The seventh edition of the Bulgarian Book Festival in Brussels was held on June 14 and 15, 2025, at the cultural center GC De Markten, located in the heart of the Belgian capital. This important cultural event has established itself as a significant forum for Bulgarian literature and culture abroad, offering Bulgarians in Belgium and neighboring countries the opportunity to meet contemporary Bulgarian authors, discover new books, and participate in a variety of literary and cultural activities. The festival was organized by the Bulgarian Cultural Association in Belgium with the support of the Embassy of the Republic of Bulgaria in Brussels and with the kind assistance of the Permanent Representation of Bulgaria to the European Union, the Bulgarian Mission to NATO, and the Executive Agency for Bulgarians Abroad. The Bulgarian publishing house ICU was a partner in organizing the event.

Over the course of two full days, authors such as Viktoria Beshliyska, Teodora Dimova, Lyuben Dilov Jr., Violeta Radkova, Momchil Milanov, along with invited guests Dimitar Kotsev-Shosho, Maria Kasimova-Moase, and literary critic Svetlozar Zhelev, presented their new books, shared their creative pursuits, answered questions, and delighted their fans with personalized dedications. The accompanying book fair featured hundreds of titles of the latest and most sought-after books published by ICU, Janet-45, Ciela, Znatsi, Lemur, Colibri, SoftPress, and others. A special exhibition of original book covers and illustrations by artist Lyuba Haleva was also presented as part of the festival, visually enriching the event and allowing visitors to explore the unique art of Bulgarian book design.

For the first time during the festival, an international conference of readers’ clubs was held, bringing together representatives from Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, Germany, France, Austria, and Italy. The conference focused on shared reading and strengthening connections between authors, publishers, and readers, further enhancing the significance and scope of the event. These clubs, actively promoting Bulgarian literature and culture among Bulgarians abroad, had the opportunity to exchange ideas and discuss future initiatives to support and develop reading and literary tradition within the Bulgarian diaspora. The meeting reinforced ties between authors, readers, and organizers, emphasizing cultural exchange as a key element of the festival’s mission.

Among the large audience at the opening ceremony, special performances were given by the children’s dance group “Ha Tropenete” from Antwerp and the remarkable polyphonic singing ensemble “Bulgapeya,” who brought additional festive spirit and rich cultural atmosphere to the event.

On the eve of the festival, the Bulgarian Embassy hosted an inspiring evening gathering writers, publishers, journalists, festival organizers, and many volunteers without whom the celebration of the Bulgarian book would not have been possible. The evening unfolded with informal conversations, friendly meetings, and new acquaintances. Guests also enjoyed musical performances by pianists Antonia Evgenieva and Boris Bikov, who skillfully delivered a special musical greeting. The evening was opened with a welcome speech by Ms. Veneta Zayakova, Chargé d’Affaires and Consul of the embassy, who emphasized the importance of cultural exchange and the festival’s role in strengthening the Bulgarian community in Brussels.

Founded by Tanya Staneva, Rada Gankova, and a group of enthusiasts from the Bulgarian Cultural Association in Belgium, the Bulgarian Book Festival in Brussels has become a key cultural event connecting contemporary Bulgarian writers, publishers, and lovers of Bulgarian literature abroad. Today, this annual forum is among the most anticipated events for the Bulgarian community in Belgium and neighboring countries, contributing to its cohesion and to greater visibility and recognition of Bulgarian culture and literature in Europe.

This year’s edition of the festival received extensive coverage in the Bulgarian media thanks to journalists Ivan Ruslanov (Bulgarian National Radio) and Desislava Apostolova (Bulgarian National Television), as well as the wonderful photographs by the talented professional photographer, philologist, and publishing expert Nevena Rikova, who served as the official photographer of the festival.