The intersection of ink and innovation is returning to Santiago as the Feria del Libro de Vitacura prepares for its 11th edition. Scheduled to take place from April 9 to 12, 2026, the event will transform the Lo Matta Cultural center into a sprawling hub of literary exploration, blending traditional publishing with immersive technology and visual arts.
This year’s fair is designed as a multi-generational gateway to reading, featuring more than 45 publishers and independent labels. From global giants like Penguin Random House and Planeta to specialized houses such as Amanuta and Ediciones UC, the event aims to democratize access to culture with free admission for all visitors.
Beyond the bookshelves, the 2026 edition emphasizes a sensory approach to storytelling. The programming integrates virtual reality, high-profile literary launches, and a significant focus on the graphic arts, reflecting a broader trend in contemporary culture where the boundaries between different narrative mediums—text, image, and digital experience—continue to blur.
Bridging the Gap Between Pages and Pixels
One of the most significant additions to this edition is the introduction of a dedicated virtual reality (VR) suite. In an effort to attract younger audiences and provide a new dimension to reading, the fair will offer immersive experiences based on iconic literary worlds. Visitors can step inside the universes of Harry Potter, Game of Thrones, Alice in Wonderland, and Frankenstein, as well as Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Seas and The Merchant of Venice.
The VR room will operate in two daily blocks, from 11:00 to 14:00 and 15:00 to 18:00, serving as a practical experiment in “reading promotion” through technology. This initiative is complemented by the participation of the Artequin museum, which will host workshops for children and families. These sessions will link visual arts with the works of Chilean literary pillars such as Pablo Neruda, Gabriela Mistral, and Elicura Chihuailaf, blending plastic creation with poetic exploration.
Literary Milestones and International Ties
The fair’s editorial weight is anchored by the presence of Alberto Fuguet, one of Chile’s most internationally recognized contemporary authors. Fuguet is slated to hold the exclusive launch of his new novel, Ushuaia (2026), published under the Tusquets seal. This work follows his 2024 release, Ciertos chicos, and is positioned as one of the most anticipated editorial debuts of the year.
Adding an international dimension, Mexico has been named the guest country for this edition. The Mexican delegation will contribute both a curated editorial selection and a series of cultural activities, strengthening the literary dialogue between the two nations.
The intellectual program as well includes a series of curated conversations and debates. Highlights include a discussion on the book Hamnet with Lyuba Yez and journalist Viviana Encina, and a dialogue titled “From Book to Screen” featuring Marco Antonio de la Parra and Ana Josefa Silva. Other sessions will explore poetry in times of danger with Cristián Warnken, the narration of memory with Óscar Contardo and MarÃa José Viera-Gallo, and the role of humor and irony in Chilean literature with Rafael Gumucio and La Vieja cuica.
The Visual Narrative: Comics as High Art
Parallel to the book fair, Lo Matta Cultural will host the exhibition “Chile y el mundo, unidos por el cómic” (Chile and the World, United by Comics). The showcase features approximately 100 original drawings from the collections of La FactorÃa del Cómic, tracing the evolution of the medium from its origins to the present day.
The exhibit balances global influence with local talent, displaying works from international powerhouses like DC Comics and Marvel alongside prominent Chilean artists including Pepo, Themo Lobos, Sol DÃaz, and MartÃn Cáceres. This exhibition will remain open to the public until May 10, extending the cultural impact of the fair well beyond the initial four-day event.
Event Logistics at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Dates | April 9–12, 2026 |
| Location | Lo Matta Cultural, Av. Kennedy 9350 |
| Hours | 10:00 to 19:00 |
| Admission | Free (Entrada liberada) |
| Guest Country | Mexico |
A Community Cultural Experience
The fair is designed to be a holistic experience, integrating performing arts and gastronomy. The stage programming will feature theatrical productions such as Yo soy un oso by the Abracadabra company, and Mocha Dick—inspired by the Chilean legend that influenced Herman Melville’s Moby-Dick—alongside Los peces no vuelan by La Mona Ilustre.
Musical contributions will include performances by Gallo Pipe, Tikitiklip, and Elisa Zulueta with the band Otra Otra. To round out the experience, a gastronomic zone featuring seven food trucks will be available to attendees.
Camila Merino, the Mayor of Vitacura, emphasized the event’s role in family bonding and education, stating that the goal is for more people to become enthusiastic about reading and for children to discover a lifelong taste for books through a diverse and entertaining program.
The official inauguration will take place on Thursday, April 9, at 19:00, featuring a concert by the Orquesta Infantil de Vitacura and a percussion ensemble composed of children from the commune of Cerrillos.
For those seeking further details on the full schedule of signings and talks, updates are available through the official Lo Matta website.
We invite you to share your thoughts on the integration of VR in literary events in the comments below.
