What if there were a city where words took over the streets?
This summer, Porto becomes exactly that.
From 24 to 30 June, the Babell – Porto International Literary Festival transforms the city into a living narrative: a “city-book” where literature moves beyond the page and into public space.Promoted by Fundação Livraria Lello, in co-production with Porto City Council, Babell marks the 120th anniversary of Livraria Lello and intersects with key cultural milestones for the city including the 25th anniversary of Porto 2001 – European Capital of Culture and the 30th anniversary of the Historic Centre of Porto as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Across streets, squares and cultural venues, the programme unfolds through literary sessions, concerts, exhibitions, performances, cinema, poetry interventions, creating a multi-layered experience that extends far beyond literature.
Bringing together leading voices of global literature and thought including Margaret Atwood, Salman Rushdie, Olga Tokarczuk and László Krasznahorkai, the festival positions Porto at the centre of an international cultural dialogue.
A distinctive feature of the festival lies in its approach: by purchasing a book in one of the participating bookstores, visitors gain access to one of the sessions – a gesture that creates quiet connections across the city, linking reading, local commerce and cultural participation.
In many ways, it reflects Porto’s ability to create bridges connecting people, places and experiences.
Babell invites the all the city to slow down, listen and take part, transforming reading into a collective, urban experience woven into the rhythm of everyday life.
Beyond Words
With summer approaching, Porto shines brighter than ever, not just as a cultural destination, but as a lived, shared experience. Music, tradition, spectacles, air acrobacies and thought weave a continuous narrative across the city.
In fact, Babell does not stand alone. Throughout June, Porto stands out as a shared stage, where cultural programming is diverse, continuous and deeply collective.
(Main Events: Primavera Sound Porto (11–14 June); Air Invictus (19–21 June); São João; Babell – Porto International Literary Festival)
Together, they reveal a city where culture is not confined to a single form or audience, but unfolds across multiple layers: always open, always participatory.
For those looking ahead, the invitation is clear: mark your calendar and come take part.
Photo credits:1. Babell/Livraria Lello 2. João Pedro Rocha/CMPorto
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