El País celebrated its 50th anniversary [1] with a festival in Madrid focused on journalism, culture, and public dialogue.
The event serves as a reaffirmation of the publication's commitment to intellectual exchange and its role as a space for encounter in the modern media landscape [2].
As part of the festivities, writers Alana S. Portero and Sabina Urraca participated in a morning conversation regarding books, creation, and inspiration [3]. The session, moderated by interviewer Pablo Guimón, took place on April 11, 2026 [1].
The dialogue was hosted in Madrid, which included a recreation at the historic Café Gijón [1]. This location provided a backdrop for the writers to explore the mechanics of creativity, and the enduring influence of literature on contemporary thought [3].
The broader festival was designed to honor the legacy of El País over its 50 years [1] of operation. Organizers said the event was a way to champion the intersection of ideas and conversation [2].
The celebration highlights the publication's longevity and its continued influence on Spanish and international cultural discourse [2]. By gathering intellectuals and journalists in public spaces, the festival sought to bridge the gap between traditional print legacies and new forms of public engagement [1].
“El País celebrated its 50th anniversary with a festival in Madrid.”
The 50th anniversary festival signals El País's intent to maintain its status as a cultural tastemaker in Spain. By centering the celebration on dialogue and literary inspiration rather than just corporate history, the publication positions itself as a living participant in the intellectual life of Madrid rather than a static archive of the past.
