The La Laguna Book Fair is back from 8 to 12 October, and this year it’s looking rather bigger than your average book fair.
More than 200 literary and cultural activities are planned at Plaza del Cristo, with over 80 authors and writers taking part, from established names to newer voices.
There will also be 50 exhibitors, including 30 bookshops and 20 publishers and other organisations. According to the organisers, that’s the biggest participation from the bookselling sector in the last 15 years.
So, yes, if you’ve been meaning to read more, this is probably your week to stop making excuses.
Five days of books, writers and plenty going on
The book remains at the centre of the event, but the programme goes well beyond book signings.
There will be new book launches, conversations with writers, round tables, talks, children’s and youth activities, educational sessions, workshops, comics, illustration, poetry and fanzines.
The 2026 edition also has a stronger regional feel, with bookshops from Las Palmas de Gran Canaria taking part for the first time, alongside writers, publishers and cultural professionals from different islands.
The fair has also been part of the Red Nacional de Ferias del Libro, the national network of book fairs, for the past two editions.
Plenty of Canarian talent
One of the things the organisers are keen to highlight is the mix of established writers, recognised contemporary authors and newer generations.
Among the Canarian names taking part are Alicia Llarena, Cecilia Domínguez Luis, José Miguel Perera, Marcial Morera Pérez, Pedro Flores, Rafael-José Díaz, Santiago Gil and Víctor Álamo de la Rosa.
The wider programme includes names such as Aida González Rossi, Angelo Nestore, Carmen Pallesier, Carlota Juncosa, Helena Resano, Javier Gil, Lana Corujo, Manuel Vilas, Nerea Pérez de las Heras, Pol Guasch, Rayco Pulido and Sofía Hidalgo, among many others.
There are also two dedicated spaces celebrating the Day of the Canary Islands’ Letters and the Day of Women Writers, named after Alfonso García Ramos and Alicia Llarena.
What book changed your life?
This year’s theme, ‘El libro de tu vida’, puts readers themselves into the story.
Visitors will be asked about the books that have stayed with them over the years.
Which book do you remember from childhood? Which one would you recommend to someone you love? What book would you give as a present? Has a book ever changed your mind about something?
And perhaps the most difficult question of all… which book would you like to read again for the first time?
Supporting Tenerife’s bookshops
The fair is closely linked to APROLITE, the Association of Booksellers of Tenerife, which represents the local bookselling sector and is a founding member of the national network of book fairs.
For the participating bookshops, the event is more than simply putting books on tables for five days. It’s a chance to introduce their catalogues to new readers, build relationships and remind people that bookshops are still an important part of local cultural life.
The 2026 La Laguna Book Fair is organised by the San Cristóbal de La Laguna Town Hall and APROLITE, with participation from the Instituto Canario de Desarrollo Cultural, the Directorate General of Commerce and the Cabildo of Tenerife, alongside support from various institutions, companies and organisations.
Five days, more than 200 activities and a lot of books.
Probably best to bring a decent-sized bag.