The Literary Scene in Cali: Much More Than Salsa and Soccer
If you think Cali is only about partying, dancers, and sugarcane, you are missing half the story. The city has a cultural life that goes beyond blaring speakers. Since the 1990s, when the Feria del Libro de Cali began to gain momentum, the capital of Valle has become a meeting point for writers, poets, and oral storytellers. Here, people not only read, but also discuss, write, and reinvent the word. In May 2026, the local literary scene is more alive than ever, with spaces ranging from bohemian cafes in San Antonio to community libraries in the east of the city.
What makes Cali special is its mix: established writers like Gustavo Álvarez Gardeazábal (author of Cóndores no entierran todos los días) share the bill with young poets from Universidad del Valle and traditional oral storytellers from the Pacific. If you are a literature lover or an emerging writer, you will find an ecosystem here that welcomes you with open arms. And the best part: you don't need to be an academic to participate. Just bring curiosity and a desire to share words.
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Reading Clubs and Literary Circles: Where to Find Your Tribe
The Reading Club at the Biblioteca Departamental
The Biblioteca Departamental Jorge Garcés Borrero, in the heart of downtown Cali, is the city's literary heart. Its reading club meets every two weeks on Saturdays at 10:00 a.m. in the second-floor conference room. Admission is free and no prior registration is needed. They read everything from Colombian classics like La vorágine by José Eustasio Rivera to contemporary novels by authors like Pilar Quintana. The group is diverse: there are retirees who have been attending for 20 years, literature students, and foreigners wanting to practice Spanish. It is recommended to arrive 15 minutes early, as spots are limited to 40 people. Check the schedules on the Biblioteca Departamental website before going, as dates change during holiday seasons.
San Antonio Literary Circle
In the San Antonio neighborhood, going up Calle 3, you will find the Casa de la Cultura. A literary circle meets there on Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. It is more informal than the one at the Library: sometimes they read poetry, other times short stories, and there is always room for someone to bring their own writing. The atmosphere makes you want to stay for hours: wooden chairs, yellow light, and the smell of coffee. There is no cost, but they always appreciate it if you bring something to share (some cookies or a thermos of coffee). This circle is ideal if you are starting to write and want honest feedback without the pressure of a formal workshop.
Reading Club at Universidad del Valle (Meléndez Campus)
The Universidad del Valle has one of the most active reading clubs in the city. It meets on Thursdays at 5:00 p.m. in the Humanities building, room 301. Although it is open to the public, most attendees are students and professors. The focus is more academic: one work is analyzed per month, with critical readings and theoretical discussions. If you are interested in literary theory or want to delve deeper into a specific author, this is your space. To enter, you just need to present your ID at the main gate.
Book Festivals and Fairs: Events You Can't Miss
Feria del Libro de Cali
The Feria del Libro de Cali is held every year in October at Plaza de San Francisco and its surroundings. It is the largest literary event in the city, with over 100 exhibitors, book launches, talks with national and international authors, and free workshops. In the 2025 edition, for example, writers like Juan Gabriel Vásquez and Margarita García Robayo participated, along with poets from the Colombian Pacific. Admission is free, but some workshops require prior registration (registration usually opens a month in advance). If you live in Cali, mark October on your calendar. If you are a tourist, plan your visit for those dates: the city fills with outdoor bookstores, book signings, and children's activities.
Festival Internacional de Poesía de Cali
Since 2018, the Festival Internacional de Poesía de Cali has become a must-attend event for verse lovers. It takes place in November, with venues ranging from the Teatro Municipal to parks and community libraries. What is interesting is that it is not just about reading poetry: there are performances, live music, and recitals in indigenous languages. The festival is organized by the Fundación Poetas del Mundo and usually features poets from countries like Mexico, Spain, and Argentina. Most events are free, although shows at the Teatro Municipal cost between $10,000 and $20,000 COP. Check the schedule on the Fundación Poetas del Mundo's social media.
Encuentro de Narradores Orales del Pacífico
This event, held in February at the Biblioteca Pública Centenario, is a little-known gem. It brings together traditional storytellers from Tumaco, Buenaventura, and Guapi, who narrate stories from the Afro-Pacific tradition. It is not a reading-aloud event, but pure oral storytelling: myths, legends, and tales passed down through generations. If you want to understand the culture of the Colombian Pacific from its literary roots, this event is unmissable. Admission is free, but arrive early because the auditorium fills up quickly.
Creative Writing Workshops: Where to Sharpen Your Pencil
Workshop at the Escuela de Letras de Cali
The Escuela de Letras de Cali, located in the Granada neighborhood (Carrera 35 # 5-45), offers creative writing workshops throughout the year. There are levels from beginner to advanced, and topics range from short narrative to experimental poetry. The workshops are in-person, last 8 weeks, and cost around $200,000 COP per month. The teachers are local writers with publishing experience. If you are a foreigner, don't worry: most workshops accept participants who are learning Spanish, as long as they have an intermediate level. You can sign up on their website or by stopping by the location.
Free Workshops at the Biblioteca Departamental
The Biblioteca Departamental Jorge Garcés Borrero also organizes free writing workshops, especially during the Feria del Libro and in the first half of the year. They are usually intensive weekend workshops (Saturday and Sunday, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.) and focus on specific genres: short story, chronicle, or poetry. Spots are limited to 25 people, so you need to keep an eye on the calls on their website or social media. There is no cost, but sometimes they ask you to bring a sample text to participate.
Writing Workshop for Travelers at Hostal Casa del Sol
In the San Antonio neighborhood, the Hostal Casa del Sol (Carrera 2 # 1-50) has a creative writing workshop designed for travelers and digital nomads. It meets on Fridays at 4:00 p.m. on the hostel's terrace. The focus is free: you can write about your trip, your experiences in Cali, or whatever inspires you at the moment. The workshop is in Spanish, but some participants write in English and then translate. It is more of an experimental space than a formal course. Participation is free if you are staying at the hostel; if not, it costs $15,000 COP per session, which includes a coffee. It is ideal for meeting other travelers with literary interests.
How to Get to Literary Events and Transportation
Most literary events in Cali are concentrated in the historic center and neighborhoods like San Antonio, Granada, and Meléndez. Public transportation is the most economical option: the MIO (articulated bus system) drops you near the Biblioteca Departamental (San Pedro station) and Plaza de San Francisco (Plaza de Cayzedo station). The fare is $2,800 COP (reference price as of May 2026). If you are going to Universidad del Valle, take route P10E or P21E to the Univalle station.
For workshops in San Antonio, it is best to walk up from downtown (a 15-minute uphill walk) or take a taxi costing between $8,000 and $12,000 COP. If you use apps like Uber or Didi, the price is usually similar. Events at the Biblioteca Pública Centenario are near the Centenario MIO station.
If you are coming from outside Cali, the Aeropuerto Internacional Alfonso Bonilla Aragón is 30 minutes away by taxi (around $50,000 COP). From the bus terminal, you can take an MIO to downtown for $2,800 COP, but the trip takes almost an hour. I recommend using a taxi or app if you have heavy luggage.
Local Tips for Active Participation
- Arrive early for free events. Reading clubs and free workshops tend to fill up quickly. Half an hour early is a good margin.
- Bring a notebook and a pen. It may sound obvious, but many attendees only bring their phones. Local writers always have paper on hand.
- Don't be afraid to participate in discussions. The Cali literary scene is warm and open. If you are a foreigner and your Spanish is not perfect, they will still listen to you attentively.
- Follow the organizers on social media. The Biblioteca Departamental, Fundación Poetas del Mundo, and Escuela de Letras de Cali post their calls there. It is the fastest way to find out about last-minute events.
- Take advantage of public libraries. In addition to the Departamental, the Biblioteca Pública Centenario and the Biblioteca de la Universidad del Valle have reading spaces and free activities. They are perfect for spending a rainy afternoon.
- Connect with the writer community in Cali. There are WhatsApp and Telegram groups where they share calls for workshops, contests, and publications. Ask at any reading club and they will add you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are literary events in Cali only in Spanish?
Most are in Spanish, but there are exceptions. During the Feria del Libro de Cali, some talks with international authors have simultaneous translation. The writing workshops for travelers at Hostal Casa del Sol accept participants who write in English. If you are learning Spanish, the reading clubs are excellent practice because people speak clearly and patiently.
Do I need to be a professional writer to attend the workshops?
Not at all. The workshops at the Escuela de Letras de Cali have beginner levels, and the free workshops at the Biblioteca Departamental are designed for people who have never written before. All you need is a desire to write and respect for others' work. In the reading clubs, you don't even need to have written anything: just read and share your opinion.
How much does it cost to attend the Feria del Libro de Cali?
Admission to the Feria del Libro de Cali is free. Workshops and talks are also free, but some require prior registration. The only things that may cost money are the books you want to buy and special shows at the Teatro Municipal (which usually cost between $10,000 and $30,000 COP). It is one of the most accessible literary events in Colombia.
Historical or Contextual Introduction
Cali, known for its vibrant nightlife and contagious rhythm, also has a rich literary tradition that often goes unnoticed. Since the 19th century, the city has been a melting pot of intellectuals and writers who have captured their experiences and Cali's culture through words. Literature in Cali has been influenced by its cultural diversity, social conflicts, and the lush landscape of the Valle del Cauca.
One of the most important milestones in the city's literary history was the founding of the Grupo de Cali in the 1970s, a collective of writers who sought to break away from traditional literary molds and explore new narratives. Authors like Jorge Enrique Adoum and Alberto Aguirre are just some of the names that emerged in this context, promoting literature as a vehicle for social change and reflection.
Today, Cali not only hosts a series of literary festivals but also offers creative workshops where emerging writers can hone their craft. The city has become a meeting point for literature lovers, where the exchange of ideas and collaboration are crucial for the growth of the local literary scene.
If you want to explore literature in Cali, don't miss the events organized by institutions like the Biblioteca Departamental Jorge Garcés Borrero, which frequently hosts talks and readings. Likewise, the Festival de Literatura de Cali, held annually, is a must for those looking to connect with local and international authors.
What to Do
Feria del Libro de Cali
This annual event brings together writers, publishers, and book lovers. Over several days, you can attend talks, conferences, and workshops. It is an excellent opportunity to meet your favorite authors and discover new voices in Colombian literature.
Insider Tip: Arrive early to take advantage of the day's activities and don't forget to bring a notebook to jot down reading recommendations and authors' thoughts during the talks.
Literary Workshops at La Casa del Libro Total
This cultural space offers regular workshops for aspiring writers. From poetry to narrative, you can find a workshop that suits your interests. It is a place where creativity flows and connections with other writers are made.
Insider Tip: Participate in the creative writing workshop, where you can receive direct feedback from experienced writers. Often, the facilitators are well-known local authors.
Literary Encounters at Centro Cultural Comfandi
This center is a cultural hub in Cali. Literary encounters, book launches, and readings aloud are organized here. It is an ideal place to interact with the literary community and enjoy a welcoming atmosphere.
Insider Tip: Check the schedule in advance, as some events may require prior registration. Also, don't hesitate to stay after the events to chat with other attendees and share your favorite reads.