This new cultural gathering, named 'El Festivalico', aims to build a community around self-publishing in Almería. The event seeks to provide visibility for independent projects and create a meeting point for artists, students, and those interested in contemporary graphic self-publishing practices.
The initiative takes place at the Escuela de Arte y Superior de Diseño Carlos Pérez Siquier, following the success of 'Festifal', a previous event by the MECA center in autumn 2025, which already demonstrated the public's interest in such creations in Almería. 'El Festivalico' expands on this momentum, incorporating a fair with stalls where participants can display, exchange, and sell their fanzines.
Throughout Friday, April 17, and Saturday, April 18, the public will have the opportunity to explore the world of fanzines and other alternative graphic publication formats firsthand. The program includes a combination of a fanzine fair, interactive workshops, and concerts, with a significant portion of the stalls reserved for creators from Almería, thereby boosting the local cultural scene.
Despite living under the dominance of the digital, the fanzine phenomenon has resurged strongly in recent years. There are cities around us celebrating the 23rd edition of their self-publishing festival; it was about time a festival of these characteristics existed in our city, where creators could meet and exchange fanzines. It's incredible to have the collaboration of the School of Art to carry out such an event.
Activities on Friday, April 17, will run all day, with the fair opening in the afternoon from 5:00 PM to 9:30 PM. On Saturday, April 18, the festival will continue in the morning, from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM. The organizers emphasize the importance of bringing self-publishing to new audiences and fostering networks among emerging artists, anticipating a large turnout at this emblematic venue.
