From 8 to 18 October, Óbidos will once again be transformed into a grand stage for literature, thought and creativity with the 11th edition of FÓLIO – the Óbidos International Literary Festival. In 2026, the festival offers a fresh perspective on the world through the theme ‘Beyond the Skin’, inviting reflection on the body, territory, care, ecology, memory and the relationship we forge with everything around us.
Over the course of eleven days, the town’s streets, squares and cultural venues will once again welcome writers, illustrators, thinkers, artists and readers from across the globe, in a programme that brings together literature with other fields of creativity and knowledge. FÓLIO thus presents itself as much more than a festival dedicated to books: it is a space for encounter, dialogue and discovery, where different ideas and languages find their place.
Among the names already announced for this edition is Jon Fosse, winner of the 2023 Nobel Prize in Literature, who joins a line-up of national and international authors and figures. The programme aims to bring the public into contact with different voices in literature and contemporary thought, creating opportunities for conversation and reflection on some of the issues shaping the present.
One of FÓLIO’s defining features is precisely its ability to transcend the traditional boundaries of literature. In 2026, this aspect is further emphasised through various programme strands. FÓLIO Educa maintains links with schools, teachers and educational communities, whilst FÓLIO Ilustra explores the relationship between words, images and the imagination. FÓLIO TEC, meanwhile, fosters a dialogue between literature, artificial intelligence, technology and the humanities, addressing themes such as the future of work, creativity, decision-making and copyright.
The relationship between literature, place and community is also of particular importance. The concept of ‘skin’ is understood not merely as that which defines the body, but as a surface of contact and connection with the world. Building on this idea, the festival invites reflection on the land, care, memory and ecology, bringing literary reflection closer to the issues facing contemporary society.
In Óbidos, this experience takes on a special dimension. Recognised by UNESCO as a Creative City of Literature, the town has forged a cultural identity deeply rooted in books, reading and creative expression. During FÓLIO, this identity becomes particularly visible: literature steps off the pages and takes over the town’s streets, buildings, galleries and other spaces, creating an experience where heritage, culture and community come together.
For those visiting Óbidos in October, FÓLIO is therefore an opportunity to discover the town from different perspectives: to listen to a story, meet an author, visit an exhibition, take part in a discussion or simply let yourself be surprised by a word you come across along the way.
Because, during these days, Óbidos is not merely a backdrop for literature. It is part of the very story that FÓLIO tells.
