# European literary festivals and author promotions

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/european-literary-festivals-and-author-promotions
> Updated: 2026-09-23T20:27:19.000Z. Sources: 7. Developments: 2.

Literary festivals and book promotions in Europe have recently highlighted various regional authors and themes of identity.

In early September, the 41st Vilenica Festival in Slovenia awarded the Vilenica Prize to Ukrainian writer and poet Serhiy Zhadan, focusing on intercultural dialogue and identity. Concurrently, the 19th Vrisak festival in Croatia featured Ukrainian writer Oksana Zabuzhko, who discussed national identity and postcolonial trauma.

Later in the month, Croatian literary figures conducted promotions in other locations. In Vienna, Mirko Ćurić presented his historical novel ‘Svirači čarobnih frula’ at the Croatian Center, accompanied by musical performances. In Budva, Damir Karakaš presented his novel ‘Sunčanik’ at the National Library ‘Miroslav Luketić’, a work described by critics as exploring themes of life, death, and nature.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-23: Croatian authors hold literary promotions in Vienna and Budva

Croatian authors Mirko Ćurić and Damir Karakaš are hosting book promotions in Vienna and Budva, respectively, featuring musical performances and discussions on historical and mystical themes.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/croatian-authors-hold-literary-promotions-in-vienna-and-budva

### 2026-09-02: European literary festivals highlight Ukrainian authors and identity

Literary festivals Vilenica in Slovenia and Vrisak in Croatia are celebrating international authors, with a strong emphasis on Ukrainian writers and themes of identity and cultural dialogue.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/european-literary-festivals-highlight-ukrainian-authors-and-identity

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Cite as: European literary festivals and author promotions. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/european-literary-festivals-and-author-promotions