"Book Alley" Returns in Sofia
"Book Alley" will make its return to Sofia from September 9 to 15, transforming Vitosha Boulevard and the park in front of the National Palace of Culture (NDK) into a vibrant literary hub. This year, the event, organized by the Bulgarian Book Association, will feature a special non-fiction literature festival titled "Science, Art, and Culture." Over two days, the festival will spotlight works in categories such as history, art studies, cultural tourism, self-knowledge, and ethnology.
The festival will officially open with a ceremony in the literary corner, featuring a musical performance by Trio Misty. Sofia, for the second consecutive year, will join cities like Plovdiv, Botevgrad, Gabrovo, and Varna in hosting Book Alley, offering visitors a unique opportunity to explore the world of books, celebrate literature, and engage with a vibrant literary community.
Book Alley will operate from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM, Monday through Saturday, and from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM on Sunday, September 15. The fair will include a variety of activities such as book premieres, author meet-and-greets, poetry readings, and autograph signings. Attendees can also look forward to performances, exhibitions, and educational programs catering to all age groups.
The event will kick off with a book fair where publishers will showcase their latest releases and promote upcoming publications. Last year's exhibition featured 58 tents and over 150 publishers. Book Alley is organized with support from the Municipality of Sofia, BTA, EcoPak, and the Ministry of Education, and is part of Sofia's 2024 cultural calendar, coinciding with the "Sofia Celebrates September 17" program.