This summer, Trenčín will become a place where words build bridges — between continents, cultures, and human experiences. Thanks to the European Capital of Culture Trenčín 2026 project, their city will, for the first time, become part of the prestigious Month of Author Readings, the largest event of its kind in Central Europe.

The Month of Author’s Reading festival originated in Brno and is today the largest of its kind in Central Europe.

From July 4 to 13, the Club Lúč will come alive with the voices of literature every evening. Always in dialogue — a Slovak or Czech author will engage in conversation with an international literary voice, representing the world of exile.

This year’s edition is unique — for the first time, the festival does not focus on a single country (in recent years, the spotlight was on Taiwan, Norway, or Iceland). Instead, it follows a powerful theme: exile literature.

Exile, as the central theme of this year’s festival, opens the door to stories of separation, the search for home, and the strength of words in difficult circumstances. The festival will open ceremonially on July 3 at 6 PM at KKC Hviezda, with a discussion on freedom of speech featuring Verona Šikulová, Juraj Buzalka, and Silvester Lavrík, accompanied by singer Skyva.

“We bring stories of exile, freedom, and the search for home to Trenčín — themes that remain relevant and universal,” says Martin Mazán from the Trenčín 2026 team.

An international lineup of authors from countries such as Palestine, Haiti, China, Turkey, Myanmar, Iran, Bangladesh, and Uzbekistan promises powerful stories of personal and societal transformation.

From the Slovak literary scene, remarkable voices will take the stage — authors known not only for the power of their words but for their unique perspectives on the world:
Dominika Sakmárová intertwines Slovak folklore with the exoticism of the Far East, bringing magical realism into literature.
Ivana Gibová is unafraid to experiment, opening bold themes of identity, generational tension, and the (dis)order of the world through her prose.
Vanda Rozenbergová, finalist of Anasoft Litera 2025, stands out with her precise observations of everyday life, writing with both humor and depth.
Michal Tallo, known also from Radio Devín, blends poetry, journalism, and translation into a unique linguistic world.

Every evening of the festival is an invitation to an intimate encounter with literature born at the crossroads of the world. The Month of Author Readings in Trenčín is not just a festival — it is a literary adventure that connects the people through stories.

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