Key points from the press conference in Thessaloniki, Tuesday, May 5
Mr. Nikos Bakounakis, President of the Hellenic Foundation for Books and Culture, spoke of a modern, hybrid model embraced by an increasing number of book fairs worldwide, which harmoniously combines the commercial, professional, and cultural character of this year’s 22nd Thessaloniki International Book Fair, turning it into a comprehensive experience for the entire book world.
He particularly emphasized the well-designed children’s programme, which this year began as early as March, in collaboration with schools in the Region of Central Macedonia, aiming not only at participation but also at content creation, to be presented in the children’s corner. He also pointed out that HFBC has designed the “DiavaZOUME” (We Read/Live) reading culture promotional campaign and has invited distinguished organizations to this year’s TBF that work globally for the dissemination of books and reading, such as EURead, the Bonnier Family Foundation, and the German Stiftung Lesen – foundation for the promotion of reading.
He also referred to the redesign of all pavilions, the transformation of Pavilion 12 with the creation of a space for screening ERT’s archival literary-themed broadcasts, an interview studio, and three event halls, as well as the creation of a lounge in Pavilion 14, where visitors can rest, meeting a long-standing public demand. He also stressed that, starting this year, there will be free admission passes to the TBF in order to record the actual number of visitors and collect reliable quantitative attendance data.
He further noted the contribution of sponsors and supporters, that are key to the sustainability and growth of the fair, allowing for the expansion of activities and the enhancement of its impact.
Specifically, in addition to the Municipality of Thessaloniki and TIF-HELEXPO, strategic partners of the TBF, he thanked MOMus, the Municipal Library, ERT, the Thessaloniki Film Festival, the National Theatre of Northern Greece (NTNG), as well as Fraport, which for yet another year is boosting the fair’s promotion by providing spaces for welcoming and informing the public at Thessaloniki Airport. Furthermore, for the first time this year, HFBC is conducting a campaign through the city’s taxis, which transport hundreds of residents and visitors daily, featuring promotional material for passengers and continuous updates for drivers regarding the fair.
At the same time, he highlighted the creation of two new digital websites managed by HFBC, the TBF website and TBF Connect, which enhance the organization’s extroversion and serve as an international networking and communication platform for book professionals, publishers, and creators, extending the fair’s presence beyond physical boundaries.
“Our goal is to get better every single year”, he stated, thanking the Ministry of Culture and Minister Lina Mendoni for her constant support of HFBC, the Region of Central Macedonia, the Municipality of Thessaloniki, and HELEXPO for their long-term cooperation and support, while emphasizing the role of publishers and book organizations, without whom the fair would not be possible.
Finally, he referred to the Guest of Honour Bulgaria, which strengthens intercultural dialogue and creates bridges of cooperation with the broader region. As he said, “We are making an effort to come closer to the countries of South-Eastern Europe that produce very significant literature, and we want to broaden the experience with the languages of the countries in our region”.
The four-day celebration of books will host Greek authors and authors from abroad in Thessaloniki and its International Exhibition Center, bringing different cultures together and opening a dialogue in a turbulent world where books can offer hope, as noted by the President of TIF-HELEXPO, Mr. Christos Tsentemeidis.
“With reading culture and the formation of a new generation of readers as the central theme of this year’s event, we look forward to seeing children and adults share their love for reading during these four days in a universe that I feel is growing every year with new readers and new reading experiences”, he stressed. After all, as he added, in the rapid digital reality we all live in, books offer the opportunity to take our time, to pause, to return again and again to a page, to delve deeper, and not to rush. He also underlined the close cooperation with HFBC and assured that “TIF-HELEXPO, which has historically contributed to the institution of the TBF, will continue to support an event that is a true gem for our city”.
The Deputy Mayor of Culture, Tourism Development, and Intermunicipal Cooperation of the Municipality of Thessaloniki, Mr. Vassilis Gakis, characterized the Thessaloniki International Book Fair as an important institution for the city, which, as he stressed, strengthens its extroversion, identity, and international collaborations, a prime example being the participation of the Guest of Honour, Bulgaria this year. Mr. Gakis mentioned that the Municipality of Thessaloniki has historically supported both the event and books in general, investing substantially in the municipal library and its network with significant funding. According to Mr. Gakis, the city today possesses an extensive network of libraries, while a new, innovative reading space was recently created by the sea, the Glass Pavilion, which aspires to function as a cultural hub for book and art activities.
The Deputy Regional Governor for Culture and Sports, Mr. Christos Mittas, referred to the significance of the Thessaloniki International Book Fair as an institution that strengthens the country’s position on the international cultural map and promotes knowledge, dialogue, and creativity. He emphasized the support of the Region of Central Macedonia and Regional Governor Ms. Athina Athanasiadou-Aidona for the event, highlighting the role of books as a means of cultivating critical thinking and strengthening democracy.
He made special mention of this year’s Guest of Honour, Bulgaria, emphasizing the strong cultural ties that unite the two peoples, as well as the multicultural character of Thessaloniki as a modern cultural hub. At the same time, he thanked the Hellenic Foundation for Books and Culture for its contribution, stressed that the Region will continue to support its vision, and invited the public to participate in this great celebration of books.
As stated during the press conference by the Director of the National Book Center of Bulgaria, Mr. Svetlozar Zhelev, Bulgaria’s presence as the Guest of Honour at the Thessaloniki International Book Fair constitutes a particularly significant moment of cultural extroversion, as the country returns to such an institution after nearly three decades.
He pointed out the importance of literary and cultural diplomacy, underlining that books serve as a bridge of communication between peoples, as well as a “safe haven” in a time of uncertainty. He thanked the Greek and Bulgarian organizations that contributed to the preparation of this participation, giving special emphasis to the collaboration with translation institutions and international organizations.
Presenting Bulgaria’s programme, he referred to the participation of prominent authors, illustrators, and book professionals who connect Bulgarian literature with the international audience. He made special mention of the importance of translation, noting that thanks to translators, Greek literature –with characteristic examples such as Kazantzakis, Cavafy, Elytis, or Seferis– has achieved a strong presence among Bulgarian readers.
Concluding, he expressed his certainty that Bulgaria’s presence in Thessaloniki this year will further strengthen the dialogue between the two countries and open new paths of cooperation among creators, publishers, and the reading public. “Greek authors will have their place at the Sofia International Book Fair in December”, he noted.
The Director of the SOFIA Literary Agency, Ms. Gergana Pancheva, expressed her gratitude for Bulgaria’s participation in the Thessaloniki International Book Fair, characterizing it as a major opportunity for extroversion and collaboration.
She emphasized that books and stories are a fundamental means of connecting peoples, noting that their dissemination beyond borders requires strong support and that cooperation between Greece and Bulgaria must be strengthened. She also referred to Bulgaria’s organized and dynamic presence, with the contribution of creative bodies and the participation of publishers in the professional programme.
Particular emphasis was placed on the role of translation as a tool for intercultural communication, as well as on activities centred on children’s books and reading culture. The Guest of Honour’s programme also includes events, workshops, screenings, and discussions highlighting the connection between literature and other art forms, such as the adaptation of books into film.
In closing, she noted that this year’s participation aspires to further strengthen the publishing and cultural relations between the two countries, opening new perspectives for cooperation and alternatives.
In a recorded greeting, the internationally renowned International Booker Prize winner, Mr. Georgi Gospodinov, recalled his participation in the TBF three years earlier and referred to the excellent prospects for Bulgarian and Greek literature.
During the press conference, recorded messages were sent by many distinguished Bulgarian authors who will participate in this year’s event.
Photos from the press conference can be found HERE.
The complete programme of the 22nd TBF is available on its website: https://thessalonikibookfair.gr/programme/. Explore the sections and discover the events you wish to attend! Information and details about the event and all Press Releases can be found on the bilingual website https://www.thessalonikibookfair.gr/, which, as the social media managed by HFBC, will be constantly updated and enriched.
The Thessaloniki International Book Fair (TBF) is organized by the Hellenic Foundation for Books and Culture (HFBC) in collaboration with TIF–HELEXPO, Greek publishers, and the Municipality of Thessaloniki, with the support of the Ministry of Culture and the Region of Central Macedonia. It is co-funded by the European Regional Development Fund, within the framework of the ROP Central Macedonia 2021-2027. TBF is a member of the International Book Fairs Forum and the European Book Fairs Network ALDUS UP.
