The heart of Russia, Moscow, is once again hosting one of the most iconic cultural events in Eastern Europe: the Red Square Book Festival. Held annually, this celebration of literature has become a significant platform for intercultural exchange, bringing together prominent writers, intellectuals, and publishers from across the world. The festival, held under the theme of “Free Words and Renewed Knowledge,” creates a unique opportunity to blend local creativity with universal expression.
The heart of Russia, Moscow, is once again hosting one of the most iconic cultural events in Eastern Europe: the Red Square Book Festival. Held annually, this celebration of literature has become a significant platform for intercultural exchange, bringing together prominent writers, intellectuals, and publishers from across the world. The festival, held under the theme of “Free Words and Renewed Knowledge,” creates a unique opportunity to blend local creativity with universal expression.This year, the festival is set to take place from June 4–7, 2025, aligning with Russia’s “Russian Language Day” and the birthday of the nation’s literary giant, Alexander Pushkin. A host of events will unfold on the main stage, including poetry readings, music, theater performances, and notable book presentations. Last year, over 300,000 visitors from around the world attended, marking the Red Square Book Festival as a must-visit for book lovers and literary enthusiasts.
Among the key attractions of this year’s festival is a special literary event on June 5, organized by the World Organization of Writers (WOW). Led by poet and artist Margarita Al, the president of WOW, this event will take place from 15:15 to 16:00 at the Art Literature Tent. The gathering will celebrate the works of various authors honored with WOW awards over the last six years. These celebrated figures represent a wide array of poetic and narrative experiences that transcend cultural boundaries and connect the global literary community.
Celebrating the Literary Icons
A diverse and distinguished group of writers and poets will be celebrated during this event. Among the honorees is the late Konstantin Kedrov, a significant figure in modern Russian poetry. Kedrov was known for blending poetry with metaphysics and scientific thought, creating experimental works that defied traditional poetic conventions. His intellectual depth earned him a place as one of Russia’s most influential poets.
From Kazakhstan, Olzhas Suleimenov, a poet, diplomat, and thinker, will also be honored for his contributions to bridging the Turkic traditions with global poetry. His works speak to the linguistic and spiritual pluralism of his homeland, reflecting a deep sense of cultural dialogue and internationalism.
Representing Azerbaijan, Varis Yolchuyev is celebrated for his role in the development of contemporary literature in his country. As a poet, translator, and publisher, Yolchuyev’s works explore themes of national identity, the quest for peace, and the complexity of self in a rapidly changing world.
Turkey’s Toğrul Tanyol, an important voice in Turkish poetry, will also be recognized. His works are known for their profound exploration of themes such as human existence, isolation, and belonging, expressed through an abstract and sensual language that resonates with universal questions.
In Russia, Alexandra Ochirova, a leading female voice in Russian literature, will also be honored. Known for her philosophical poetry, Ochirova is a strong advocate for justice and beauty and has contributed to a variety of international cultural organizations, including her role as a UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador.
From Egypt, Ashraf Aboul-Yazid, a renowned poet, writer, and traveler, will be honored for his extensive contributions to the literary world. His works, translated into more than 15 languages, reflect his deep engagement with Eastern perspectives and humanist values. Alongside him, Egyptian writer and translator Ahmed Salaheldein (Saladeino), residing in Moscow, will read Aboul-Yazid’s poems translated by Russian-Azerbaijani poet Eldar Akhadov, offering an international perspective on the poet’s creative genius.
Wale Okediran from Nigeria, a poet, novelist, and medical doctor, will also be celebrated. Okediran’s work blends cultural authenticity with profound human insight, focusing on themes such as freedom, traditions, and contemporary African realities. In addition to his literary contributions, Okediran serves as the Secretary-General of the Pan-African Writers Association, playing a pivotal role in supporting African literature.
The literary event will conclude with the celebration of Adel Khozam from the United Arab Emirates, a poet and writer whose works explore mysticism, philosophy, and visual aesthetics. Khozam’s literary contributions have significantly influenced the Gulf literary scene, further broadening the festival’s international reach.
Red Square Book Festival: A Literary Extravaganza
This year marks the 11th consecutive Red Square Book Festival, which has become the premier literary event in Russia and an essential occasion for book enthusiasts across Eastern Europe. Over 400 publishers will showcase their works in tents situated next to the Kremlin’s walls, representing all Russian regions. Furthermore, the festival offers a unique opportunity to explore national literatures, with the inclusion of books from over 40 ethnic groups, including Yakut, Tatar, and Bashkir.
The four-day festival is packed with over 600 events, including meetings with famous authors such as Eugene Vodolazkin, Zakhar Prilepin, Daria Dontsova, and Alexei Salnikov, among others. The diverse program also includes the presentation of book novelties, poetry readings, and discussions about contemporary literature.
One of the highlights of this year’s festival is a musical performance based on Mikhail Sholokhov’s classic novel And Quiet Flows the Don, celebrating the 120th anniversary of Sholokhov’s birth. Additionally, a special performance commemorating the 225th anniversary of the ancient Russian poem The Tale of Igor’s Campaign will feature actor Sergey Garmash, accompanied by a full orchestra and renowned violist Yuri Bashmet.
Another unique feature of the festival is the focus on family reading. The Red Square Book Festival has made significant strides in fostering a love of literature among children. This year, it will honor the winners of the All-Russian Read with the Whole Family video contest, an initiative designed to encourage families to read together and pass down a love for books to the next generation.
A Symbol of Literary Unity
The Red Square Book Festival is not just an event for literature; it serves as a powerful reminder of how literature transcends borders and unites cultures. It is a symbol of the importance of books and the written word in fostering understanding, empathy, and creativity across nations. The WOW-2025 Congress, which will be announced during this festival, further exemplifies the role of literature in shaping global conversations.
As Moscow’s Red Square once again fills with the sounds of poetry, music, and literary dialogue, the festival stands as a testament to the enduring power of literature to bring people together, build bridges of understanding, and ignite the spark of creativity that unites us all.
