Skopje, 28 April 2026 (MIA) — The Struga Poetry Evenings festival will break from tradition this year, moving its dates from late August to June 24-29, organizers told a press conference Tuesday.

Nikola Kukunesh, the festival’s acting director, said the new dates aim to bring more people to outdoor poetry readings. He said holding the 65th SPE festival before the peak summer tourist season would also help organizers save money. In addition, he said the June dates better aligned with the schedules of scholars who are often tied to academic obligations in late August, the festival's traditional slot.

Mite Stefoski, SPE's artistic director, confirmed a diverse lineup of poets, critics and festival directors from every continent. He said this year's attendees would include Spanish poet Luis García Montero, German poet Michael Krüger, Macedonian poet and last year's Miladinov Brothers Award winner Julijana Velichkovska and British poet and this year's Bridges of Struga Award winner Daniel Hinds.

To celebrate the festival’s 65th anniversary, organizers are publishing a new book in Macedonian and English. It will feature interviews with past winners of the Golden Wreath, the festival's highest honor. mr/