22nd TBF opening ceremony, Wednesday, May 6

The Minister of Culture, Lina Mendoni, officially opened the 22nd Thessaloniki International Book Fair (TBF) on the evening of Wednesday, May 6, 2026, at the TIF-HELEXPO International Exhibition Center. This year’s event, held under the auspices of the Ministry of Culture, and implemented by the Hellenic Foundation for Books and Culture (HFBC), is the leading cultural event for the book world in Southeast Europe and beyond. 

With the central theme “Generation of Readers / Book Creators”, this year’s event is inextricably linked to the HFBC’s 2026-27 Year of Reading Culture, aiming to cultivate a new culture of reading. In her address, the Minister of Culture underlined the importance of TBF as a strategic pillar of national book policy and the international outreach of Greek creators. 

During the opening ceremony, Minister of Culture Lina Mendoni stated: “In an era of cataclysmic changes and technological challenges, such as the rise of Artificial Intelligence, TBF functions as an ideal laboratory for reflection on the future of reading. The success of the institution is based on the fruitful convergence of state support and the increasing interest of civil society, which consistently supports the book as an irreplaceable cultural asset. Through a rich programme of speeches, TBF offers a broad spectrum of ideas, seeking compelling answers to the challenges of promoting reading culture. At the same time, this year’s event highlights its dual nature, combining high aesthetic standards with excellent preparation, serving as a true reflection of national publishing production. TBF has proven its resilience, overcoming the difficulties of the economic crisis and now acquiring an unshakeable confidence. The institution is entering a phase of full maturity, strengthening its international reach and its cooperation with the dynamic cultural entities of Thessaloniki. I would like to thank the HFBC President, Nikos Bakounakis, for the excellent organization, as well as the Deputy Minister of Culture of Bulgaria, Victor Stoyanov, since his presence proves that the dynamic literature of our neighbouring country is constantly reaching even wider audiences throughout Europe”. 

The President of the Hellenic Foundation for Books and Culture (HFΒC), Nikos Bakounakis, stated: “The 22nd Thessaloniki International Book Fair has now become a dynamic meeting point of ideas, adopting the most sustainable, hybrid international model that combines commercial, professional, and cultural character. With the motto “Generation of readers, book creators”, we focus on the promotion of reading and technology, enhancing outreach through digital platforms. I would like to warmly thank the Minister of Culture, Lina Mendoni, for the Ministry’s unwavering support, which is decisive for the further development of the institution. The HFBC’s goal remains a TBF that makes books visible and accessible to society as a whole, while highlighting this year the literary production of the guest of honour, Bulgaria”. 

The Deputy Minister of Culture of Bulgaria, Victor Stoyanov, stated: “It is a great privilege for Bulgaria to participate as the guest of honour at the 22nd TBF, an institution that embodies the spirit of cultural dialogue in our region. The literary ties between our two countries are deep and enduring, built by great authors and translators who act as living bridges of communication. The growing presence of Bulgarian literature in Greece confirms the power of cultural diplomacy. We warmly thank the Minister of Culture, Lina Mendoni, for her support and commitment. Greece and Bulgaria, as close allies and friends, celebrate together the power of the intellect”. 

The President of TIF-HELEXPO, Christos Tsentemeidis, referred to the close cooperation between TIF-HELEXPO and the Hellenic Foundation for Books and Culture (HFBC). He stressed that “we will continue to support an event deeply associated with Thessaloniki, which has offered so much to the city and highlights its cultural potential and its ability to bring together and synthesize different cultures”. 

“This year’s event confirms once again the success of an important and strong institution that leaves its own mark on Thessaloniki” noted the Deputy Minister of Interior (responsible for Macedonia-Thrace issues), Konstantinos Gioulekas, in his opening remarks, while making special reference to Thessaloniki’s relationship with books. Specifically, he stressed: “Thessaloniki has a strong reading culture. Because when you start your day in this city, you encounter culture at every step: in the monuments, in the history, in everything that constitutes its identity”. 

In his address, the Mayor of Thessaloniki, Stelios Angeloudis, expressed his warm congratulations to the Hellenic Foundation for Books and Culture and President Nikos Bakounakis for organizing yet another high-level event that promotes reading, enhances creativity, and highlights the decisive role of the book in modern society. “Books, this irreplaceable cultural asset, remain a pillar of knowledge, critical thinking, and intellectual cultivation”, he stated. 

“The Thessaloniki International Book Fair has made Thessaloniki and Central Macedonia a dynamic hub of culture and creation on the international book map”, stated the Governor of Central Macedonia, Athina Aidona, describing it as “an open field for the meeting of ideas, people, and cultures that sends a loud message of outreach and extroversion”. She concluded: “As the Region of Central Macedonia, we stand by the TBF and will continue to provide practical support in the coming years”. 

Theodora Dimova, author from the Guest of Honour country, noted in her own remarks: “When we talk about contemporary literature, we must first express our gratitude to the translators and mediators between the two languages, because they are the bridges on which we walk. A bridge is built with the expectation that many others will cross it, that there will be movement”. 

This year’s event features 318 exhibitors and over 25 authors from abroad, while the guest of honour, Bulgaria, is represented by prominent voices of its contemporary literature, such as Elena Alexieva, Theodora Dimova, and Rene Karabash. Particular emphasis is placed on the Professional Programme, where 40 distinguished professionals, including representatives from international publishing houses such as Penguin Random House and Gallimard, discuss the future of publishing, the challenges posed by Artificial Intelligence, and the “Spanish phenomenon” in the book market. 

Also, the Children’s and Young Adults Programme, which this year began as early as March in collaboration with schools in the Region of Central Macedonia, includes 104 events, with expected participation of more than 2,500 students from Northern Greece from general and special education schools, aiming not just for participation but also for the creation of content to be presented at TBF. 

Photos from the opening ceremony are available HERE. 

The 22nd TBF opened its doors on Thursday morning. The programme 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.