Introduction
Translated fiction is having a global moment. From Cameroon to Slovakia, literary festivals that spotlight translated works are flourishing, buoyed by a dramatic increase in international book sales. This surge reflects a growing appetite for stories beyond borders, where readers are embracing global narratives through the lens of expert translation. Here are the top 7 must-attend festivals in 2025 that celebrate the richness of translated fiction.
1. Festival of Translated Voices – Berlin, Germany
Germany kicks things off with this multilingual celebration, uniting authors, translators, and publishers. With panels in English, French, and German, this festival draws huge crowds eager to explore fiction from Africa, Eastern Europe, and Asia.
2. Yaoundé International Translation & Fiction Week – Cameroon
This emerging gem puts Central African voices on the map. It features book launches, readings, and translation workshops aimed at making Cameroonian fiction accessible to global audiences. The 2025 edition is set to highlight new works translated into French, English, and German.
3. Bratislava World Literature Days – Slovakia
Slovakia’s capital hosts one of Eastern Europe’s premier events for translated literature. Expect a dynamic lineup of authors from the Balkans, Africa, and Latin America. Translation prizes and cross-language poetry slams give this festival a unique flair.
4. London Global Fiction Festival – UK
Known for its focus on publishing trends and translation ethics, this event brings together major international publishers and prize-winning translators. The 2025 edition will include spotlights on South Asian and Latin American translated fiction.
5. WorldLit Seoul – South Korea
This rising East Asian festival has become a major platform for translated works, with partnerships from PEN International and UNESCO. 2025 will feature African and European authors collaborating on bilingual story readings and translator panels.
6. Festival América Latina en Traducción – Buenos Aires, Argentina
This festival showcases Latin American fiction in translation with a focus on underrepresented Indigenous voices. The growing demand for multilingual publishing is a major theme of this year’s panels and workshops.
7. New York Translation Summit – USA
The New York Translation Summit blends academia with the commercial book market, offering translation masterclasses, editor meet-ups, and exclusive releases of anticipated translated novels. With participation from authors across 25+ countries, it’s a true melting pot.
Conclusion
The boom in translated fiction isn’t just a publishing trend—it’s a cultural shift. These seven festivals are leading the charge, creating space for linguistic diversity and storytelling that crosses borders. If you’re a reader, translator, or literary enthusiast, now’s the perfect time to dive into the global fiction scene.
Want to learn more about how African authors are shaping the global literary landscape? Check out our feature on the rise of African authors in global publishing.
Additional Resources
- Words Without Borders – Translated literature platform
- PEN America Translation Resources
- Global Book Fair Calendar