Reykjavík International Literary Festival celebrates 40 years with diverse and exciting program

The festival, which runs through Sunday, offers a unique opportunity to hear stories and narratives from world-renowned authors who have traveled here to participate in this grand celebration for book enthusiasts. Participating authors this year include Claire Keegan, who enjoys tremendous popularity in Iceland, Nobel Prize winner Abdulrazak Gurnah, and poet Andrev Walden. All of their works are available in Icelandic translations.

Strengthens international connections

"The Reykjavík International Literary Festival has played a key role in strengthening international connections, both by bringing the world here and by promoting Icelandic literature on the global stage," said Mayor Heiða Björg Hilmisdóttir at the opening ceremony Wednesday evening. She noted the festival undoubtedly played a significant role in Reykjavík becoming a UNESCO City of Literature in 2011, only the fifth city to receive this designation and the first outside an English-speaking region.

"Today there are 53 UNESCO Cities of Literature across 39 countries. Among them, Reykjavík stands as a key driving force in the collaboration and ongoing dialogue within this important network. ”

Exciting program in the coming days

Residents and visitors are encouraged to enjoy the festival's offerings in the coming days: on-stage conversations, readings, a film screening, poetry readings, a soccer match, a book dance, and many other entertaining events. The complete program can be found on the festival's website at https://bokmenntahatid.is/en/.