Medellín has been selected as UNESCO’s World Book Capital for 2027, the organization announced in March 2026. The Colombian city will become the 27th location to hold the title since the program began in 2001, taking over from Rabat, Morocco. It will be Colombia’s second host after Bogotá in 2007. The designation recognizes the city’s expanded access to books and cultural spaces over the past seven decades, including a reported 542% increase in bookstores.
The UNESCO selection committee included representatives from publishers, booksellers, authors, and libraries. The committee noted more than 110 bookstores and 25 libraries in the city. Medellín was identified as the leader of Colombia’s national reading index. The UNESCO Director-General praised the choice, calling it “a powerful message on how culture can build peace and social cohesion.” The organization highlighted the city’s library network and its capacity to organize major cultural events.
Medellín’s library network has played a significant role in increasing access to cultural facilities for communities impacted by conflict, with libraries now occupying former prisons and police facilities, bringing cultural programs and books to these transformed spaces. As the city prepares for its 2027 designation, its public libraries and literary festivals will gain international recognition, starting on April 23, which is World Book and Copyright Day. This designation will focus on reading and storytelling, guiding the city’s activities throughout the year.
UNESCO officials emphasized the proposal’s focus on children’s reading, reading comprehension, and support for publishing. The organization also recognized the city’s capacity to promote literacy among young people and vulnerable communities. The proposal, developed by city officials beginning in 2024, centers on these priorities. It aims to extend the city’s cultural scene beyond its best-known tourist attractions.
Medellín has confirmed several literary events for 2027. The city’s annual Fiesta del Libro y la Cultura will run from September 10 to 19 at the Botanical Garden. This gathering brings together authors, publishers, and readers for discussions, presentations, workshops, and exhibitions. City officials have named the Community of Madrid as the 2027 guest of honor and Astiberri as the featured international publisher. The city is also working with Hay Festival on Medellín39, an initiative to select 39 Latin American fiction writers under 40.
Organizers plan to announce the selected authors in January 2027. The announcement will coincide with events scheduled for September 17 to 19 alongside the book festival. Other scheduled events include the Children’s Book Festival from February 25 to 28 and the Días del Libro book fair in May. A youth reading event is planned for July 3. The Children’s Book Festival takes place before the official World Book Capital year begins.