Eñe Festival – Spanish-Language Literature – Madrid & Málaga, Spain 2025

Background & History

The Eñe Festival, organized by La Fábrica since 2009, is a premier celebration of Spanish-language literature, turning Madrid into a literary hub each autumn. In its 17th edition from November 8 to November 30, 2025, the festival also extends to Málaga, following its expansion in 2018. Attracting over 15,000 attendees annually, Eñe unites writers, editors, and readers through a vibrant program of talks, readings, workshops, and performances. International editions in Montevideo, Lima, Buenos Aires, Panama City, and Guadalajara (at the International Book Fair) have elevated its global stature.

In 2025, Portugal is the guest country, spotlighting Portuguese-language authors like Lídia Jorge to mark 50 years of Portuguese democracy. The festival’s Eñe Festival Prize honors literary giants, with past recipients including Mario Vargas Llosa and Almudena Grandes, cementing its role as a cultural landmark.

Event Highlights

• Author Talks & Readings: Engaging sessions with Spanish and Portuguese writers, including Lídia Jorge and Djaimilia Pereira de Almeida.
• Portugal as Guest Country: Special events celebrating Portuguese literature, including panels on democracy and culture.
• EñeFantástico (Málaga): A spring prelude (May 8-9, 2025) at La Térmica, focusing on comics, superheroes, and fantasy literature.
• Workshops & Masterclasses: Sessions on creative writing, publishing, and translation for aspiring authors.
• Interdisciplinary Events: Performances blending literature with music, theater, and film screenings.
• Book Signings & Bookstores: Meet authors and browse curated book stalls at major venues.
• Literary Residency: A three-month program for Latin American writers, hosted by Casa de Velázquez.
• Talento a Bordo Award: Recognizing emerging Spanish-language writers, launched in 2023.

Date & Duration

Dates: November 8 – 30, 2025 (Madrid and Málaga)
Duration: 23 days
Note: Málaga’s EñeFantástico prelude occurs May 8-9, 2025, as a separate event.

Venue / Location

The festival spans prestigious cultural venues in Madrid and Málaga, blending historic and modern settings.

• Madrid Venues:
  • Círculo de Bellas Artes: Calle de Alcalá, 42, 28014 Madrid, Spain (main hub for talks, performances).
  • Instituto Cervantes: Calle de Alcalá, 49, 28014 Madrid, Spain (international literary discussions).
  • Real Academia Española: Calle de Felipe IV, 4, 28014 Madrid, Spain (readings and academic panels).
  • Biblioteca Nacional de España: Paseo de Recoletos, 20-22, 28001 Madrid, Spain (exhibitions and archives).
  • Casa de América: Plaza de Cibeles, s/n, 28014 Madrid, Spain (Latin American literature focus).
  • Casa del Libro (Gran Vía): Gran Vía, 29, 28013 Madrid, Spain (book signings and sales).
  • Cuadernos Hispanoamericanos: Calle de Alcalá, 49, 28014 Madrid, Spain (residency events).
• Málaga Venues:
  • La Térmica, Centro de Cultura Contemporánea: Av. de los Guindos, 48, 29004 Málaga, Spain (main Málaga venue).
  • Centro Cultural MVA: Calle Ollerías, 34, 29012 Málaga, Spain (talks and performances).
  • Librería Proteo: Calle Puerta Buenaventura, 3, 29008 Málaga, Spain (book signings).
    The venues offer a rich cultural backdrop, with additional locations to be announced on festivalene.lafabrica.com.

Contact Information

• Email: info@lafabrica.com
• Phone: +34 913 601 320
• Website: festivalene.lafabrica.com
• Social Media: Follow @festival_ene on Instagram, Twitter, or mtr.bio/festivalene for updates.
• Office Address: La Fábrica, Calle Verónica, 13, 28014 Madrid, Spain

Ticket Information

• How to Purchase: Tickets available via festivalene.lafabrica.com, entradas.com, and venue box offices (e.g., Círculo de Bellas Artes, Casa del Libro). Some events are free with registration.
• Pricing (in USD):
  • Single Event Tickets: $6–$18 USD, varying by event (e.g., readings at Biblioteca Nacional vs. workshops at Instituto Cervantes).
  • Festival Passes: $59–$117 USD, providing access to multiple events in Madrid or Málaga; premium passes include exclusive receptions.
  • Free Events: Select exhibitions (Biblioteca Nacional) and readings (Casa de América) are free, subject to registration.
• Special Options:
  • VIP Passes: $176–$235 USD, offering priority seating, author meet-and-greets, and private events.
  • Student Discounts: 20% off for students with a valid ID, available at select venues.
• Note: Prices are estimates based on past festivals; confirm on festivalene.lafabrica.com for 2025 specifics.

Cultural Experience

The Eñe Festival immerses attendees in the world of Spanish and Portuguese-language literature, set against the vibrant autumn landscapes of Madrid and Málaga. The 2025 theme, “Placer,” explores pleasure as a literary and cultural force, with events ranging from intimate poetry readings to dynamic panel discussions. Venues like Círculo de Bellas Artes and La Térmica host performances blending literature with music, theater, and film, creating a multisensory experience.

Portugal’s guest country status brings authors like Lídia Jorge and Djaimilia Pereira de Almeida, fostering cross-cultural dialogue. Málaga’s EñeFantástico prelude adds a playful focus on comics and fantasy, appealing to younger audiences. Attendees, from avid readers to aspiring writers, engage in a literary community, browsing artisan book stalls and attending signings in historic settings.

Food & Drinks

• Madrid:
  • Tapas & Classics: Enjoy patatas bravas, croquetas, and jamón ibérico at nearby spots like La Bodeguilla (Calle de Alcalá, 43, Madrid).
  • Literary Cafés: Café Comercial (Glorieta de Bilbao, 7, Madrid) offers festival-themed menus with vermouth, local wines, and coffee.
  • Catered Receptions: VIP events include regional cheeses, olives, and Ribera del Duero wines.
• Málaga:
  • Andalusian Specialties: Savor espeto de sardinas, gazpacho, and ajoblanco at La Térmica’s pop-up stalls or nearby chiringuitos.
  • Drinks: Málaga’s sweet wines, sangria, and non-alcoholic tinto de verano sin alcohol are festival highlights.
  • Local Markets: Mercado de Atarazanas (Calle Atarazanas, 10, Málaga) offers fresh produce and snacks near venues.
• Festival-Specific: Select events feature catered literary dinners with Spanish and Portuguese cuisine, especially for VIP pass holders.

Family & Accessibility

• Family-Friendly:
  • Madrid: Storytelling and children’s literature sessions at Casa del Libro and Instituto Cervantes.
  • Málaga: EñeFantástico includes kid-friendly comic workshops and superhero-themed activities.
• Accessibility:
  • Madrid: Círculo de Bellas Artes, Instituto Cervantes, and Casa de América are fully wheelchair-accessible with elevators and ramps. Real Academia Española and Biblioteca Nacional have partial accessibility; contact venues for assistance.
  • Málaga: La Térmica and Centro Cultural MVA offer wheelchair-accessible facilities, sign language interpretation for select talks, and audio descriptions on request.
  • Contact info@lafabrica.com for specific accommodations or mobility needs.
• Age Policy: Most events are open to all ages; under-16s require adult supervision for evening performances or workshops.

Getting There

• Madrid:
  • By Air: Madrid-Barajas Adolfo Suárez Airport (MAD, 15 km from city center, 20–30-minute drive).
  • Public Transport: Metro lines 2 (Banco de España), 5 (Chueca), or 1 (Atocha) serve Madrid venues; buses 1, 2, 74 stop nearby.
  • By Car: Limited parking at Círculo de Bellas Artes (Calle Marqués de Casa Riera, 2); use public lots like Parking Plaza del Rey (Plaza del Rey, s/n, Madrid).
• Málaga:
  • By Air: Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport (AGP, 8 km from La Térmica, 15-minute drive).
  • Public Transport: Bus lines 1, 3, 11, or Cercanías train (C1, Málaga Centro-Alameda) connect to La Térmica and Centro Cultural MVA.
  • By Car: Free parking at La Térmica (Av. de los Guindos, 48); additional lots at Calle Ollerías for MVA.
• Inter-City Travel: AVE high-speed trains connect Madrid (Atocha) to Málaga (María Zambrano) in 2.5 hours; book via renfe.com.
• Rideshare: BlaBlaCar offers shared rides between Madrid, Málaga, and nearby cities.

Lineup Information

Confirmed 2025 participants include Portuguese authors Lídia Jorge and Djaimilia Pereira de Almeida, with more Spanish and Latin American writers to be announced by October 2025. Málaga’s EñeFantástico prelude (May 8-9, 2025) featured Elia Barceló, María Fernanda Ampuero, Laura Fernández, Ram V, and Natacha Bustos; similar profiles are expected in November. Past festivals hosted luminaries like Mario Vargas Llosa, Almudena Grandes, Rosa Montero, Javier Cercas, Raúl Zurita, and international guests like Philippe Sands and Mircea Cărtărescu. Check festivalene.lafabrica.com for updates.

Literary Awards

• Eñe Festival Prize: Honors a writer’s lifetime achievement, with past winners including José Manuel Caballero Bonald (2017), Gioconda Belli (2018), Javier Cercas (2019), Mario Vargas Llosa (2020), Almudena Grandes (2021), and Rosa Montero (2022). The 2025 recipient will be announced during the festival.
• Talento a Bordo Award: Recognizes emerging Spanish-language writers, launched in 2023, with winners mentored by established authors.
• Literary Residency: A three-month residency in Madrid for Latin American writers, hosted with Casa de Velázquez and Cuadernos Hispanoamericanos, fostering new voices.

Past Notable Participants

• Spanish & Latin American: Mario Vargas Llosa, Almudena Grandes, Rosa Montero, Javier Cercas, Raúl Zurita, Lina Meruane, Antonio Muñoz Molina, Sergio Ramírez, Mariana Enríquez.
• International Guests: Philippe Sands (UK), António Scurati (Italy), Mircea Cărtărescu (Romania), Margaret Atwood (Canada, virtual).
• EñeFantástico (Málaga): Elia Barceló, María Fernanda Ampuero, Laura Fernández, Ram V, Natacha Bustos, David Galán Galindo.
  These participants underscore Eñe’s role as a bridge between Spanish-speaking and global literary communities.

Workshops & Activities

• Creative Writing Workshops: Sessions on fiction, poetry, and non-fiction at Instituto Cervantes and La Térmica, led by authors and editors.
• Publishing Panels: Industry insights at Casa de América, covering editing, translation, and literary agents.
• Comic Workshops (Málaga): EñeFantástico offers illustration and storytelling classes for aspiring comic creators.
• Literary Walks: Guided tours of Madrid’s Barrio de las Letras, visiting sites like Cervantes’ former home (Calle de Huertas, Madrid).
• Exhibitions: Rare manuscripts and literary artifacts at Biblioteca Nacional de España.
• Film Screenings: Literary-inspired films at Círculo de Bellas Artes, followed by Q&A sessions with authors or directors.
• Poetry Slams: Open-mic events at Casa del Libro, encouraging audience participation.

Travel Tips

• Book Early: Festival passes, hotels, and Málaga accommodations fill up fast during November’s peak season.
• Weather Prep: November in Madrid (50–60°F) and Málaga (55–65°F) can be cool and rainy; pack layers, umbrellas, and comfortable shoes.
• Explore Locally: In Madrid, visit the Prado Museum or Retiro Park; in Málaga, see the Alcazaba or the Picasso Museum.
• Public Transport: Madrid’s metro and Málaga’s buses are efficient; buy multi-day passes for savings (e.g., Madrid’s 10-trip ticket, $14 USD).
• Festival App: Download the Eñe Festival app (iOS/Android) for real-time schedules, maps, and author updates.
• Language Tip: Most events are in Spanish or Portuguese; some offer English translation—check schedules in advance.

Local Attractions

• Madrid:
  • Barrio de las Letras: Historic literary district near Círculo de Bellas Artes (Calle de Huertas, 28014 Madrid).
  • Prado Museum: Paseo del Prado, s/n, 28014 Madrid (5-minute walk from venues).
  • Retiro Park: Plaza de la Independencia, 7, 28001 Madrid (ideal for relaxation).
  • Plaza Mayor: 28012 Madrid (10-minute walk for dining and sightseeing).
• Málaga:
  • Alcazaba de Málaga: Calle Alcazabilla, 2, 29012 Málaga (10-minute walk from La Térmica).
  • Picasso Museum: Calle San Agustín, 8, 29015 Málaga (cultural complement to festival).
  • Málaga Cathedral: Calle Molina Lario, 9, 29015 Málaga (near Centro Cultural MVA).
  • Gibralfaro Castle: Camino de Gibralfaro, s/n, 29016 Málaga (scenic views).

Accommodation Options

• Madrid:
  • Hotels: NH Collection Madrid Paseo del Prado (Plaza de las Cortes, 7, 28014 Madrid, $150–$250 USD/night); Hotel Vincci Soho (Calle del Prado, 18, 28014 Madrid, $120–$200 USD/night).
  • Hostels: The Hat Madrid (Calle Imperial, 9, 28012 Madrid, $30–$60 USD/night).
  • Airbnb: Apartments in Barrio de las Letras ($80–$200 USD/night).
• Málaga:
  • Hotels: Parador de Málaga Gibralfaro (Castillo de Gibralfaro, s/n, 29016 Málaga, $120–$220 USD/night); AC Hotel Málaga Palacio (Calle Cortina del Muelle, 1, 29015 Málaga, $100–$180 USD/night).
  • Hostels: Casa Al Sur Málaga (Calle Molinillo del Aceite, 5, 29008 Málaga, $25–$50 USD/night).
  • Airbnb: Apartments near La Térmica or Málaga Centro ($60–$150 USD/night).
• Booking Tip: Reserve via booking.com or airbnb.com 3–6 months in advance for best rates.

Safety & Health Measures

• Medical Support: First aid stations at Círculo de Bellas Artes and La Térmica; nearby hospitals include Hospital Gregorio Marañón (Calle del Dr. Esquerdo, 46, 28007 Madrid) and Hospital Clínico Universitario (Av. de Andalucía, s/n, 29009 Málaga).
• Security: Bag checks and security personnel at all venues ensure a safe environment.
• Health Protocols: Hand sanitizer stations and optional mask areas for attendee comfort.
• Weather Preparedness: All venues are indoors, ensuring continuity during rain; wear comfortable shoes for walking between sites.
• Emergency Contacts: Spain’s emergency number is 112; festival staff can assist with medical or security needs.