Annual Book Week Opens in Budapest

The traditional Book Week in Hungary celebrates its 93rd anniversary this year. In 176 book pavilions, 182 exhibitors offer their books between June 9 and 12 and the program also includes book launches and signings.

“After a long period of discontinuity, we were able to meet in person at Vörösmarty Square and the Danube embankment in September 2021. We quickly picked up the thread and decided to continue life as it was before March 2020. But the reality was different. The epidemic era may be winding down, but another horror has come, a war is raging near us, deeply affecting and mobilizing every sentient human being, the President of the Association of Hungarian Book Publishers (MKKE), Katalin Gál said.

“Meanwhile, the economic consequences of the epidemic are also hitting everyday life with a full-court press, taking up our capacity to adapt. Publishing is hampered by paper shortage that is difficult to overcome, with skyrocketing paper prices, inflation and rising costs affecting all areas. Yet, we can set a record number of book stalls for the 93rd edition of the Festive Book Week," she added.

182 exhibitors will offer their books in 176 book pavilions. More than 60 book launch talks will take place on two stages in Budapest: on Vigadó Square and Vörösmarty Square, between 10 am and 8 pm. Unusually this year, there will be a children's corner on the Danube embankment, where the publishers will offer playful activities and the organizers will provide a permanent drawing area for the youngest readers.

Hungarian literature from beyond the country’s border will be represented at the Danube embankment: Hungarian publishers and authors from Transylvania, Slovakia and Vojvodina will be present. On Friday and Saturday evening, a concert will close the day on Vörösmarty Square: on Friday, the Szefárd trio will provide a good atmosphere, while on Saturday, Anima Sound System will take to the stage. Over the four days, organizers expect to see nearly a thousand signings, and almost the entire spectrum of Hungarian literature will be represented.