The spectacular hillside of Parque Eduardo VII is a materialised hive of activity as the city enters the last moments of preparation for a cultural highlight. Starting on today, 27 May, and running until 14 June, the historic park transforms into an open-air library for the highly anticipated 96th edition of the Lisbon Book Fair (Feira do Livro de Lisboa).

​Workers are currently putting the finishing touches on the around 350 pavilions that will represent hundreds of different publishing brands. This massive cultural celebration is also exciting, with a lot of scheduled events, ranging from traditional author signings, screenings of literary classics and immersive, silent reading sessions with headphones.

​It is truly fascinating to watch this temporary village of words take shape under the canopy of Lisbon’s spring sun. As the final structures are secured, the park prepares to welcome thousands of readers, writers, and families. To stroll down these avenues over the next few weeks is to contemplate the enduring power of literature.