El Arenal

El Arenal forms together with ‘Las siete Calles’ (the seven streets) the heart of Bilbao. The name derives from the place where the river once deposited sand, forming a sandy beach which extended from the river bank on the right side to the current Archeological Museum. It was an area mainly used by fishermen to tie up their boats. With time, El Arenal turned into the heart of Bilbao and the place where political and festive events were held.

In this area a number of marquees will be set up which will be home to a big general library and another library specialized in children’s literature, and a stage that will hold daily presentations and book signings by all the invited authors. All this to the rhythm of a Jazz band.

Local actors will interpret various humoristic literary figures and there will be special entertainment for children bringing them closer to literature.

The exhibition of the works by Francisco Ibañez will be in located in one of the marquees.