Colombia. It sits on the Venezuelan border.
The city is the main hub for the festival, with the library as its central stage. For those travelling from other towns, the regional activities offer a chance to experience the fair closer to home.
However, no daily timetable or session times have been released beyond the launch’s 5pm start. Cúcuta lies on the border with Venezuela, making it accessible to international visitors.
However, no daily timetable has been released beyond the launch’s start time.
Cúcuta Book Fair Highlights
The Cúcuta Book Fair returns with a strong focus on local culture and history. The launch discussion on football champions is a clear example of this regional emphasis.
Overall, the 22nd edition promises to be the most expansive yet, reaching new communities and blending literature with heritage. Visitors should stay tuned for further announcements.
The 22nd edition will expand to new towns and museums. Meanwhile, the launch discussion highlights the region’s football history.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the Cúcuta Book Fair take place in 2026?
The Cúcuta Book Fair runs from Monday 31 August to Saturday 5 September 2026. The main events are held at the Julio Pérez Ferrero Public Library in Cúcuta.
What is the launch event for the Cúcuta Book Fair?
The launch takes place on Wednesday 26 August at 5pm at the Julio Pérez Ferrero Public Library. It features a panel discussion titled “The untold story of the Cúcuta champions” with coach Jorge Luis Pinto and Joe Luis Raguá.
Which towns will the Cúcuta Book Fair visit in 2026?
In addition to Cúcuta, the fair will reach Tibú, Sardinata, El Carmen, Teorama, El Tarra and Villa del Rosario. These activities run from 31 August to 4 September.
Is entry to the Cúcuta Book Fair free?
Free entry was confirmed for the 2025 edition. For 2026, no official statement has been made about ticket prices, so visitors should check closer to the event.
Connected Coverage
Sources: La Opinión (Cúcuta); Magazine En La Mira; Alcaldía de Cúcuta; Biblioteca Pública Julio Pérez Ferrero.
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