It will do so by regaining one of the most iconic and magnetic of literary streets in the city: La Rambla. For a few days, it will become “La Rambla Negra” (The Black Rambla). The 16th edition of the festival is on from 21 to 31 January. Curated by writer Carlos Zanón and produced by the Barcelona Institute of Culture, ​​the programme has had to adapt to the new reality due to the health situation. For this reason, the city will welcome the most important authors of the genre from home and abroad, although they will not be able to meet in person with their readers. Yet they will be able to do so virtually: all the events can be followed live on the BCNegra website.

The festival has more content than ever: 119 authors, of which 17 will connect remotely; 40 moderators, in a total of 52 round tables, distributed over an intense ten-day programme. One of the characteristics of the event is that it is not limited to the novel format, so in 2021 you will also find poetry, comics, photography – with the exhibition Directe als ulls. Retrats d’Ana Portnoy -, music – with performances by Josele Santiago and Tori Sparks -, cinema and a literary route along La Rambla that can be followed in podcast format. There are also pairings between Music and Literature – with the Manual de supervivència, homenatge a Boris Vian by Lluís-Anton Baulenes – or the search for the darkest poems in Josep Mª Fonollosa and Gerard Vergés’ work, recited by Josep Pedrals and Laia Alsina.

As ever, BCNegra rediscovers an author, who in the 16th edition will be Fred Vargas; a book: The City and the City of China Miéville, a writer in the fantasy and science fiction genre; and a character, on this occasion Laidlaw, who is part of the narrative of William McIlvanney, considered the father of Tartan Noir. The centenary of the birth of writer Patricia Highsmith will also be commemorated.

During BCNegra, specifically in the Saló de Cent chamber at Barcelona City Hall on 25 January (5 pm), the Pepe Carvalho 2021 Prize will be awarded to the writer Joyce Carol Oates.

Check all the details for the programme on the festival website.