The Penguin Libros Providencia Festival has announced an expanded lineup for its fifth edition, which will take place from Friday, April 24, through Sunday, April 26, at the Fundación Cultural de Providencia.
This year’s edition will feature three days of programming, an increase in duration compared to previous years. The event will host over sixty Chilean writers alongside renowned international authors, including Eduardo Sacheri, Agustina Bazterrica, and Mikel Santiago.
Providencia Mayor Jaime Bellolio noted that the expansion is a response to reader demand and aims to reinforce the city's commitment to culture as a driver of community development. The festival will be held at local venues within the district, near the Pedro de Valdivia Metro station.
Gothic Literature and the Wizarding World of Harry Potter
This year, the festival’s centerpiece exhibitions will focus on Gothic literature and the Harry Potter saga. These exhibits will run alongside the main programming and will remain on display through June.
The Gothic exhibit will explore classics such asFrankensteinandDracula, highlighting their influence on contemporary authors like Samanta Schweblin. Meanwhile, fans of J.K. Rowling's work will be able to immerse themselves in iconic moments from the literary universe.
Sebastián Rodríguez-Peña, General Director of Penguin Random House, explained that the decision to add Friday to the schedule is intended to make the event more accessible to those commuting through the district during the workday. Programming kicks off Friday at 4:00 PM with presentations by authors such as Antonia Guzmán and Argentina’s Agustina Bazterrica.
Saturday will feature children's programming, including workshops and storytelling sessions, followed by afternoon sessions focused on non-fiction, novels, and thrillers. The festival will conclude on Sunday with author talks featuring Paco Cerdà and Eduardo Sacheri.
The festival’s grand finale will feature an acoustic performance by Chilean artist Nicole at the Jardín de las Artes. Additionally, a dedicated signing area will offer fans the chance to meet prominent writers such as Hernán Rivera Letelier and Carla Guelfenbein.