The Spanish home of the Welsh festival of literature and ideas: four days of conversations with authors, scientists and thinkers spread across courtyards, churches and theatres of the old town.
Source: accioncultural.es, checked on 5 September 2026.
Updated: September 2026
Hay Festival was born in Hay-on-Wye, Wales, and Segovia has hosted its Spanish edition since 2006. It is not a fair with stalls: it is a programme of talks and dialogues, usually an hour long, in which a writer converses with a journalist or another author in front of an audience. The whole city is the venue, and much of the charm lies in walking from a Renaissance courtyard to a theatre with the aqueduct in the background.
The line-up mixes Nobel and Booker winners with the Spanish authors of the moment, scientists and artists. Talks run in parallel, so you have to choose; the most popular sell out weeks ahead.
Log what you buy, your progress and the quotes you underline. Free, no account needed to start.
Start for freeEach talk has its own ticket (some are free) and the best-known authors sell out fast. The programme is published in summer.
Venues are a few minutes apart on foot, but Segovia is uphill. Half an hour between talks keeps you on time.
Aqueduct, cathedral and Alcázar are a step away from every venue. A weekend covers the festival and Segovia itself.
Hay Festival Segovia 2026 runs 10–13 Sept 2026 at Casco histórico de Segovia (varias sedes), Segovia.
At Casco histórico de Segovia (varias sedes), Segovia.
Check access conditions on the official website.
It depends on each event: many talks are ticketed (moderately priced) and others are free. Tickets are sold per session on the festival website.