Romania
With Romania as the guest of honour at the 30th Budapest International Book Festival, taking place between October 2 and October 5, 2025 in Budapest, a vibrant celebration of Romanian literature is in store. The Romanian presence, coordinated by the Ministry of Culture of Romania in partnership with the Romanian Cultural Institute in Budapest, will feature a pavilion showcasing the best of contemporary Romanian writing. This special programme aims to highlight Romania’s literary talent on an international stage and strengthen cultural ties through the shared love of books.
The theme of the Romanian pavilion, “Books For Friends,” positions books as bridges of friendship and mutual understanding. It underscores the idea that stories can connect people across cultures, sparking dialogue and empathy. Reflecting this spirit, the stand is envisioned as a welcoming space where encounters and conversations between readers and writers take centre stage, inviting festival-goers to engage with literature – and each other – in an atmosphere of warmth and camaraderie.
Romania’s contemporary literature builds on a rich heritage while embracing the voices of today. It is dynamic and diverse, ranging from introspective fiction and bold poetry to imaginative children’s tales and insightful non-fiction. This diversity will be on full display through Romanian authors such as Ioana Pârvulescu, Radu Vancu, Alex Donovici, Stejărel Olaru, Alexandru Vakulovski, Gabriela Adameșteanu, Peter Demeny, Filip Florian, Ioan T. Morar, Moni Stănilă, Andrei Dosa and more who have confirmed their participation as part of the guest of honour programme. Collectively, they offer a panoramic view of Romania’s literary scene, covering genres from fiction and poetry to children’s literature and historical non-fiction.
All of these authors’ most acclaimed works are available in Hungarian translation, underscoring the existing literary dialogue between the two countries. Hungarian readers will be able to discover and enjoy Romanian stories in their own language, making the exchange of ideas even more immediate. The featured titles span a wide array of themes – from memory and history to friendship, identity, and the challenges of modern life – echoing the festival’s spirit of connection through storytelling.
Romania’s invitation as guest of honour is also a significant opportunity for Romanian publishers and literary professionals. By fostering new partnerships and rights exchanges, this participation as guest of honor country aims to strengthen regional cooperation and open new pathways for Romanian books within Central European publishing networks.
A spotlight will shine on the art of literary translation, emphasizing its crucial role in cultural dialogue between Romania and Hungary. Over the years, initiatives by the Romanian Cultural Institute and the Ministry of Culture have supported Hungarian translations of Romanian works (and vice versa), helping to build bridges between the two literary communities. The 2025 Book Festival will celebrate these efforts – from translators and publishers to cultural institutions – that bring Romanian and Hungarian readers closer together. Festival attendees can look forward to discussions on translation, book launches, and meet-and-greet sessions, all highlighting how literature transcends language barriers.
Under the slogan of “Books For Friends,” Romania’s presence at the Budapest International Book Festival 2025 promises to be an inspiring celebration of friendship through literature. Visitors are invited to join in this literary friendship – to explore the rich tapestry of Romanian stories, meet the authors behind them, and engage in the lively cultural exchange that defines the festival.
