Events

Borealia Celebrates Its First International Appearance at the Festa do Livro em Belém

The presence of The Magical World of Borealia alongside Rede Sem Fronteiras marked a new chapter in the book’s journey, reaffirming the power of literature to bring authors, readers and cultures together, regardless of distance.

From 17 to 20 September 2026, the gardens of the Palácio de Belém in Lisbon once again became a vibrant meeting place for books, authors and readers during the ninth edition of the Festa do Livro em Belém.

Organised by the Presidency of the Portuguese Republic in collaboration with the Associação Portuguesa de Editores e Livreiros (Portuguese Publishers and Booksellers Association), the event brought together 70 participants, 346 publishing imprints and 123 stands. Over four days, the programme featured book presentations, discussions, readings, concerts and book-signing sessions involving almost 400 authors.

Among the participating organisations was Rede Sem Fronteiras, an international cultural organisation active in more than thirty countries. Its exhibition space brought together dozens of writers, poets and representatives from different regional branches. The diversity of backgrounds, literary genres and personal journeys made its participation a genuine celebration of literary unity.

A Story That Crossed Borders

O Mundo Mágico de Boreália – O Caminho das Tulipas was one of the books featured in the official Rede Sem Fronteiras delegation. Although Dimy Hatziefstratiou was unable to attend in person, his book travelled to Lisbon and took its place among the works presented to the public.

This participation held particular significance, as it marked the book’s first international literary event. Clara’s story, about a red-haired, freckled girl who grows up in modest circumstances in the countryside of São Paulo before embarking on a journey into the mysteries of Borealia, thus reached new readers in Portugal.

From Brazil to Spain and, ultimately, to the gardens of the Palácio de Belém, the book’s journey reflects one of its own central messages: stories, too, can travel, overcome distances and forge connections between people who might otherwise never have met.

Rede Sem Fronteiras: United Through Literature

The success of this participation was the result of genuine collective effort. Behind every book on display were organisation, responsibility, collaboration and the contributions of many people, both directly and indirectly involved.

Rede Sem Fronteiras demonstrated that it is far more than an organisation bringing together names and books. It is a united community of writers who share opportunities, open doors and help different literary voices reach new audiences and places.

The presence of dozens of its authors in Belém created a cultural mosaic woven from stories, poetry, memories and imagination. Writers from different countries and backgrounds were brought together by a shared belief: literature knows no borders.

A Special Word of Thanks

Dimy Hatziefstratiou wishes to express his heartfelt gratitude to everyone who made this participation possible and contributed to the success of Rede Sem Fronteiras at the Festa do Livro em Belém 2026.

Special thanks go to Dyandreia Portugal, President of Rede Sem Fronteiras Mundial, for her leadership and for sustaining an organisation that builds cultural bridges between countries.

To Cátia Pires, Director of Projects at Rede Sem Fronteiras Mundial and the event’s General Organiser, for her dedication, support and tireless work in coordinating every detail required to ensure that the authors and their books were represented in Belém.

To Yasmine Figueiredo, President of RSF – Núcleo Portugal/Alentejo, and Ana Mendes, President of RSF – Núcleo Portugal/Centro, for their work, support and commitment to culture and to the writers who formed part of this delegation.

Gratitude also extends to all the authors, collaborators, volunteers, readers and everyone who contributed, whether directly or indirectly. Every gesture, message, delivery, photograph, organisational task and hour of work played a part in this achievement.

The End of an Event and the Beginning of a New Chapter

The Festa do Livro em Belém concluded on 20 September with a visit by the President of the Portuguese Republic, António José Seguro, to the exhibition area, followed by a concert by GNR in the Pátio dos Bichos.

For O Mundo Mágico de Boreália, however, this conclusion marks the beginning of a new chapter. Clara returned from Belém with her story having travelled a little further, new readers along her path and the certainty that Borealia has already begun to cross borders in the real world.

To everyone who took part in this adventure: thank you.

Because when writers stand together, no story is too far away and no border is impossible to cross.

Official Event Information

Festa do Livro em Belém 2026 — Museum of the Presidency of the Portuguese Republic

Official Programme — Presidency of the Portuguese Republic