The Cervantes Chair is a platform for promoting Spanish and Iberian languages, arts, culture and science across Scotland. The position, held by Professor Alexis Grohmann, is a collaboration between the University and Instituto Cervantes (Cervantes Institute) and is the first of its kind in the world. Each year they host and support a wide-reaching range of events which aim to celebrate and foster cultural connections between Scotland and Spain. Upcoming events This calendar of activities for 2026 is constantly growing, but it already unites cinema, poetry, architecture and literature through a vibrant tapestry of events running across the year and throughout the country. Upcoming events include:Earthbound: a public conversation on women, freedom and mobilities a thought-provoking conversation with author Cristina Rivera GarzaAs part of her residency, Cristina will speak with Dr Liliana Chávez Díaz about her writing, followed by a drinks reception and book signing. This event is hosted by the School of Modern Languages in collaboration with the St Andrews Institute for Gender Studies and the Centre for Amerindian Studies.Where: United College, School I, St Salvator's Quadrangle, North Street, St Andrews KY16 9UYWhen: Friday 24 April, 5pm to 6.30pmCost: FreeRegister for EarthboundThe Virus of Here and Now: Bilingual Poetry ReadingThis literary event features a bilingual reading of poems by acclaimed Mexican writer Cristina Rivera Garza, and translator and Professor of Hispanic Studies Ilana Luna. The dialogue between the poet and the professor will be open to questions from the audience, offering a unique opportunity to engage directly with both speakers.Where: Rare Birds Book Shop, 13a Raeburn Place, Edinburgh EH4 1HUWhen: Tuesday 28 April, 6pm to 8pmCost: FreeRegister for the Bilingual Poetry ReadingBuilding the PyroceneThe first symposium, Building the Pyrocene, will be hosted by the Edinburgh School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture ESALA and will include keynote presentations by Stephen Pyne and Luis Fernández-Galiano. The event has been organised by the University of Edinburgh and University College London.Where: The University of Edinburgh (location to be confirmed)When: Monday 18 May, 1pm to 5pmRegister for Building the PyroceneBenengeli FestivalBenengeli is an annual global programme by the Instituto Cervantes that highlights new directions in Spanish-language literature. This year’s edition spans five continents with 60 internationally renowned writers taking part. The central theme is “Libraries”.In Edinburgh, the Cervantes Chair at the University of Edinburgh will host a session with journalist and writer Karina Sainz Borgo.Where: Central Library, 7 George IV Bridge, Edinburgh EH1 1EGWhen: Thursday 28 May, 6pmRegistration information will be available at a later date. The Institute is a non-profit organisation founded by the Spanish Government in 1991. Its mission is to promote and support the teaching, study, and use of Spanish abroad, as well as to promote Spanish and Hispanic cultures more generally. The first Cervantes Chair in the world at the University of Edinburgh and has allowed Scotland to benefit from a rich array of linguistic and cultural offerings and visits. This has opened a window into a world that allows us to enrich our cultural and linguistic life here in Scotland and also strengthen our dialogue with the Spanish-speaking world. Alexis Grohmann Cervantes Chair More information Cervantes Chair information and events Read an interview with Alexis Grohmann Sign up for the Cervantes newsletter Publication date 23 Apr, 2026
