Paraty is one of the colonial jewels of Brazil, a town that remains almost intact since the 18th century. Known as the "Venice" of Brazil, its cobbled streets and colonial-style mansions are a haven of peace and tranquility. [caption id="attachment_14030" align="aligncenter" width="675"]Paraty Paraty is one of the oldest colonial cities in Brazil, considered National Historical Heritage[/caption]   But beyond its particular architecture or its beautiful beaches, what has put Paraty on the world map with great strength are the various festivals that it hosts throughout the year, several of them of important international relevance. The International Literary Festival of Paraty (FLIP) is the best example of this. The FLIP is a great international literary festival that occupies the streets and squares of the historic city of Paraty for five days. The event is famous for bringing together great international authors for conferences and panels shared with other people from the world of culture. FLIP has a wide cultural program that ranges from concerts to dramatic readings, debates, workshops, film exhibitions, among many other activities, as well as special programming for children (Flipinha) and young readers (FlipZona).

Flip 2019 Programming

Date: From July 10th to the 14th Place: Historical City of Paraty. A total of 33 writers from 10 nations will participate in the largest literary party in Brazil, which in its XVII edition will focus on the connection between literature and journalism. The participants will express their points of view, ideas, and unique experiences but with various points of contact. Flip 2019 proposes integrating already established authors with the literary voices of the new generation, with the aim of promoting innovation. During the exhibition days, the news of Brazilian and international companies related to the areas of children, music, fiction, art, journalism, among others will be presented. [caption id="attachment_14031" align="aligncenter" width="675"]Paraty Festival In the XVII edition, literature and its connection with journalism will be some of the highlights of this year[/caption]   Several of the invited writers are authors of works based on real events that narrate problems of their nations and of the world reality. As well as issues of the current situation such as the decision to be a mother, and aspects related to gender identity. The presence of two important names has already been confirmed: Kristen Roupenian and Walnice Nogueira Galvão. In total there will be 21 tables that will have a slightly different dynamic this year. Some of them will last 1:15 as in other years, and others less than 45 minutes (and can be in the conference, performance or interview format). This year's event is curated by the journalist Fernanda Diamant, who posed a different challenge, bringing together the incongruities: authors of the right and left, defenders of religion and their critics, writers and scientists. Like every edition, FLIP promotes a tribute to a Brazilian author. The aim of the action is to preserve and value Brazilian literature and the Portuguese language. In 2019, the author of honor is the writer, journalist and engineer Euclides da Cunha (1866-1912). He is the author of "Os Sertões", a work of great importance for the nation. It was published in 1902 and is divided into three parts: "The Earth", "The Man" and "The Struggle" and explores, mainly, the influence of the environment on man in the search for a national identity. [caption id="attachment_14032" align="aligncenter" width="675"]FLIP Flip seeks to preserve and value Brazilian literature and the Portuguese language[/caption]   Extra Info: Tickets for the Flip 2019 have a cost of R $ 55, that is, about $ 14 USD. The Author’s Tent, main space of the event, will receive illustrious national and international names that will present their works, participate in discussion tables and distribute autographs to readers. Additionally, the organizers intend to set up a tent called Matrix Auditorium, in reference to the Principal Church, with capacity for 512 people. In addition, another tent will be installed, with 700 seats, for those who want to witness events free of charge. Extra Info: According to the City Hall of Paraty, a tourist and colonial city on the south coast of Rio de Janeiro, the event attracted more than 20,000 participants last year.

How to get from Rio de Janeiro to Paraty?

Although Paraty has a small airport, it is very small and does not fly to many cities in Brazil, which is why most tourists prefer one of these two basic options to go from Rio de Janeiro to Paraty: by bus or private transfer. Currently, there are a dozen departures from Rio de Janeiro to the destination in Paraty. It is important that you know that if you choose the bus option, it stops first at Angra dos Reis. The approximate travel time is 4 hours and a half. Extra Info: If you want a private transfer, you can contact us and we will gladly help you. If you plan to travel to Brazil soon, or if you are in Rio de Janeiro, do not miss the opportunity to enjoy one of the most important literary festivals of the continent while discovering the best of this city with one of our tours and activities in Paraty. Live a unique experience and enjoy a cultural program imbued with incredible Brazilian literature!  
By: Nathaly Bosch, Venezuelan, social communicator by profession and curious traveler by choice. Editor in Spanish for Daytours4u.