Peru announced on May 6 its participation as Guest of Honor at the 50th Buenos Aires International Book Fair in 2026, emphasizing a delegation of authors and literary works in Quechua and Wampis languages. The event features a Peruvian delegation that aims to promote dialogue connecting language, territory, and memory while showcasing the country’s literary and cultural traditions.
The presence of indigenous voices is seen as an effort to bring attention to Peru’s linguistic diversity. Among the featured participants is writer and researcher Ricardo Virhuez, who joined the panel “Voices from the Jungle: Literature, Writing, and Oral Tradition in Peru” at the Mariano Moreno National Library. Writers Gloria Cáceres from Ayacucho and Dida Aguirre from Huancavelica are scheduled for a dialogue on native languages during the International Congress for Reading and Book Promotion on May 8. Poet and visual artist Dina Ananco will take part in “The Indigenous Word: Dialogue with Native Writers,” focusing on issues related to indigenous languages preservation.
Other members of the Peruvian delegation include editor Dante Gonzalez Rosales (Áncash), oral storyteller Mario Castillo “Waranqamaki” (Apurímac), writer Yesenia Montes (Ayacucho), and essayist Mauro Mamani (Arequipa). Their participation underlines what organizers describe as a decentralized and multicultural representation.
As part of its presentation at FIL Buenos Aires 2026, Peru has set up an interactive display allowing visitors to access a virtual platform where they can listen to all 48 recognized indigenous or native languages spoken across Peru. The installation provides information about speaker populations by region. Organizers say this initiative aims to introduce these languages to an international audience while reaffirming Peru’s commitment to their visibility, appreciation, and preservation.
The Ministry of Culture of Peru fosters social inclusion by protecting heritage and promoting diversity across Peru; it utilizes decentralized facilities alongside its San Borja headquarters; it operates as an autonomous ministry within the Executive Branch; it promotes cultural identity while combating discrimination; it serves communities throughout the country under ministerial leadership—all according to the official website.
