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Barcelona's literary festivals boost interest in reading
Barcelona's literary festivals do not merely fill halls: they are also transforming reading habits in the city. A study based on more than 1,700 interviews reveals that events such as BCNegra, Barcelona Poesia, Món Llibre and Festival 42 encourage interest in reading, buying books and visiting libraries.
The analysis, carried out between February and November 2025, shows that attendees rate the impact of these gatherings very positively. In some cases, such as Festival 42 or Món Llibre, the influence on the desire to read exceeds 9 out of 10, especially among young audiences and families.
Beyond the figures, the study confirms the diversity of profiles. Each festival attracts its own audience: regular readers at BCNegra, families at Món Llibre, poetry lovers at Barcelona Poesia and digital profiles at Festival 42. This variety makes it possible to renew audiences and broaden cultural reach in different neighbourhoods.
The level of involvement also varies: at BCNegra and Festival 42, it is common to take part in several activities, while other events focus on more specific experiences centred on the venue or the programme.
Listening to authors, discovering new voices and taking part in special activities remain the main reasons for attending. These data help institutions such as ICUB to adjust their programme and reinforce the cultural impact of festivals.
In a city where culture is part of everyday life, these events consolidate Barcelona as a literary benchmark and show that the connection between readers and creators continues to grow, also in the digital era.