Día del Libro brings books, culture fest to Ayala Triangle

A full day of books, performances, and cultural exchange unfolds at Ayala Triangle Gardens on April 25 as Instituto Cervantes de Manila leads this year’s Día del Libro celebration, marking World Book Day with a diverse, city-wide literary gathering.

Running from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m., the open-to-all event brings together bookstores and publishers offering titles at discounted prices, with the Spanish tradition of a free rose accompanying every book purchase.

The program opens with remarks from Miguel Utray, followed by a full slate of activities anchored on literature, creativity, and community participation. A highlight is Escribo el Quijote, where visitors collectively handwrite passages from Don Quixote—a long-running tradition that culminates in a preserved manuscript at the Cervantes library.

Interactive sessions span storytelling for children, poetry writing on plantable paper, and a public book exchange under Libros que Importan. Creative workshops, including handmade paper and journaling led by Design Center of the Philippines, add a hands-on dimension to the literary fair.

Performing arts also take center stage, with a preview of Repertory Philippines’ staging of Man of La Mancha, featuring Nonie Buencamino. Dance and music segments—from Argentine tango to poetry recitals—further expand the cultural mix.

Visitors can also join free beginner Spanish classes, meet authors, and attend book launches throughout the day. Culinary highlights include a live-cooked paella paired with a flamenco performance by Sociedad Española de Beneficencia.

The event closes with a live set by Brownman Revival, followed by a DJ session.

Organized in partnership with the Embassy of Spain in the Philippines and AECID Philippines, Día del Libro 2026 remains free and open to the public on a first-come, first-served basis—offering a rare, immersive celebration of books and culture in the heart of Makati.

Día del Libro 2026 is also in collaboration with the National Book Development Board of the Philippines, Spanish Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines – La Cámara, Asesoría de Educación en Filipinas, Make It Makati, Ayala Triangle Gardens, Ayala Land, Inc., Design Center of the Philippines, Sociedad Española de Beneficencia, Embajada de Argentina en Filipinas, Embajada de Chile en Filipinas, Embajada de Colombia en Filipinas – Embassy of Colombia to the Philippines, Embajada de México en Filipinas, Repertory Philippines, Manila SBKZ Latin Dance Festival, UP College of Music, Circle of Chabacano Dreams, Atrapavientos, Kalon Film Productions, and leading bookstores and publishing houses in Manila, including Anvil Publishing, Artbooks.ph, Ateneo University Press, 19th Avenida, Isang Balangay Media Productions, Bookforless, FEU Bookstore, Fully Booked, Bien Chabacano, Kahel Press, Milflores Publishing, Ortigas Foundation, Tawid Publications, Vibal Publishing House, Piefke Trading, Central Books, Everything’s Fine, Komiket.com, Plaza Books, Good Intentions Books, and Exploding Galaxies.