FILBo Welcomed 563,000 Visitors Throughout Its 14-Day Run
563,000 visitors attended FILBo during its 14-day run, of whom 220,000 participated in the 2,300 events held across 22 programming venues.
Of the 433 authors featured in the official program, 191 were women (57%) and 149 were men (43%).
A total of 52,550 students from public and private schools attended children's and young adult programming activities.
During the two-day International Rights and Business Center, 1,246 business meetings were held, generating a business expectation of USD 4,101,142 and bringing together 30 international buyers.
Bogotá, May 4, 2026. The 38th edition of the Bogotá International Book Fair (FILBo), held from April 21 to May 4, further consolidated its position as the leading publishing business hub of the first half of the year and as a key meeting point for authors and all stakeholders within the book ecosystem.
The figures highlight the event’s impact: 563,000 visitors, more than 433 authors from 25 countries participating in the official program, and over 225,000 attendees taking part in 2,300 events across 22 programming venues located at the fairgrounds, as well as in activities held throughout Bogotá and eight other Colombian cities. FILBo 2026 also brought together 566 exhibitors across 23 commercial pavilions, representing 30 countries.
Throughout the 14 days of the fair, conversations focused on a wide range of topics, including science, history, ethnic representation, inclusion, poetry, philosophy, economics, current affairs, journalism, the environment, territory, gender, and diversity. All programming was framed under this year’s central theme, “Listening to One Another Is Reading One Another.”
Once again, FILBo served as a meeting place between authors and readers. During this edition, approximately 270 book-signing sessions were held, attracting more than 9,500 attendees.
An Inclusive Fair for All Audiences
As part of the FILBo Inclusive Program, 50 events were organized for people with disabilities and older adults, all featuring Colombian Sign Language interpretation. Of these activities, 25 took place at Corferias, 25 at the Gilberto Alzate Avendaño Foundation, and two at Bogotá’s Centro Día centers operated by the District Secretariat for Social Integration.
In addition, 300 Braille copies of the fair map with audio description support were distributed throughout the venue. Together with easy-to-read programming initiatives, these resources improved accessibility and facilitated participation for all visitors.
A Dedicated Route for Children and Young Readers
Audience development and engagement remain central priorities for FILBo. To further encourage reading among younger generations, the fair designed a special route for children, parents, and caregivers, featuring reading promotion activities, workshops, artistic performances, and recreational experiences.
Among these initiatives was the Early Childhood Reading Room, designed for children aged 0 to 6, which welcomed approximately 2,500 visitors.
The Rafael Pombo Pavilion received 83,248 visitors, including school groups and general audiences. Meanwhile, McDonald’s, the official sponsor of the Children’s and Young Adult Literature Program, organized nearly 300 activities and welcomed more than 50,000 participants.
Fundalectura celebrated its 35th anniversary during FILBo 2026 with the launch of the Norma-Fundalectura Award, attracting more than 8,000 attendees across 62 events.
Additionally, more than 52,500 students from public and private schools across Bogotá participated in the fair's educational and literary activities.
International Rights and Business Center: A Hub for Publishing Opportunities
Another indication of FILBo’s growing influence is reflected in the results of its International Rights and Business Center, which reaffirmed the fair’s role as a leading platform for publishing exchange, rights negotiations, market visibility, and business development.
Held on April 27 and 28, the business forum concluded with an estimated USD 4.1 million in business opportunities.
Over the two-day event, 1,246 business meetings took place, bringing together 30 buyers from Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Mexico, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, the Dominican Republic, and the United States. Participants also included 159 exhibitors/exporters and eight librarians from Costa Rica, Ecuador, Peru, and the United States.
Puedo continuar con la traducción de las siguientes secciones ("A Diverse and Multicultural Fair", "The Publishing World at FILBo", "India and Boyacá: Guests of Honor", "Exhibitions at FILBo", "Decentralization", "Tribute to Arts and Knowledge", "FILBo 2026 Figures" y "Official Statements") manteniendo el mismo tono institucional e internacional.Proporcione sus comentarios sobre BizChat
