Literary festivals around the world that you shouldn’t miss

The world is opening up step by step, travelers are packing their bags, and are planning their next trip. This year lots of festivals and events that were cancelled due to the pandemic are being organized once again. This year you can choose among concerts, literary events, sports matches and so much more. There are quite a few literary festivals around the world that you shouldn’t miss. People from different countries arrive every year with the sole purpose to be surrounded by books.

These happenings are being organized carefully to meet the restrictions and safety measures that apply. Even though it may be harder to attend this year in contrast to other years, it is still worth it. Lots of authors, publishers, and book lovers attend these conventions and discover the world of books. Here are 5 literary festivals that are worth looking forward to.

1. Internationales Literaturfestival Berlin: a literary festival you shouldn’t miss

international festival of literature berlin - literary festivals around the world that you shouldn't miss
International Festival of Literature, Berlin.

Since September of 2001, the International Festival of Literature takes place every year in Berlin. During the festival authors from all around the world are coming to Berlin to present their work. The works are divided into 5 categories. These are literatures of the world, reflections, international children’s and young adult literature, speak and memory, science and the humanities, and specials.

All these written works are presented to the audience in various places and different ways. Usually, the author reads their works in the language it was written in. Later on, an interpreter reads it again in German. While being there, everyone has the chance to participate in workshops and listen to talks of German and other authors. Many presentations take place in museums and theatres of great interest. What is exceptional about this festival is the guest list, which often consists of Nobel prize winners.

2. Hay Festival – another literary festival you shouldn’t miss

hay festival - literary festivals around the world that you shouldn't miss
Hay Festival, Wales

The Hay Festival takes place every year in the town of Hay in Wales. It lasts for ten days, from the last days of May to the first week of June. Nowadays, it is one of the best and most famous festivals in the UK and the world. Lots of activities are being organized as part of the festival and some are even being broadcasted on British television. In this way, even people who are not able to attend in person can still be part of it.

These last years the organization includes also music events and movie screenings. After it gained so much popularity, a festival named after this one has been popping up around the world. This year, after last year’s break, the festival is happening again. It starts on the 26th of May while the last day to attend is the 6th of June. The schedule includes many special events and talks from people of the industry, such as Noam Chomsky and Brit Bennet.

3. Jaipur Literature Festival

jaipur literature festival - literary festivals around the world that you shouldn't miss
Jaipur Literature Festival, India

This festival is organized every January in Jaipur, a city in India. It is one of the biggest literature festivals with free attendance. In this way, you can visit it even if you haven’t planned it in advance. The events usually take place in a hotel named Diggi Palace, which consists of big halls and a beautiful garden. The very first festival took place in 2006 and since then hundreds of people arrive in Jaipur just to attend.

It is not just the readers that arrive from all over the globe. Authors, presenters, and hosts of many nationalities travel to India to be part of this great happening. Unfortunately, due to the worrying situation of the pandemic, the festival was once again cancelled in 2021. The organizers have promised though that 2022 is going to be a very interesting year for the attendees.

4. Brooklyn Book Festival

brooklyn book festival - literary festivals around the world that you shouldn't miss

Every year hundreds of book festivals take place in the US. None of them though is as remarkable as the Brooklyn Book Festival. This particular festival is very famous around the world, but two special features make it very special. First of all, it is a great opportunity for new authors to present their work even if they’re still unknown to the public. Secondly, it is the biggest book festival in the United States.

It was organized for the first time in 2006 and since then, every September, booklovers arrive in New York to attend. There, they have the chance to meet, chat and listen to authors, famous or not. This year the participants could attend in person or online due to the pandemic restrictions. Still, everyone got their chance to witness this great event and feel part of the book community.

5. Vancouver Writers’ Festival

vancouver writers' festival - literary festivals around the world that you shouldn't miss
Panel at the Vancouver Writers’ Festival

Vancouver Writers’ Festival is one of the oldest book festivals. First organized in 1988, it is since one of the favorite events of readers and authors around the world. It takes place every autumn in the beautiful city of Vancouver in British Columbia, Canada. This year the festival will start on the 18th of October and it will last until the 24th of the same month. The schedule is full of interesting events, discussions and interviews.

The most fascinating characteristic of the Writers’ Festival is the guestlist. Writers like Margaret Atwood, Thomas Keneally, and John Irving have attended the event in the previous years. Their interviews, discussion panels, and speeches have attracted the attention of everyone as expected. In addition to all the above, younger attendees have the chance to participate in lots of workshops and contests, specially organized for them.