FILEY, Yucatán’s biggest book fair, is better than ever
Every year, the Feria Internacional de la Lectura Yucatán (FILEY) transforms Mérida´s Siglo XXI convention center into a playground for bibliophiles, writers, and lovers of the arts and culture.
This year, FILEY will run from March 23 to March 30, with the theme “Tiempo de Leer” or “Time to Read.” Though not necessarily as huge as some past editions, this year, FILEY feels more curated than in the past, with stalls selling everything from antique books to best sellers and Japanese manga.
As one of Mexico’s most anticipated literary events, FILEY blends the rich traditions of Yucatán with a global celebration of literature. Though most of the books on offer are in Spanish, books in English are available at some stands, and there are plenty of materials to help English speakers dip their toes into or refine their knowledge of Spanish or Yucatec-Maya.
Since its founding in 2012, FILEY has earned a reputation for spotlighting established and emerging voices. This year, the fair welcomes an impressive roster of national and international writers, from bestselling novelists to groundbreaking poets.
This year, the fair will feature the works of Selma Ancirna, author of El tiempo de la Mariposa, Marina Tsvietáieva, author of the novel Cartas a Anna, and an art exhibit by Russian painter Alexander Ovcharov, who has lived in Mérida since 2002.
Past editions have featured luminaries like Elena Poniatowska, Juan Villoro, and Sergio Ramírez.
Avoiding the crowds
With busloads of school-age children and young adults and droves of everyday folks making their way to the FILEY, parking has proven to be a problem, especially on weekends. The best time to visit the book fair is around noon; by this time, events are beginning, but the venue is not nearly at capacity.
Beyond books: A cultural fiesta
FILEY is far more than just a book fair—it’s a cultural festival where literature intersects with music, film, and performance. Attendees can expect live readings accompanied by traditional Yucatecan trova music, theatrical adaptations of classic novels, and film screenings tied to literary works. The fair also strongly emphasizes Mayan culture, with panels on Indigenous languages and workshops on preserving oral traditions.
For younger readers, the children’s pavilion offers interactive storytelling, illustration workshops, and activities designed to spark a lifelong love of reading. Meanwhile, academics and publishing professionals will find a wealth of industry talks, editorial debates, and networking opportunities, making FILEY a key event for the literary community.
A Marketplace for Bibliophiles
No book fair would be complete without the joy of discovering new reads. FILEY delivers with hundreds of publishers and booksellers, offering everything from contemporary fiction to rare academic texts. Visitors can browse stacks of Spanish, English, and Mayan-language books, often with special discounts.
For lovers of history, archaeology, and anthropology, the pavilion of Yucatán’s State University is offering discounts of up to 80% on books and past issues of journals and magazines.
The fair also features several independent publishers and small presses that bring unique titles that aren’t always available in mainstream bookstores, making FILEY a treasure trove for collectors and casual readers alike.
Venturing into a strange new world
One of the themes taking up a handful of conferences this year at the FILEY is artificial intelligence and its impact on authors, readers, and the creative writing process as a whole. For more information regarding specific events, check out the FILEY’s website or activities calendar.
Senior Editor Carlos Rosado van der Gracht is a Mexican expedition/Canadian photographer, adventure leader, and PhD candidate. Born in Mérida, Carlos holds multimedia, philosophy, and translation degrees from universities in Mexico, Canada and Norway.
