Peruvian poets are featured at the first virtual book fair in Senegal. From September 11 to 20, 2026, the Feria Virtual del Libro Senegal brings together authors and cultural creators from various countries. Peru plays a special role in this. Several Peruvian poets participate in readings and international cultural events. Behind the organization of the book fair is also an international initiative led by Peruvians.
Peruvian poets present their works
An important date for Peruvian literature follows on Sunday, September 13. The poetry recital "Palabra es todo lo que tenemos. AntologĂa de poesĂa peruana de los noventa" features three Peruvian poets. JosĂ© BeltrĂĄn Peña, Miguel Cervantes Curtihuanca, and JosĂ© Alain Zegarra will participate in the joint reading. The event begins at 6 PM Peruvian time. Due to the virtual format, interested individuals can tune in regardless of their location.
The title of the event refers to Peruvian poetry of the 1990s. This gives a section of recent Peruvian culture an international stage. The event also demonstrates the diverse literary expressions of the country.
Encounter between Africa and Latin America
Earlier on September 13, the event "De Ăfrica al mundo" is scheduled. The focus is on M'barĂ© N'gom Faye, a Senegalese Americanist and literary critic. N'gom Faye is Dean at Morgan State University in Baltimore. The virtual event begins at 4:45 PM Peruvian time and 9:45 PM in Senegal.
The event simultaneously showcases the international approach of the book fair. Literature from Africa and Latin America is not considered separately. Authors, academics, and readers can connect across continents. This creates an additional opportunity for international exchange for Peruvian cultural creators.
Further Peruvian poets on September 17
Peruvian participation continues on Thursday, September 17, with the international poetry recital "Mammalia." From Peru, Julia del Prado, Eduardo Arroyo, and Addhemar Sierralta will participate, along with Ecuadorian poet Sara Vanegas. The event is scheduled to begin at 6 PM Peruvian time.
Thus, during the first virtual book fair in Senegal, at least six Peruvian poets are represented at the announced poetry events. Their participation brings different generations and voices of Peruvian literature to an international platform.
Peruvian Initiative Organizes the Book Fair
The strong connection to Peru is not limited to the participating authors. The organizer of the Feria Virtual del Libro Senegal is the ConfederaciĂłn Internacional del Libro. The organization is led by Peruvian booksellers CĂ©sar Salvatierra and Alan Morales. According to the organizers, 61 virtual book fairs have already been organized on five continents over the past six years.
The first of these events emerged in 2020 during the Covid-19 pandemic. At that time, virtual book fairs were held in Peru, Mexico, Argentina, and Colombia. An international network subsequently developed from what was initially an event format shaped by the pandemic.
Thousands of Authors and Artists Involved
According to the ConfederaciĂłn Internacional del Libro, thousands of writers and artists have participated in their events to date. Numerous presentations, interviews, discussions, and other cultural events are offered at the individual virtual book fairs.
The digital concept aims to enable authors to present their books and works to an international audience. At the same time, readers can follow events without having to travel to the respective host country. The organization works with cultural ambassadors in various countries for this purpose.
Santiago Risso BendezĂș represents Peru
Among these cultural ambassadors is the Peruvian poet and cultural manager Santiago Risso BendezĂș. He has been working with the international network since the second virtual book fair in Italy in July 2022. Risso BendezĂș is also involved in various activities at the first Feria Virtual del Libro Senegal.
This gives Peruvian literature an additional presence within the program, alongside the announced poetry readings. The international participation complements other areas of Peruvian culture that have become known far beyond the country's borders.
Literature Connects Peru and Senegal
For Peru, the event is particularly interesting because it highlights cultural contacts between Latin America and Africa. The participating poets do not present their works exclusively to a Peruvian audience. The virtual format allows readers and cultural creators from different countries to participate.
At the same time, encounters arise between literary scenes that are geographically far apart. For Peruvian authors, this concept opens up additional opportunities to present their work outside Latin America. Especially for poetry, such international events can create new readers and contacts.
Book Fairs Remain Digital Even After the Pandemic
Virtual cultural events experienced a strong upswing during the pandemic. Many classic events subsequently returned entirely to in-person formats. The ConfederaciĂłn Internacional del Libro, however, continues to pursue a digital concept.
In 2026, several virtual book fairs have already taken place, including events for Argentina, Italy, and Australia. Further international editions are part of the program.
Homage to Rubén Rada
The program for the Senegal edition also includes a cultural tribute to Uruguayan musician RubĂ©n Rada. The event "Candombe para el Negro Rada" will take place on Saturday, September 19. Participants include Uruguayan writer Cristina Labat, who lives in Paris, and singer-songwriter Abel GarcĂa. The event begins at 5 PM Peruvian time.
Thus, the program is not exclusively limited to literature. Music and other cultural expressions complement the virtual encounters. The connection of different cultural forms is also part of the international character of the book fair.
First Virtual Book Fair Senegal Runs Until September 20
The first Feria Virtual del Libro Senegal begins on September 11, 2026 and ends on September 20, 2026. The various program points are offered entirely digitally. For Peru, the event is remarkable in several respects. Peruvian poets present their works internationally, while Peruvian organizers are also significantly behind the event.
The book fair thus creates a digital cultural connection between Peru, Senegal, and other participating countries. Especially the joint poetry events show how literature can transcend geographical boundaries. Further information about the country and its cultural diversity is provided in the Peru Overview by PeruMagazin.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Virtual Book Fair Senegal
When is the Feria Virtual del Libro Senegal taking place?
The first virtual book fair Senegal runs from September 11 to 20, 2026.
Which Peruvian poets are participating?
José Beltrån Peña, Miguel Cervantes Curtihuanca, José Alain Zegarra, Julia del Prado, Eduardo Arroyo, and Addhemar Sierralta are participating in the announced poetry recitals.
When will the reading on Peruvian poetry take place?
"Palabra es todo lo que tenemos. AntologĂa de poesĂa peruana de los noventa" will take place on September 13 at 6 PM Peruvian time.
Who is organizing the virtual book fair?
The organizer is the ConfederaciĂłn Internacional del Libro. It is led by Peruvian booksellers CĂ©sar Salvatierra and Alan Morales.
Is the book fair an in-person event?
No. The Feria Virtual del Libro Senegal is held digitally. This allows authors and interested parties from various countries to participate.
How many virtual book fairs has the organization already hosted?
According to the organizers, 61 virtual book fairs have been organized on five continents to date.
Sources and Image Credits
Diario Oficial El Peruano: "Poetas peruanos participarĂĄn en la feria virtual del libro de Senegal", September 8, 2026.
ConfederaciĂłn Internacional del Libro: Information on the international event series.
Hero image source: Diario Oficial El Peruano.
