Press release of the 29th Budapest International Book Festival

The Association of Hungarian Publishers and Book Distributors will organise the 29th Budapest International Book Festival between 26 and 29 September 2024. This year again, the Millenáris will host the largest international book event in Hungary, which will be opened by psychologist and author Noémi Orvos-Tóth in the National Dance Theatre.

The Festival's Guest of Honour will be Jón Kalman Stefánsson, a world-renowned author of contemporary Icelandic literature, who will receive the Budapest Grand Prize, the capital's most prestigious literary award, from the Mayor of Budapest.

The Budapest International Book Festival has become a tradition to showcase 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 contemporary French writers. Pierre Assouline, Arnaud Dudek, Didier Eribon, Magalie Le Huche, Maylis de Kerangal, Marie-Aude Murail, Pascale Robert-Diard and Zanzim will be among the authors whose latest or first books will be published in Hungary at the end of September. The authors, who work in a variety of genres, represent the best of contemporary French literature, from youth literature to comics, from historical fiction to social science essays. Several established French publishers are also planning meetings with their Central European partners. The slogan of the stand on contemporary French literature is réflexion, or reflection, suggesting that books not only open new doors to the world, but also hold up a mirror to the reader.

The four-day event series will feature nearly 150 exhibitors and renowned Hungarian and foreign writers in Millenáris B (Great Hall) and D (Glass Hall), Millenáris Park, Europa Point and the National Dance Theatre. Children's (b)literature for children will promote children's books and reading, and will also offer a colourful programme for families in Building D.

On Friday 27 September, a European Writers' Meeting will take place at the Europe Point. The all-day event will feature round-table discussions with English-Hungarian simultaneous interpretation for those interested in European literature, including Central European literature.

The Festival will also join the Hungarian-Turkish Cultural Year, which celebrates the 100th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Hungary and Turkey in 1923, with book launches by top Turkish publishers, book launches with their Hungarian partners and the search for further professional cooperation.
Each year, the Buda Prize for the book that most effectively promotes education and upbringing is awarded by the II District Municipality on the last day of the event.

The 29th Budapest International Book Festival offers a wide range of cultural programmes with the participation of prominent representatives of world literature and Hungarian intellectual life: writer-reader meetings, readings, book signings, literary evenings, book screenings, discussions and film screenings await the public during the four days of the event. All events are free of charge.

Romania will be the guest of honour at the 2025 Budapest International Book Festival, and German-language literature will be the guest of honour at the 2026 event.

All literature and book lovers are welcome!