Athens will be hosting its first International Literature Festival this month, bringing prominent writers and readers together in a new effort to promote reading and literary culture.
Organized by the Municipality of Athens, the Athens International Literature Festival (AILF) will take place from March 27 to 29 at the Technopolis. The festival will serve as a meeting point for writers and readers, while encouraging greater engagement with literature.
Participating in the first AILF, 2025 Nobel Prize in Literature winner László Krasznahorkai. Photo: Marili Zarkou
The three-day event will feature authors, journalists, academics and artists from Greece and abroad in talks, panel discussions, masterclasses and meetings with writers. Book signings, workshops, screenings, guided tours and music events will also be part of the program.
Among the major international writers participating in the Athens festival’s debut are 2025 Nobel Prize in Literature winner László Krasznahorkai; Booker Prize winner David Szalay; Paul Lynch; Kevin Barry; Nicole Krauss; Matteo Nucci; Selva Almada; and Katharina Volckmer.
Festival organizers say the event aims to bring literature closer to society. “Literature should be off the shelves and close to society,” said Athens Mayor Haris Doukas, highlighting the role of reading in helping people understand social and political issues.
A special discussion will feature former French footballer and anti-racism activist Lilian Thuram, who will speak about racism and stereotypes in and beyond sports.
Key themes of the inaugural festival include literature and politics, such as the rise of authoritarianism and the far right in Europe; gender identity and gender-based violence; racism and social inequality; and the future of literature and reading in the digital age. One panel, titled “It’s Not Murder, It’s Femicide”, will address gender-based violence.
As part of the ‘The Athens of Writers’ segment a tribute to Greek author Menis Koumandareas (1931-2014).
Other sessions will examine the relationship between literature, film and television storytelling, as well as the evolving role of literary criticism and reading culture. Discussions will also explore the impact of digital distractions on reading and the growing importance of book clubs in promoting literature.
A thematic section titled “The Athens of Writers” will highlight the relationship between literature and the city, including a tribute to Greek author Menis Koumandareas (1931-2014). Two masterclasses led by Paul Lynch and Nicole Krauss will offer participants insight into the creative writing process.
*All AILF events will take place at the Athens Technopolis and will include live translation in Greek, English, and sign language. Admission is free and open to the public.
