Hay-on-Wye, a small locality in Wales with fewer than two thousand inhabitants, has become an attraction for global readers and gave rise to Brazil's largest literary celebration, the Flip.
Hay-on-Wye, a small locality in Wales with fewer than two thousand inhabitants, has become an attraction for global readers and gave rise to Brazil's largest literary celebration, the Flip.
Despite being modest, Hay-on-Wye gained notoriety starting in the 1960s after Richard Booth opened a bookstore. Gradually, the place transformed into a hub for literature enthusiasts. Currently with about 1,600 residents, the Town of Books features approximately twenty bookstores specializing in new and used works.
The efforts of the booksellers culminated in the first Hay Festival in 1988, granting the locality the title of Welsh Book Capital. This event, which takes place over ten days between May and June, has achieved worldwide recognition. Former US President Bill Clinton praised the literary gathering, comparing it to a 'Woodstock of the mind.'
The conception of Flip, which began in 2003, was directly influenced by the organizers' experience in Hay-on-Wye. Liz Calder, one of the festival mentors in Paraty, recounted that the idea arose in 1997 when she brought a group of Brazilian authors, such as Chico Buarque, Rubem Fonseca, Patrícia Melo, and Milton Hatoum, to Hay-on-Wye.
The connection between the two events strengthened with the growth of Flip. For example, in 2026, the European event will feature curation by Brazilian writers as part of the UK/Brazil Cultural Year 2025-2026 celebrations. This year, the literary festival in Hay-on-Wye took place from May 21 to 31, while Flip is scheduled for July 22 to 26.
Although the Hay Festival is the main draw for visitors, Hay-on-Wye offers other attractions even outside the event period. Residents can visit the bookstores that made the town famous, as well as explore other local tourist spots.
Hay Castle, a fortification where the village developed, is the most well-known monument. Built from the 11th century, with the current version dating from the 17th century, it reopened for visits in 2022, offering tours, open-air cinema screenings, and specific events. The annual ticket costs £7.50, and the castle operates daily from 10 am to 5 pm.
Other activities include nature walks, such as renting a kayak on the River Wye (which gives its name to the town) or hiking nearby, such as in the Black Mountains. Additionally, an antique and organic products fair takes place on the streets of Hay-on-Wye every Thursday. More information about attractions can be found on the local Tourist Office website.
In addition to the programming focused on literature, the International Literary Festival of Paraty (FLIP) mobilizes various establishments such as restaurants, cafes, bars, and bookstores located in the Historic Center, in addition to inspiring tourist routes through the city's points of interest.
The 24th edition of FLIP will take place between July 22nd and 26th in Paraty, located on the southern coast of Rio de Janeiro. This year, the event pays tribute to the poet Orides Fontela and features Rita Palmeira as curator, with the historic center transforming into a large meeting point for readers and writers during the five days.
Various locations in the city have organized complementary activities to serve the festival's public. At DAQUI, a stop for coffee, the Verrine Chocolatudo dessert, created by consultant chef Fernanda Valdivia, was launched, composed of chocolate cake, ganache, and paprika paste, costing R$ 28. The establishment is located at Rua Tenente Francisco Antônio, 84, in the Historic Center, and operates at various times during FLIP.
The bar located in the garden of the Flávia Aranha store offers meals and drinks all day long, with daily musical programming. Among its novelties are the Perequefish (R$ 48), a crispy fish sandwich served on banana brioche with tartar sauce and pancakes, made in tribute to Luiz Perequê. The Atlântico 3 Leches Verrine dessert (R$ 28) is also available, made with vanilla cake, milk, dulce de leche, and creamy milk.
Casa da Sete Selos, an independent cultural space, will resume its activities on the mezzanine of the store, promoting book launches and literary meetings during FLIP. This space is located in Jardim da Flávia Aranha, at Rua Dona Geralda, 302, in the Historic Center, operating from Monday to Sunday, except Tuesdays.
Quintal das Letras, the restaurant of Pousada Literária, will operate with a simplified menu, maintaining popular dishes such as moqueca de peixe with rice and garlic farofa (R$157) and black rice with pupunha (R$ 117). The suggested dessert is the Verrine O Melhor Banoffee (R$ 28). It is located at Rua Tenente Francisco Antônio, 362, in the Historic Center, and serves daily from 12h to 23h.
Livraria das Marés, neighboring Pousada Literária, will offer a special program with autograph sessions and conversations with invited authors. In the back of the bookstore, the cafe serves items from Empório DAQUI. The bookstore is at Rua Tenente Francisco Antônio, 52, in the Historic Center, open every day from 10h to 22h.
For those who wish to explore Paraty outside the literary programming, the group OCanto has provided a map containing suggestions for restaurants, bars, cafes, cultural attractions related to the region's historical heritage and nature.
Outside the Historic Center, Fazenda Bananal offers immersion activities in the Atlantic Forest and regional gastronomy. The most visited beaches nearby include Trindade, Praia do Sono, São Gonçalo, São Gonçalinho (Pelado Island), and Paraty-Mirim. Regarding waterfalls, the city has options such as Cachoeira do Tobogã, Poço do Tarzan, Cachoeira da Pedra Branca, Cachoeira das Galhetas, and Cachoeira do Saco Bravo. Additionally, it is possible to visit the Quilombo do Campinho, the first officially recognized in the state of Rio de Janeiro.
