An eclectic mix of writers, musicians, philosophers and political leaders will come together to think and talk at this month’s Hay Festival Cartagena.
Though the festival has a strong literary focus, including poetry and book readings and literary technique workshops, the 106 expected guests travelling to the festival from around the globe will include mathematicians and famous chefs.
Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos will make an appearance, alongside former Spanish president Felipe Gonzalez and Mexican writer Carlos Fuentes, at a round table discussion entitled “Ideas for a World in Transition.” This takes place on January 28 at 3.30PM in the Adolfo Mejia Theatre.
A literary highlight will be a talk from Colombian author Juan Gabriel Vasquez — whose novel “The Noise of Things Falling” won the 2011 Alfaguara Award — on Friday January 27 at 12.30PM in the Santa Clara Hotel.
The 200-year anniversary of the birth of Charles Dickens will also be marked with a talk on the author by British film and television writer Andrew Davies.
Some of the Colombia’s most famous chefs, such as Leonore Espinosa and Osvaldo Gross will present a discussion on “New Latin American Cuisine”, exploring the diverse favours of the country’s different regions.
Musical peformances accompanying events will range from Brazilian singer Carlinhos Brown, to British pianist Michael Nyman, to Chicago’s Hypnotic Brass Ensemble.
The festival runs from January 26 through 29. Full details of its 65 events are available from the official website.