Athens Gears Up to Become World Book Capital City 2018

Athens, Greece, is preparing to celebrate a whole year full of books, reading, culture and events that promote knowledge.

In less than 100 days, starting from April 23 and for a year, Athens will be known as the “World Book Capital” for 2018.

“World Book Capital” is a global UNESCO cultural event.

“Athens this year has the opportunity to certify that it is one of the most important destinations of culture, knowledge and history,” Athens Mayor Giorgos Kaminis said in an announcement.

With the slogan “Books Everywhere”, the Greek capital for a year will celebrate with a series of book-related events across town including reading happenings, seminars and conferences, workshops and competitions, activities for adults and kids. Events will include book readings in unexpected locations for passers-by and round table discussions with beloved Greek and foreign authors.

Until April 22, 2019, Athens invites residents and visitors, people from all over Greece and around the world, to come and enjoy literary treasures, uncover unknown city cultural aspects in institutes, libraries, cultural sites and big festivals.

Through the “World Book Capital” title, Athens will aim to inspire, cultivate the desire for knowledge and the enjoyment of reading, to leave its cultural footprint in modern Greek culture.

“The intercultural actions of the event invite us on a creative journey of performances, seminars, narratives and discussions,” says Yiannis Trohopoulos, coordinator of the Athens 2018 World Book Capital. “‘Athens World Book Capital 2018’ will help us remember why we love books, recommend the joy of reading to others and discover unexpected reading experiences”, Trohopoulos added.

Athens is the 18th city to become World Book Capital. It was preceded by Madrid (2001), Alexandria (2002), New Delhi (2003), Antwerp (2004), Montreal (2005), Turin (2006), Bogota (2007), Amsterdam (2008), Beirut (2009), Ljubljana (2010), Buenos Aires (2011), Yerevan (2012), Bangkok (2013), Port Harcourt (2014), Incheon (2015), Wroclaw (2016) and Conakry (2017).