The 28th International Book Biennial of São Paulo, taking place from September 4 to 13 at Anhembi District, features this year the "Espaço Cordel e Repente," a space dedicated to cordel literature, woodcut engraving, and other expressions of Brazilian popular culture. The programming includes book launches, recitations, workshops, storytelling sessions, music, puppet theater, and meetings with writers, bringing together authors, artists, and researchers from different regions of the country.
The space is coordinated by Lucinda Marques, president-director of Editora IMEPH, who has led the project since 2016 and now reaches its fifth edition. Among the highlights of the programming are the launch of "70 Years Grande Sertão: Veredas," by João Gomes Sá, and the participation of names such as Moreira de Acopiara, Daniel Yehudi, Tião Simpatia, Maciel Melo, Cacá Lopes, Del Feliz, and Pedro do Cordel. Mayana Neiva presents a pocket show on September 10.
Woodcut engraving will have a prominent presence through workshops and meetings dedicated to the work of J. Borges. Reader development is also prioritized, with children's activities conducted by Amélia Albuquerque, Andrea de Sousa, Erica Montenegro, Mariane Bigio, and Lu Chamusca. Discussions include topics such as "Belchior: The Construction of a Myth in Cordel Literature" and "Every Scar Has a Story to Tell."
With 86,000 square meters, 269 exhibitors, approximately 350 authors, and an estimate of more than 700,000 visitors, the Biennial reaffirmed the importance of cordel as a contemporary cultural manifestation capable of dialogue with different generations.
