Overview

• The XXV FIL Zócalo ran October 10–19 and, according to the city government, surpassed 1.3 million attendees with more than 1,000 free activities across multiple forums.
• Nearly 400 publishing imprints filled the plaza’s stalls, with exhibitors noting stronger in‑person turnout since the pandemic and organizers highlighting reduced book prices.
• An expanded music agenda turned the Zócalo into an open‑air stage, featuring acts such as La Tremenda Korte, Los Músicos de José and Ritmo Nacional Jazz Orquesta.
• Venezuela’s Orquesta Sinfónica Juan José Landaeta headlined a well‑received midday concert that drew hundreds and earned sustained applause.
• Programming emphasized children and youth through storytelling, illustrated‑book sessions and the Ludotecas Comunitarias, alongside talks by figures including Elena Poniatowska, Paco Ignacio Taibo II and Pilar del Río to advance the fair’s access‑to‑culture mission.