Why? Because the medieval Spanish city will host a sister-event to Hay's famous bookfest from 20 to 24 September.

There will be all the high-brow talks, performances and celebrity interviews you'd expect from what Bill Clinton dubbed 'the Woodstock of the mind', but events will take place against a backdrop of the historic castles and arid plains of central Spain rather than the teashops and rolling hills of the Welsh borderlands.

Spanish and Latin American authors and journalists will share the stage with British talent. Highlights include Martin Amis in conversation with celebrated Uruguayan children's author Carmen Posadas, Ian McEwan with Mexican writer Juan Villoro, and a discussion with Chris Stewart, author of the international bestseller Driving Over Lemons

The local tradition of the Filandon - strangers swapping stories around a fire when the roads were blocked by snow - will be revived by a group of authors on Saturday night. There will be a weighty visual arts programme, too. Tickets (0870 787 2848; www.hayfestival.com €7 per event, €3 per screening.