PAUSE Heads to FLEM 2024 !
PHOTO CREDIT: Miquel Angel Cañellas
The highly anticipated Festival Literatura Expandida Magaluf (FLEM) returned for its 4th consecutive year, attracting thousands of visitors to the island eager to experience what has become one of Mallorca’s most popular events. Promoted and curated by the independent bookstore Rata Corner and the renowned INNSiDE By Meliá brand, FLEM, the cultural and literature festival continues to reinforce its agenda of advocating, celebrating and showcasing creatives and culture through literature, expression and art. This year’s edition was undoubtedly one for the books (literally and figuratively), packed with many amazing highlights and an unforgettable lineup that has many raving and already planning for their return next year.
PHOTO CREDIT: Miquel Angel Cañellas
In such a short period of time, FLEM has established itself as being a hub for local and international festival goers seeking fresh cultural experiences, and it has also become quite evident how quickly the festival is significantly transforming the landscape and region. Magaluf which has been commonly known for and popularised by it sandy beach and lively party scene, through the introduction of FLEM is now ironically a destination for literature, and the festival is not only revolutionising the reputation but also the experience of the town. FLEM is now a leading attraction in Magaluf drawing in an entirely new demographic to the island, visitors of all backgrounds and ages are heading to Inside Calvia Beach where the festivities are held to share and connect over their love of literature and art. A great sense of community can be felt throughout the festival which is not only refreshing and admirable but hard to come by these days, adding to the uniqueness and enjoyment of the experience.
PHOTOS CREDITS: Anthony Perez & Miquel Angel Cañellas
Of course, the focal point at FLEM is the impressive line-up of authors, artists and the eclectic daily programme aimed to provide something for everyone. This year the festival featured over 50 diverse artists including a lineup of authors such as U.K authors Dolly Alderton and Sheena Patel, two of the exciting international headliners as well as local Spanish authors which included Carmen Mola and Elísabet Benavent to name a few. One of the most popular events on the programme is the author panel talks and book signings which allowed visitors the opportunity to get the inside scoop, inspiration and story behind their favourite novels. Dolly’s talk and interview by Marta Terrasa was by far one of the festival highlights where she gave the audience insight into her personal life and writing, and captivated the crowd with stories of her experiences and journey through her career.
PHOTO CREDIT: FLEM Festival
PHOTO CREDIT: Miquel Angel Cañellas
The festival also featured numerous other events such as music performances and live podcasts. Family friendly activities were also included in the programme catering to the younger attendees ensuring they were well entertained and received the ultimate experience at FLEM.
Another one of the standout features at FLEM this year was its Secret Rooms, an immersive art space where visitors were able to engage in, and experience unique installations created by a range of artists. Some of the experiences included special FLEM tattoos sessions by well known spanish tattooist Nil Marquès, fun body art, the bold and fun art work of Emily Eldridge, cross stitching sessions and group mural painting. The Secret Rooms fostered a sense of discovery, elevating the FLEM experience by providing visitors with the chance to actively participate in the creative process through a sensory experience.
PHOTO CREDIT: Miquel Angel Cañellas
Overall, it’s safe to say that FLEM 2024 was another absolute success, it’s clear that the festival is here to stay and will remain as Mallorca’s no.1 destination for literature, culture and creativity. Aside from the 2025 lineup, it will be exciting to witness the ways in which Rata Corner and INNSiDE by Meliá continue to evolve FLEM and moreover, interesting to see the continuing impact that the festival will have on the local community and creative scene, as well as the development of Magaluf over the upcoming years.
PHOTOS CREDIT: Anthony Perez
