We are delighted that the Czech Republic was part of this year’s Leipzig Book Fair, which welcomed a record 313,000 visitors and once again confirmed its important role on the European literary scene. From March 19 to 22, the fair featured more than 3,000 events at over 300 venues throughout Leipzig and brought together 2,044 exhibitors from 54 countries. The Czech participation was thus part of an exceptionally strong edition that demonstrated just how vibrant and inspiring the contemporary book world is.
The grand opening of the Czech national pavilion was attended by Fair Director Astrid Böhmisch, Jiří Čistecký, Ambassador of the Czech Republic to the Federal Republic of Germany; Tomáš Kubíček, Director General of the Moravian Library; Martin Krafl, Director of the Czech Literary Center; Gabriele Goldfuss, Head of the International Cooperation Department of the City of Leipzig; and Juergen Boos, Director of the Frankfurt Book Fair.
Markéta Pilátová presented her book Bába Bedla at the fair; it was recently published in German under the title Die Maronenmatrone by Drava Verlag, translated by Mirko Kraetsch. Illustrator Martina Trchová also contributed to the book. Miroslav Hlaučo presented his debut novel “Letnice,” which has won the Magnesia Litera Prize twice in the Czech Republic. The book, which is classified as magical realism, has now been published in German under the title “Pfingsten” by Anthea Verlag, translated by Raija Hauck. Further international editions are in preparation. The discussions were moderated by Mirko Schwanitz, with Bianca Lipanská providing interpretation.
The press conference was attended by Jürgen Boos, Director of the Frankfurt Book Fair; Tomáš Kubíček, Director General oWhat was the atmosphere like at the booth and during the press conference for journalists? Take a look at these snapshots from the fair. Speakers at the press conference included Juergen Boos, Director of the Frankfurt Book Fair; Tomáš Kubíček, Director General of the Moravian Provincial Library and Director of Czechia 2026; Martin Krafl, Director of the Czech Literary Center and Program Director of Czechia 2026; Hugo Rosák, Head of the Film Industry Office at KVIFF; writer Markéta Pilátová; and writer Miroslav Hlaučo. The event was moderated by Annika Grützner, with interpretation provided by Bianca Lipanská.
Pictures: Sabine Felber/Literaturtest