The season was launched with the slogan: '100 events in the 100th year,' to celebrate an important anniversary.Continue reading
On September 26-29, the Hungarian Publishers’ and Booksellers’ Association (MKKE) will organize the 29th Budapest International Book Festival, featuring almost 150 exhibitors in Millenáris Park. The festival’s guest of honor will be the world-renowned author of contemporary Icelandic literature, Jón Kalman Stefánsson, who will receive the Budapest Grand Prize, the Hungarian capital’s most prestigious literary award, from the Mayor of Budapest.
The largest international book event in Hungary will be opened by Hungarian psychologist and author Noémi Orvos-Tóth in the National Dance Theatre, the organizers said in a statement. The Budapest International Book Festival has a long tradition of showcasing the culture, literature and publishing of a country or region.
This year, France and contemporary French literature will receive special attention, with the participation of the most important French contemporary writers.
Several high-profile French publishers are also planning meetings with their Central European partners. The slogan of the booth presenting contemporary French literature is ‘reflection,’ suggesting that books not only open new doors to the world, but also hold up a mirror to the reader, the statement said.
The series of events will feature almost 150 exhibitors and renowned Hungarian and foreign writers in the park, in Buildings B (Nagycsarnok / Main Hall) and D (Üvegcsarnok / Glass Hall), in the Európa Pont (Europe Point) and in the National Dance Theatre. Children’s section will promote children’s books and reading, and will offer a colorful program for families in Building D. Each year, the Buda Prize is awarded by the Municipality of the 2nd District for the book that most effectively promotes education and upbringing.
Photo: Facebook/Budapesti Nemzetközi Könyvfesztivál/International Book Festival Budapest
On September 27, Friday, a European Writers’ Meeting will be held at the Europe Point.
The all-day event will feature round-table discussions with English-Hungarian simultaneous interpretation.
The festival also joins the Hungarian-Turkish cultural year, that celebrates the 100th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Hungary and Turkey in 1923, with Turkish publishers presenting their book offerings, holding joint book launches with their Hungarian partners and seeking further professional cooperation.
The festival offers a wide range of cultural programs with the participation of prominent representatives of world literature and Hungarian intellectual life:
All programs are free of charge.
Photo: Facebook/Budapesti Nemzetközi Könyvfesztivál/International Book Festival Budapest
At next year’s Budapest International Book Festival Romania will be the guest of honor, and German-language literature will be the guest of honor at the 2026 event, the MKKE said in a statement.
Via MTI, Featured image: Facebook/Budapesti Nemzetközi Könyvfesztivál/International Book Festival Budapest
