22nd Thessaloniki International Book Fair: 400 exhibitors,
“GeneReaders / Book Generators” the theme of this year’s event
With the participation of approximately 400 exhibitors (publishers and institutions), including 30 publishing houses taking part for the first time, with 25 international authors from around the world presenting their work, and with 330 events for adults and 104 for children and teenagers, the 22nd Thessaloniki International Book Fair (TBF) will take place from May 7 to 10 at the Thessaloniki International Exhibition & Congress Center.
This year’s event is themed “Generation of Readers / Book Creators” (GeneReaders / Book Generators) and is linked to the Year of Reading declared by the Hellenic Foundation for Books and Culture (HFBC) for 2026–2027. The Honoured Country is Bulgaria, returning in this role to international book fairs after 27 years. The Thessaloniki International Book Fair is organized by the HFBC in cooperation with TIF-HELEXPO, Greek publishers, and the Municipality of Thessaloniki, with the support of the Ministry of Culture and the Region of Central Macedonia.
For four days, Thessaloniki and the TBF will become a meeting point for Greek and international authors, illustrators, translators, and publishing professionals. Within the framework of the fair, 40 distinguished professionals from major publishing houses worldwide will participate in the fellowship programme, while the Professional Programme will host eight prominent representatives of international organizations and ministries, as well as three authors from the European Union Prize for Literature (EUPL).
The Chairman of the Board of the Hellenic Foundation for Books and Culture, Mr. Nikos Bakounakis, described the 22-year long organization of the fair as a significant achievement. He also referred to this year’s hybrid model, combining commercial, professional, and cultural/artistic elements, as well as to the many changes and innovations introduced in this edition, including the redesign of exhibition pavilions. He noted that visitors’ entries will be digitally recorded this year, providing a clearer picture of attendance. Referring to the central theme of reading, he stressed that it is one of the most important issues globally, while also highlighting the expansion of the fair using additional venues such as MOMus and the Municipal Library.
The four-day celebration of books will bring together Greek and international authors in Thessaloniki, fostering dialogue between cultures in a challenging world, where books can offer hope, noted the Chairman of the Board of TIF-HELEXPO, Mr. Christos Tsentemeidis. “With this year’s central theme focusing on reading and the shaping of a new generation of readers, we look forward to seeing both children and adults sharing their love for reading over these four days, in a universe that seems to grow each year with new readers and new reading experiences,” he stated. He added that in today’s fast-paced digital reality, a book offers the opportunity to slow down, pause, revisit pages, and engage more deeply. He also emphasized the close cooperation with the HFBC and reaffirmed that TIF-HELEXPO, a long-standing supporter of the institution, will continue to stand by an event that is a jewel for the city.
The Deputy Mayor for Culture, Tourism Development and Intermunicipal Cooperation of the Municipality of Thessaloniki, Mr. Vassilis Gakis, highlighted that TBF is one of the city’s most important cultural events, combining cultural value with extroversion through international participation. He also noted that the municipality is, after academic institutions, the largest “customer” for books, having procured more than 10,000 titles in 2025 alone for the Municipal and regional libraries.
The Deputy Regional Governor for Culture and Sports of the Region of Central Macedonia, Mr. Christos Mittas, described the fair as an institution that strengthens Thessaloniki’s position on the cultural map of Greece and internationally, underlining the city’s role as a modern cultural hub in Southeastern Europe.
In a recorded message, internationally acclaimed International Booker Prize winner Georgi Gospodinov recalled his participation in the TBF three years ago and noted that important developments are expected for both Bulgarian and Greek literature.
Cultural diplomacy may not be very common in politics, but it is essential for building bridges between nations, and the Thessaloniki International Book Fair plays a key role in this process, stated the Director of the National Book Centre of Bulgaria, Mr. Svetlozar Zhelev, highlighting the importance of Greek literature for Bulgaria. As he noted, the two literary traditions share many common elements.
Mrs. Gergana Pancheva, Director of the SOFIA Literary Agency, emphasized that it is our duty to help stories travel, and that achieving this requires a strong ecosystem of professionals something actively pursued through the collaboration between Bulgaria and Greece at the 22nd TBF. She also announced that the inauguration of Bulgaria’s Honoured Country participation will take place on May 7 at 17:00.
During the press conference, several distinguished Bulgarian authors participating in this year’s event also shared recorded messages.
