7 Unmissable Literary Festivals Around the World for Book Lovers

Post Published June 6, 2024

See how everyone can now afford to fly Business Class and book 5 Star Hotels with Mighty Travels Premium! Get started for free.



7 Unmissable Literary Festivals Around the World for Book Lovers - Edinburgh International Book Festival - Celebrating Literary Genius





With a new director, Jenny Niven, and a fresh location at the former Royal Infirmary, the 2023 festival, themed "The Joy of Words," promises an exceptional lineup of over 500 events featuring eminent writers, artists, and intellectuals.

The Edinburgh International Book Festival is one of the largest and most prestigious literary festivals in the world, with over 800 authors and writers participating in more than 900 events annually.

The festival's new director, Jenny Niven, has overseen the festival's move to a new location, the former Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, which provides a unique and historic setting for the celebration of literary genius.

In 2023, the festival's theme will be "The Joy of Words," which promises to bring together a diverse array of eminent writers, artists, and intellectuals from around the world to explore the power and beauty of language.

Remarkably, the festival has been running for over 40 years, having first launched in 1983, and has welcomed hundreds of thousands of visitors over the decades, cementing its status as a must-attend event for book lovers.

Interestingly, the festival's shift to a hybrid model, with both in-person and online events, has allowed it to reach a wider audience and expand its global reach, while still maintaining the intimate, community-focused atmosphere that has made it so beloved by literature enthusiasts.

What else is in this post?

  1. 7 Unmissable Literary Festivals Around the World for Book Lovers - Edinburgh International Book Festival - Celebrating Literary Genius
  2. 7 Unmissable Literary Festivals Around the World for Book Lovers - Hay Festival - A Bookworm's Delight in the Welsh Countryside
  3. 7 Unmissable Literary Festivals Around the World for Book Lovers - Tennessee Williams Literary Festival - Immersing in Southern Storytelling
  4. 7 Unmissable Literary Festivals Around the World for Book Lovers - Irrawaddy Literary Festival - Exploring Myanmar's Literary Landscapes
  5. 7 Unmissable Literary Festivals Around the World for Book Lovers - Jaipur Literature Festival - A Feast for Bibliophiles in India's Pink City
  6. 7 Unmissable Literary Festivals Around the World for Book Lovers - Buenos Aires International Book Fair - Diving into Latin American Literature

7 Unmissable Literary Festivals Around the World for Book Lovers - Hay Festival - A Bookworm's Delight in the Welsh Countryside





The Hay Festival in Hay-on-Wye, Wales, is a beloved literary festival that attracts book enthusiasts from around the world.

Held annually for 10 days in May-June, the festival offers a diverse range of events, including author talks, workshops, and book signings, as well as music, comedy, and theater performances.

Visitors can explore the festival's free schools program, vibrant family-friendly activities, and new creative initiatives, all set against the picturesque backdrop of the Welsh countryside.

Along with the Hay Festival, other prominent literary festivals around the globe, such as the Berlin Literature Festival, the Sydney Writers' Festival, and the Hayao Miyazaki-themed festival in Japan, continue to inspire a love of reading and celebrate the diverse perspectives of authors, poets, and writers.

The Hay Festival takes place in the small town of Hay-on-Wye, which has a population of just over 1,800 people, making it one of the smallest host locations for a major literary festival globally.

The festival's origins can be traced back to 1988 when founder Norman Buckley organized the first event as a way to celebrate the town's thriving secondhand bookshops and attract more visitors to the area.

Despite its rural setting, the Hay Festival attracts an impressive number of high-profile authors, with past speakers including Nobel Laureates, Booker Prize winners, and acclaimed writers from around the globe.

In a unique twist, the festival's program features a dedicated "Green Room" where authors can engage in more intimate discussions and workshops with attendees, providing a rare opportunity for deeper connections.

Remarkably, the Hay Festival has spawned a series of international offshoots, with sister festivals held in locations as far-flung as Cartagena, Colombia, and Dhaka, Bangladesh, showcasing the event's global appeal.

Notably, the Hay Festival has been praised for its commitment to accessibility, offering a range of free events and discounted tickets to students, seniors, and other concession holders, ensuring the festival remains inclusive and welcoming to all book lovers.


7 Unmissable Literary Festivals Around the World for Book Lovers - Tennessee Williams Literary Festival - Immersing in Southern Storytelling





This five-day event, now in its 38th year, honors the legacy of acclaimed American playwright Tennessee Williams, who made the historic French Quarter his home.

The festival's schedule offers a diverse range of events, ensuring there is something to pique the interest of every literary enthusiast, from aspiring writers to seasoned critics.

The festival pays homage to Tennessee Williams, one of the most influential American playwrights of the 20th century, who spent a significant portion of his life in New Orleans.

Interestingly, the festival coincides with the annual celebration of Saint Patrick's Day, resulting in a unique fusion of literary and cultural events that celebrate the city's vibrant heritage.

Remarkably, the festival features a dedicated LGBTQ+ literary track, the SaintsSinners LGBTQ Literary Festival, which spotlights diverse voices and perspectives within the Southern literary tradition.

Attendees can participate in interactive writing workshops led by acclaimed authors, where they can hone their storytelling skills and gain insights into the creative process.

Surprisingly, the event also features a lively cabaret-style performance series, where musicians, actors, and artists interpret Williams' works through music, dance, and other creative mediums.

Notably, the festival's literary walking tours offer a unique opportunity for participants to explore the historic streets of New Orleans and discover the settings that inspired Williams' timeless narratives.


7 Unmissable Literary Festivals Around the World for Book Lovers - Irrawaddy Literary Festival - Exploring Myanmar's Literary Landscapes





The Irrawaddy Literary Festival in Myanmar has emerged as a prominent platform for celebrating the country's rich literary heritage.

As Myanmar navigates its challenges, the festival's organizers remain hopeful that it will resume when the nation regains its freedom, continuing to shine a light on Myanmar's vibrant literary landscape.

The festival was founded by Jane Heyn, the wife of the former UK ambassador to Myanmar, as a means to promote freedom of speech and celebrate the country's literary heritage.

According to former British Foreign Secretary William Hague, the inaugural festival "achieved more for freedom of speech in one afternoon than most people manage in a lifetime."

The festival has featured keynote speakers of international renown, including Jung Chang, Fergal Keane, Louis De Bernieres, and Caroline Moorehead.

In addition to literary talks and presentations, the festival has also hosted interfaith dialogues with Buddhist monks from Mandalay, exploring the intersection of religion and literature.

Despite being put on hold due to the 2021 military coup in Myanmar, the festival's organizers remain optimistic that it will resume when democracy is restored in the country.

The festival's diverse program includes not only author readings and discussions but also book exhibitions, workshops, and literary performances, catering to a wide range of literary enthusiasts.

Interestingly, the festival has attracted both local and international authors, fostering a unique exchange of perspectives and ideas between Myanmar's literary community and the global literary landscape.

Remarkably, the festival's non-profit status and reliance on volunteer efforts have allowed it to maintain a strong focus on accessibility, with affordable ticket prices and free events for the local community.


7 Unmissable Literary Festivals Around the World for Book Lovers - Jaipur Literature Festival - A Feast for Bibliophiles in India's Pink City





The Jaipur Literature Festival has established itself as one of the world's most prestigious literary events, attracting over a million book lovers from across the globe since its inception in 2006.

Held at the Diggi Palace Hotel, the festival features a diverse range of programming, including literary discussions, author readings, workshops, and panel discussions, making it a true feast for bibliophiles.

The Jaipur Literature Festival is held in the picturesque Diggi Palace Hotel, a 300-year-old heritage property with stunning Rajasthani architecture and intricate courtyards.

Since its inception in 2006, the festival has hosted over 2,000 speakers, making it one of the largest literary events in the world in terms of the number of participants.

Remarkably, the festival attracts a staggering 20,000 attendees annually, showcasing the immense popularity and appeal of the event among book lovers from around the globe.

The festival's lineup features an impressive array of Nobel laureates, Booker Prize winners, and other acclaimed writers, offering attendees a rare opportunity to engage with literary luminaries.

Surprisingly, the festival's sessions are not limited to the indoor halls, but also take place throughout the Diggi Palace gardens, providing a serene and picturesque setting for literary discussions and performances.

Intriguingly, the Jaipur Literature Festival has a strong focus on accessibility, offering free events and discounted tickets to students and other concession holders, ensuring inclusivity for all book enthusiasts.

Interestingly, the festival's global appeal is evident in the participation of over 250 authors from more than 26 countries, fostering an international exchange of ideas and perspectives.

Remarkably, the Jaipur Literature Festival has become a model for other literary festivals around the world, inspiring the creation of similar events in diverse locations, from Colombia to Bangladesh.


7 Unmissable Literary Festivals Around the World for Book Lovers - Buenos Aires International Book Fair - Diving into Latin American Literature





The Buenos Aires International Book Fair is one of the top literary events in the Spanish-speaking world, drawing over 1 million visitors annually.

This year's fair will celebrate Argentina's 40th democratic anniversary and feature acclaimed authors from across Latin America, with Chile as the guest city of honor.

The fair offers a rich lineup of cultural programs, including conferences, roundtables, and book presentations, providing a platform for literary exploration and celebration of the Spanish-language literary universe.

The Buenos Aires International Book Fair is the most important literary event in the Spanish-speaking world, attracting around one million visitors from across Latin America and beyond.

The 47th edition of the fair will honor Argentina's 40th democratic anniversary, showcasing the country's vibrant literary legacy.

Chile has been selected as the guest city of honor for the 2023 event, highlighting the festival's commitment to celebrating the diverse literary landscapes of Latin America.

Remarkably, the fair features over 1,000 cultural activities, including conferences, roundtables, book presentations, and events catering to specialists, children, and teenagers.

Interestingly, the event is held every April at the La Rural Exhibition Center in Palermo, a unique and historic setting that adds to the festival's ambiance.

Surprisingly, the fair's lineup of acclaimed authors from across Latin America includes both emerging talents and literary luminaries, offering attendees a comprehensive exploration of the region's literary treasures.

The Buenos Aires International Book Fair has been praised for its commitment to accessibility, with a range of free events and discounted tickets available to ensure a diverse audience can engage with the literary programming.

Remarkably, the festival's cultural programs, including workshops, readings, and discussions, provide a platform for literary exploration and celebration, fostering a deeper appreciation for the Spanish-language literary universe.

Interestingly, the event's prominence is not limited to Argentina, as it has inspired the creation of similar literary festivals in other Latin American countries, such as the Guadalajara International Book Fair in Mexico and the Biblioteca Nacional de Chile Book Fair.

Notably, the festival's dedication to promoting freedom of expression and intellectual discourse has solidified its reputation as a vital hub for cultural exchange and the celebration of literary diversity.
See how everyone can now afford to fly Business Class and book 5 Star Hotels with Mighty Travels Premium! Get started for free.