Slovenia’s year as Guest of Honour at the Frankfurt Book Fair 2025 is officially underway — and the energy is electric. From literary premieres and sold-out readings to high-profile rights deals and international buzz, Slovenia is making a powerful impression on the global publishing stage.
Here’s your round-up of the most exciting moments, announcements, and achievements as they happen — live from Frankfurt.
Table of Contents
Opening Day
Slovenia kicked off its Guest of Honour program with a striking opening ceremony that mixed poetry, performance, and technology. President Nataša Pirc Musar welcomed guests with a message about the power of words, followed by a dramatic reading from acclaimed author Drago Jančar and a musical performance by Laibach.
The Slovenian pavilion — themed “Words Without Borders” — opened to huge crowds, wowing visitors with its eco-friendly design, curved wooden structures, and immersive multimedia installations featuring Slovenian literature in translation.
Big Announcements
Several Slovenian publishers closed international rights deals in the first two days of the fair. Highlights include:
- A 10-book translation deal with a major German publisher
- English rights for a new novel by Goran Vojnović
- Children’s book series by Slovenian authors picked up in France and Italy
This marks a big leap for Slovenian literature breaking into global markets.
New Translation Grants Announced
The Slovenian Book Agency (JAK) launched an expanded translation support program to fund more foreign-language editions of Slovenian works. The grants now include marketing support, not just translation — a major incentive for international publishers.
Slovenia–Germany Literary Partnership 2026
A new cultural agreement was signed between Slovenian and German cultural ministries to continue literary cooperation into 2026, with author exchanges, co-publishing programs, and mutual participation in book festivals.
Author Highlights
Dozens of Slovenian authors are appearing live in readings, talks, and debates throughout the week. Some standout moments include:
- Anja Mugerli reading from her award-winning short story collection in both Slovene and German.
- Brina Svit in conversation with French and German publishers about writing between cultures.
- Ales Šteger hosting a walking poetry tour through the city — one of the most talked-about off-site events.
Meanwhile, young Slovenian poets and graphic novelists are gaining attention for bold, genre-blending work.
Pavilion Buzz
The Slovenia pavilion is drawing large crowds — and not just for the books. Visitors are loving:
- Interactive poetry walls with real-time translation
- VR experiences of Slovenian landscapes tied to literary excerpts
- A quiet zone furnished like a forest reading nook
- Live calligraphy and letterpress demonstrations by Slovenian artisans
The pavilion has become a favorite hangout for agents, authors, and readers alike — offering a calming, beautiful escape from the fair’s busy halls.
Media Coverage
International media has been generous in its praise. Coverage from outlets like Die Zeit, Le Monde, and The Guardian highlighted Slovenia’s modern, multilingual literary identity and its smart, inclusive approach to showcasing both traditional and emerging voices.
German TV station ZDF featured Slovenia’s role in its cultural round-up, and several author interviews are now streaming on the Frankfurt Book Fair’s digital platform.
Slovenia’s Frankfurt 2025 Highlights So Far
| Highlight | Description |
|---|---|
| Opening Ceremony | Featured top authors, music, and eco-literary theme |
| Rights Deals | Books sold to Germany, France, Italy, UK |
| Pavilion Attraction | Architecture, poetry tech, and immersive design |
| Translation Grant Expansion | Support for publishers + marketing funds |
| Cultural Agreement Signed | Literary exchange program with Germany |
What’s Still to Come
And the fair’s not over yet. Upcoming events include:
- A literary panel on Central European identities
- Children’s literature showcase with live storytelling
- Live recording of a podcast with top Slovenian and German authors
- Closing celebration featuring music, food, and a new poetry installation
Plus, more rights deals are expected as the fair continues.
Slovenia’s presence at Frankfurt 2025 is proving to be more than just symbolic — it’s strategic, well-curated, and leaving a real mark. From literary art to business success, Slovenia is showing the world that even small nations have big stories worth sharing.
FAQs
What is Slovenia’s theme for Frankfurt 2025?
The theme is ‘Words Without Borders,’ focusing on global literary dialogue.
Have any rights deals been signed?
Yes, several deals with German, French, and English publishers.
What’s in the Slovenian pavilion?
Interactive exhibits, author events, and multimedia literature.
Who’s attending from Slovenia?
Authors, poets, translators, and literary organisations.
Will events continue after the fair?
Yes, a cultural agreement extends activities into 2026.
