The initiative, organized by the Organization of Ibero-American States for Education, Science and Culture (OEI) and the José Saramago Foundation, gathered writers, poets, translators, and musicians from various countries under the theme «The art of translating the world». The program explored translation as a means of bridging cultures and worldviews.
Over the two days, Ibero-American literature reached several spaces within the parish, including the Palácio Baldaya, the Auditório Carlos Paredes, the Elétrico de Benfica, the Espaço Ulmeiro, the Escola Secundária José Gomes Ferreira, and the Escola Superior de Educação da Universidade Politécnica de Lisboa. These venues engaged diverse audiences, bringing literature closer to the community.
At the Palácio Baldaya, highlights included the poetry recital «O Jardim das Palavras», honoring António Lobo Antunes, and the encounter «Vozes da Narrativa Ibero-Americana: Novas Cartografias da Ficção». The Auditório Carlos Paredes hosted the inaugural session on «Literature and memory», followed by moments blending word, music, and performance, such as the creation «O Cão das Lágrimas», inspired by José Saramago's «Blindness».
The initiative also involved the educational community, with literary encounters at schools and sessions at the Escola Superior de Educação da Universidade Politécnica de Lisboa, discussing topics like translation and creation in the age of artificial intelligence, poetics of memory and travel, and youth reading practices. Poetry also featured on the Elétrico de Benfica with the «Poesia no Elétrico» initiative.
The IV Night of Ibero-American Literature reaffirmed the importance of books, reading, and artistic creation as tools for knowledge and critical thinking. The event's presence in various Benfica locations helped connect authors and readers and highlighted the parish as a hub for culture and encounters. The Junta de Freguesia de Benfica supported this initiative, promoting cultural access and dialogue across languages, generations, and cultures.
