Leading writers, poets, historians and thinkers from Spain and Latin America feature in a special programme of events at the 2025 Oxford Literary Festival.

One of Spain’s greatest living poets Luis García Montero,  discusses his work and reads some of his poems. Actor Robert Portal will read the poems in English alongside the Spanish readings.

Philosopher and writer Dr Jordi Pigem, talks to psychiatrist and neuroscientist and philosopher Iain McGilchrist about his new book in which he asks where we should turn to find direction in a world clouded by propaganda and digital mirages.

Fellow philosopher Dr Susana Monsó, blends philosophical insight with the latest research on behavioural science and psychology to explain that when it comes to death or dying we are just another animal.

Historians appearing include Dr Frank Moya Pons, a leading contemporary historian known for research into slavery in the Dominican Republic and the Caribbean. 

Fiction is represented by Chilean actress, screenwriter and award-winning novelist Nona Fernández, on the haunting legacy of Chile’s political past explored in her writing, and by award-winning Peruvian novelist, screenwriter and journalist Santiago Roncagliolo.

Also appearing are the world-famous chef and owner of the former elBulli restaurant Ferran Adrià, and journalist and linguist Georgina Howard, on life as a single mother raising a daughter in a remote Basque community.

His Excellency José Pascual Marco Martínez Ambassador of Spain to the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland, will speak at the festival’s opening dinner.

Tickets are on sale online at oxfordliteraryfestival.org, or by telephoning the box office at 0333 666 3366.