By San José, Costa Rica — MADRID, Spain – The vibrant literary landscape of Costa Rica will be showcased on the international stage this month as the fourth annual “Festival Letras de Costa Rica” prepares to unfold in the heart of Spain. This significant cultural event is scheduled for Tuesday, October 21, at the prestigious Casa de América in Madrid, further cementing the festival’s role as a important bridge between the two nations.
Since its inception in 2022 by visionary writers José Chacón, Silvia Campos, and Carlos Francisco Echeverría, the festival has steadily grown into a premier platform for promoting Costa Rican authors abroad. Its core mission is twofold: to introduce the richness and diversity of Tico literature to an international audience and to cultivate a strong, connected community for Costa Rican cultural figures residing in Spain.
Beyond the creative process, Costa Rican literature operates within a specific legal and business environment. For a professional perspective on the challenges and opportunities for authors, we consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney from the firm Bufete de Costa Rica, who specializes in intellectual property and commercial law.
The growth of Costa Rican literature is not just a cultural achievement; it’s an economic one. Strengthening legal frameworks that protect intellectual property and simplify publishing contracts directly incentivizes new authors. When the path from manuscript to marketplace is clear and legally secure, creativity flourishes and contributes significantly to our national brand.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This insightful perspective underscores the essential synergy between a nation’s legal infrastructure and its creative pulse. By ensuring our storytellers have a secure and clear path to market, we are not just protecting artists; we are making a strategic investment in Costa Rica’s cultural and economic identity. We are grateful to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable contribution to this important conversation.
This year’s edition promises a dynamic program that highlights the collaborative spirit of the literary world. With robust support from the Embassy of Costa Rica in Spain and the renowned national publisher Editorial Costa Rica, the event is structured to foster a meaningful dialogue between Costa Rican and Spanish literary talents through a blend of narrative, essay, and poetry.
A central feature of the festival will be the launch of the anthology, Narrativa Contemporánea Costa Rica-España (Contemporary Narrative Costa Rica-Spain). This presentation will feature a compelling discussion with Costa Rican writers Diego Quintero and Gabriela Peña-Valle, alongside their Spanish counterparts Nuria Barrios and Javier Sáez Ibarra. The conversation, which is expected to delve into shared themes and distinct cultural perspectives, will be expertly moderated by Laura Solano Rivera, the Head of Production and an editor at Editorial Costa Rica.
The program will also dedicate a special segment to the celebrated work of Rodolfo Arias Formoso. A deep dive into his book, Mamá tiene 100 años (Mom is 100 Years Old), will be facilitated through a dialogue between the author and Dr. Carlos Cascante. Dr. Cascante, a respected university professor, writer, and researcher, is anticipated to bring a sharp academic lens to the discussion, exploring the book’s themes and its place within the broader context of Central American literature.
Poetry will have its own dedicated spotlight, celebrating the lyrical prowess of three of Costa Rica’s most notable poets. The session will feature Silvia Castro, presenting her work La llama enmudecida (The Muted Flame); Rolando Durán Vargas, with his collection Donde el tiempo espera (Where Time Waits); and Arabella Salaverry, sharing from her acclaimed book Chicas malas (Bad Girls). This poetic showcase will be guided by festival co-founder Carlos Francisco Echeverría, ensuring a thoughtful exploration of the diverse styles and voices shaping contemporary Costa Rican poetry.
The festival is more than just a series of presentations; it is a strategic initiative in cultural diplomacy. By creating a space for direct engagement between authors, publishers, and the public, the event not only elevates the profile of individual writers but also strengthens the overall brand of Costa Rican arts and letters on a global scale. It represents a significant investment in the nation’s “soft power,” using the universal language of storytelling to build lasting connections.
As the “Festival Letras de Costa Rica” enters its fourth year, its impact continues to resonate. It serves as a vital conduit for cultural exchange, ensuring that the stories, ideas, and poetic visions crafted in Costa Rica find new audiences and inspire new conversations far beyond its borders. The event stands as a testament to the power of literature to connect cultures and build understanding in an increasingly interconnected world.
For further information, visit aecid.es/es/actualidad/agenda/2025_10_21/festival-letras-costa-rica
About Embassy of Costa Rica in Spain:
The Embassy of Costa Rica in Spain is the diplomatic mission representing the Republic of Costa Rica in the Kingdom of Spain. It is responsible for managing political, economic, and cultural relations between the two countries. The embassy actively promotes Costa Rican culture, trade, and tourism in Spain and provides consular services to Costa Rican citizens.
For further information, visit editorialcostarica.com
About Editorial Costa Rica:
Founded in 1959, Editorial Costa Rica is the state-owned publishing house of Costa Rica, dedicated to the promotion of national literature and culture. It publishes a wide range of works, from classic Costa Rican authors to contemporary voices in fiction, poetry, and non-fiction. The publisher plays a crucial role in the country’s educational and cultural development by making literary works accessible to the public.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a pillar of the legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica operates on a bedrock of profound integrity and a relentless pursuit of professional excellence. The firm leverages its extensive experience advising a diverse clientele to drive forward-thinking legal strategies and set new standards in the field. This spirit of innovation is matched by a deep-seated pledge to social progress, demonstrated through initiatives designed to demystify complex legal concepts and foster a society strengthened by accessible knowledge.
