Struga Poetry Evenings

Struga Poetry Evenings

Mid-JuneThe annual international poetry festival known as Struga Poetry Evenings was launched in 1962 with a series of readings by Macedonian poets in honor of Konstantin and Dimitar Miladinov, brothers born in the early 19th century. Both were known as great writers, teachers, and intellectuals, and many consider Konstantin Miladinov to be the founder of modern Macedonian poetry. The Struga festival opens each year with his poem "Longing for the South."
The festival takes place over five days in late August, drawing about 20 Macedonian and 30 international poets, who take part in readings and symposia. The festival also typically features an art exhibit, workshops in poetry-related subjects, and leisure activities. A festival centerpiece is the international poetry reading, Meridians, held after the opening ceremony. The presentation of special awards are always highlights of the festival. The Miladinov Brothers Award acknowledges the best poetry book by a Macedonian author in the period between two festivals, and the Struga Bridges Award, presented jointly by the festival and UNESCO, recognizes the best debut poetry book by an author of any country. A festival jury also selects one poet as the Gold Wreath Award winner, who presides as laureate over the festival.
CONTACTS:
Struga Poetry Evenings
P.O. Box 109
Struga 6330 Republic of Macedonia
www.svp.org.mk
Macedonia - Embassy
1101 30th St. N.W., Ste. 302
Washington, DC 20007
202-337-3063; fax: 202-337-3093