Bookfest fair opens in Chisinau under Romanian, Moldovan patronage
The ninth edition of the Bookfest International Book Fair opens in Chisinau on Sept. 2, bringing prominent Romanian and Moldovan writers together under the joint patronage of both nations' presidents.
The five-day fair will run through Sept. 6 at the Mediacor Digital Media Production Center at Moldova State University (USM). The cultural forum takes place under the high patronage of Romanian President Nicușor Dan and Moldovan President Maia Sandu, underscoring ongoing cultural and diplomatic ties between Bucharest and Chisinau.
Literary lineup and free public access
The fair opens to the public daily from 10:00 to 20:00 local time, with free admission for all visitors. A preliminary press conference scheduled for Sept. 1 will outline the official program, which includes book launches, public debates, and author signings.
Organizers have confirmed a lineup of leading Romanian and Moldovan literary figures, including Ioana Pârvulescu, Bogdan-Alexandru Stănescu, Dan Lungu, Lucian Dan Teodorovici, Bogdan Crețu, Doina Ruști, Andreea Răsuceanu, Simona Antonescu, Sabina Fati, Lidia Bodea, Denisa Comănescu, Svetlana Cârstean, Ion Bogdan Lefter, Simona Popescu, Cristian Preda, Octavian Țîcu, Emilian Galaicu-Păun, Dumitru Crudu, Maria Pilchin, and Vitalie Ciobanu.
Institutional backing and regional network
The 2026 Chisinau edition is funded by the Romanian Government’s Department for Relations with the Republic of Moldova (DRRM) and organized in partnership with Moldova's Ministry of Culture.
Bookfest operates local book fairs across Romania—including in Timișoara, Cluj-Napoca, Târgu Mureș, and Brașov—alongside international editions in Bucharest and Chisinau. Earlier this year, the Bucharest edition brought together 150 publishing houses and hosted more than 400 cultural events from May 29 to June 2, featuring Bulgaria as guest of honor.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
