Arequipa 2020

Everyone has their own place from which they speak, something that needs to be treated with judgement, responsibility and respect. In Lugar de fala, the philosopher and activist Djamila Ribeiro (Brazil) offers a range of rich and diverse reflections on the violences that surround the place that black writers express themselves from, particularly affecting women, and which cause the invisibilization of the knowledge that arises outside of Eurocentric logics. In this conversation with Rocío Ferreira, the author will talk about the concepts employed by racialized authors in order to defend the right to a dignified existence, and to their own voices.

Simultaneous interpretation from Portuguese to Spanish available

What better field than fiction to explore our most intimate links. In conversation with Orlando Mazeyra, two authors will talk about their latest novels, where relationships with others, as a starting point for self-examination, are at the heart of the narrative. Casi todo desaparece is the first book by Verónica Ramírez (Peru), and it tells the story of Vera, who flees her native land together with her family during the Second World War. Now grown up, after living in Peru for several decades, Vera remembers this childhood in a far-off land, playing with her brother and her friend Misha, family life, the growing threats, the violence and the arrival of war; and so she decides to undertake a journey back to her roots. Alonso Sánchez Baute (Colombia), the author of four novels and several books of short stories, non-fiction and essays, has also worked as a screenplay writer for RCN soap operas in his country, and headed the Truth Commission publishing project Futuro en Tránsito. His most recent novel, La mirada de Humilda, is the affectionate story of an emotional relationship between two creatures who accompany each other to the end. With elements of fiction, letter-writing and essay, Sánchez Baute must bid farewell to his beloved dog Humilda, remembering how they met each other 14 years previously and how this link transformed his life.

Cayetana Álvarez de Toledo (Spain), a member of the Spanish parliament for the Partido Popular, will talk to Clara Elvira Ospina about her book Políticamente indeseable, a combination of autobiography and essay in which she tackles questions such as political polarisation, intolerance towards those who hold opposing opinions, and the lack of debate in our society today. At this event, the author will share her personal experience in politics, and how she has been labelled “politically incorrect” for expressing her opinions without fear of the consequences.

Cayetana Álvarez de Toledo will join the event remotely.

The writer and journalist Sergio del Molino (Spain) takes us back to a crucial moment in the history of Spain employing the biographical thread of one of its major figures, Felipe González. In a masterful combination of history and literature, Un tal González shows us the figure of the Spanish politician, in a way that is not about settling scores or toppling icons. At this event, del Molino takes us into the complex world of Felipe González and shows us his unique vision of contemporary Spain. In conversation with Renato Cisneros.

Together with Gabriela: words, images and stories, playing and combining different materials in order to make new words, new images, new stories.

What do we expect from cultural journalism in the 21st century? What spaces remain for cultural magazines in these times of accelerated communication? Join us for a special event commemorating the 70th anniversary of the El Dominical cultural supplement of the El Comercio newspaper, in order to reflect on these and other urgent matters. The guests, talking to Enrique Planas, will be two eminent panellists: Sergio del Molino (Spain), acclaimed author, essayist and regular contributor to El País newspaper; and Fernando Gómez (Colombia), El Tiempo journalist.

Alonso Cueto (Peru), winner of the Herralde Novel Prize for The Blue Hour, the Alcobendas-Juan Goytisolo Fiction Prize for Palabras de otro lado and shortlisted for the Planeta-Casa de América Prize with El susurro de la mujer ballena, presents his latest book, Francisca: Princesa del Perú. This is a historical novel set in the 16th century, which tells the story of Francisca Pizarro Huaylas Yupanqui, daughter of the Inca princess Quispe Sisa and Francisco Pizarro, and known as the first mixed race child of Peru. Through the private viewpoint of Francisca, the author shows that this complex and traumatic story illustrates the relationship between Spain and Latin America, and is also the beginning of future mixtures and migrations. In conversation with the BBC journalist Juan Carlos Pérez.

Two writers present their debut novels. The author and publisher Johann Page (Peru) has written Páginas del fin del mundo, a book about a middle-aged publisher who, upon receiving a mysterious message after many years and silent bitterness, returns to his father’s old printing business, hidden in the centre of the capital. This is the beginning of a journey into a very intimate past. The writer Madalena Sa Fernandes (Portugal), who works as a journalist for Público newspaper, has published the novel Leme, which tells the story of a toxic relationship. In conversation with Ingrid Bejerman.

Festín is a cookery book that presents Peruvian ingredients in a light-hearted way, with striking and unusual recipes created especially for children by Pía León, one of the world’s finest cooks, and Malena Martínez, the outstanding researcher into Peruvian biodiversity. Mashua ice cream, oca doughnuts, muña lemonade? Yes, please, delicious! Festín is an invitation to discover the marvels that grow in the fertile lands of Peru and an opportunity to explore, discover and learn. A festival of colour and taste, and a banquet to share. At this event, we will meet Malena Martínez, who will reveal the great secrets of the ingredients and cuisine of our country.