Did you know that a city in the interior of São Paulo hosts one of the state’s most significant literary events? The Votuporanga Literary Festival (FLIV) takes place annually in northwestern São Paulo and features a rich cultural program, ranging from literary debates and children’s workshops to classical music performances.
Today, the event welcomes school groups and families from various regions, reinforcing its mission to democratize access to reading. Plus, admission is always free!
The Roots of FLIV
In 2006, the local government created the Votuporanga Book Fair with the goal of bringing the public closer to books and authors. However, in 2011, the initiative expanded to become FLIV, a multicultural festival that incorporates other artistic expressions. This allowed the municipality of 100,000 inhabitants to become a cultural powerhouse in the interior of São Paulo.
It has been so successful that, in 2025, the Votuporanga City Council designated the festival as intangible cultural heritage. Over the years, FLIV has hosted renowned writers such as Ignácio de Loyola Brandão, Marcelino Freire, and Pedro Bandeira.
In addition, the event featured musical performances by Pato Fu, the SESI-SP Bachiana Philharmonic Orchestra, Zélia Duncan, and Toquinho, always sharing the stage with local artists. This mix of national names and local talents strengthens the cultural scene in northwestern São Paulo, fostering unique encounters between musicians, writers, and readers from all backgrounds.
How to enjoy the Votuporanga Literary Festival when traveling from São Paulo
If you plan to leave the state capital of São Paulo, you’ll need to plan carefully, as the 521-kilometer journey to Votuporanga can take about 7 hours. Therefore, arranging lodging and transportation (whether by private car, bus, or group tours) in advance is essential to fully enjoy the trip.
The dates for FLIV 2026 have not yet been confirmed, but the event traditionally takes place in August. While we wait for the next edition of the literary fair to begin, why not explore our article on street bookstores in the capital to keep up your reading habit?
