National Library Cyril and Methodius, Sofia, Bulgaria, exterior
This festival is an annual literary event held in September in Plovdiv. It is a celebration of literature, featuring book readings, discussions, and cultural activities. This inclusivity encourages people from all walks of life to come together and engage with literature, making it a cherished event for book lovers. It also has its own awards: The Orpheus Wreath of Excellence for Contemporary Poetry and the Golden Brush for Best Book Layout.
The Spring Book Fair takes place annually in various locations across Bulgaria, offering book enthusiasts a diverse selection of literature during the spring months. It features book presentations, author signings, discussions, and cultural events, fostering a love for reading. This cherished tradition has been celebrated for many years.
These holidays occur at various times throughout the year and are celebrated nationwide. They commemorate famous Bulgarian authors, host readings, and organize literary-themed activities, fostering a connection with Bulgaria’s literary heritage and culture. These holidays are observed throughout the year, often coinciding with the birth or death anniversaries of literary figures.
The Sofia Poetics Festival takes place in Sofia, celebrating poetry and literary expression. Held at varying times, it features poetry readings, performances, workshops, and discussions. The festival is known for its emphasis on poetic artistry, drawing poets and poetry lovers together to share their passion.
The Sofia International Bookfair is held in Sofia, typically in December. It is a prominent literary event specializing in showcasing a wide range of books and authors, both national and international. The fair includes book launches, author meetings, and cultural programs, making it a hub for literary exchange and exploration.
The Helikon Award recognizes outstanding contemporary Bulgarian authors and their significant literary works since 1990. The recipient is chosen by a panel of experts and literary critics for an outstanding debut, winning a varying monetary prize. It is organized by the Helikon Publishing House and is celebrated for its role in promoting Bulgarian literature.
Founded in 1998 to reward and recognize contemporary Bulgarian authors for significant contributions to literature and culture. Authors may be nominated or apply directly. The winner is chosen by a panel of literary experts and critics. Young authors receive 5,000 BGN along with a diploma.
Inaugurated in 1934, it is one of the oldest literary prizes in Bulgaria. Its aim is to recognize outstanding achievements in Bulgarian literature. Typically awarded to a Bulgarian author for their significant contributions to the literary field, the winners are selected by a jury composed of literary experts and scholars. It is endowed with 20,000 BGN.
The Union of Bulgarian writers is the oldest writers‘ organization in Europe. Over 110 years of activity, they have established many awards and contests in cooperation with different municipalities and private investors. By naming the prizes after poets or classic pieces of Bulgarian literature, the latest works of contemporary writers are placed in Bulgarian literary tradition. Prizes are given for short stories, critical books, prose, poems, poetry collections, literary criticism, and history. Most awards are presented in different categories. The money value differs from prize to prize.
Union of Bulgarian Writers.
The Elias Canetti National Literary Award is presented since 1992 to Bulgarian authors who have made exceptional contributions to literature in line with the legacy of Nobel laureate Elias Canetti, or is given to outstanding translations into Bulgarian. The prize is currently endowed with 5,000 BGN.
The Dora Gabe Translation Prize is part of the Dora Gabe Literary Prize. As a sign of gratitude for the life and literary work of Dora Gabe, in 2003 the Dobrich Municipal Council established the Dora Gabe National Literary Award. The award is non-competitive and is awarded every five years to an author for significant artistic achievements in the spirit of Dora Gabe’s messages and contribution to national literature.
The Translation Program of the National Book Center and the National Palace of Culture – Congress Center Sofia is a competition in which novels by contemporary and classical Bulgarian authors are translated into their respective languages for the first time. It is eligible to publishers from all over the world who wish to publish fiction and non-fiction literature.
The Peroto literary awards, established by the National Book Center and the National Palace of Culture – Congress Center Sofia, are given annually to writers, translators, literary specialists, and researchers who contribute to the development of contemporary Bulgarian literature and the popularization of Bulgarian literature through translation into foreign languages. The awards were established in 2015 and are named after the Peroto Literary Club, which serves as a literary symbol of the National Palace of Culture and hosts the annual award ceremony.
The Krastan Dyankov Translation Award of the Elizabeth Kostova Foundation is awarded for a translation from English into Bulgarian of a contemporary novel of high literary value. The original must be issued after 1980. Everyone can nominate a translator via the webpage of the Krastan Dyankov Award.
The Elizabeth Kostova Foundation offers a ten-day residency for female writers from Bulgaria and other European countries. The residency takes place in the Rhodope Mountains and provides writers with a quiet and secluded space to work on their projects. The residency often includes workshops, literary discussions, and cultural activities, creating a supportive environment for literary exploration and artistic growth.
Radar Sofia is a non-profit residency program that offers residencies to international and Bulgarian theatre makers and writers. The program is designed to support artists in the development of new work, and Radar Sofia provides its residents with a private studio space, access to the organization’s resources and staff, and a stipend to cover living expenses.
The Next Page Foundation in Sofia offers a residency program for literary translators and writers of Bulgarian literature. The programme is open to writers from all over the world, with the Next Page Foundation providing residents with a private studio space, access to the foundation’s resources and staff, and a stipend to cover living expenses.
The long-term residency program welcomes international translators of Bulgarian literature and international writers and poets, and lasts three to six weeks. The short-term visits (up to one week) are suitable for international editors, literary agents, publishers, literary managers, journalists, and other professionals interested in Bulgarian literature and literary communication.
