Literary Talks

This atypical format was conceived not as a festival but as a series of events, but the festival character prevailed in the very first year, when it was launched with the Polish writer and Nobel Prize winner in Literature Olga Tokarchuk, the Bulgarian writer and poet Georgi Gospodinov and many other Bulgarian writers, poets, theatre artists, painters, illustrators and academics.

Each edition of Literary Talks has a theme – a current, sufficiently significant or distinctive literary perspective. The absolute focus of the talks is literature, but also its relationship to the other arts and sciences. Literary Talks creates an environment in which literary works, themes and trends are discussed and commented on in a serious, professional, thoughtful, committed and engaging way.

An important part of the event is the intention to present Bulgarian literature as an equal part of the world literary processes.

Until 2024, Literary Talks has featured a variety of themes focusing on literary journalism, choices, war and peace, non-fiction, the works of Italo Calvino, literature and sport, growing up and walls. They have included a wide variety of events in addition to the more traditional conversations with writers. They have been the occasion for the production of several exceptional theatrical performances. They have been a seven-hour collage of literary events. One event was defined entirely by the choice of the authors who participated in it. The Talks have included discussions, literary quiz, installations, exhibitions, quick literary (and more) meetings, a concert, a literary orienteering and even tennis matches, boxing and chess demonstrations.

Starting in 2025, Literary Talks will be held only once a year. And the theme of Literary Talks 2025 will be “Archaeology of Memory.”