December Literary Festivals 2024 offer book lovers the perfect way to end the year with stories and discussions from around the world. Winter grips much of the globe right now and the literary hum feels faint, almost fading. Yet, December brings a fitting finale for literary enthusiasts.
This roundup is your guide to literary feasts in December, from India’s bustling cities to Latvia’s cozy winter charm, and beyond. For book lovers – seasoned and new alike, there are some solid gatherings taking place. So, grab your tote bags and notepads and mark your calendar.
1. Pune International Literary Festival
🗓️ 14-15 December 2024
Pune is the cultural nerve center of Maharashtra. This vibrant student city will transform into a haven for literary souls this December. The festival’s charm lies in its seamless mix of the traditional and the contemporary.
This year’s lineup promises conversations that push boundaries. It features renowned voices like Devdutt Pattanaik and Dr Alka Pande alongside rising talent. Whether you’re looking for a fresh take on familiar stories or just want to enjoy the lively atmosphere, this festival has something for everyone. Best of all, entry is free.
2. Bangalore Literature Festival
🗓️ 14-15 December 2024
Set in the lush gardens of The Lalit Ashok, the Bangalore Literature Festival is a premier event in the literary calendar. This year’s speaker lineup is nothing short of stellar.
Whether you’re listening to Shashi Tharoor dissecting history or S. Hussain Zaidi unraveling the world of crime, the festival pulses with an energy that feels uniquely Bangalorean.
It’s a bit of a tough choice this year. Both the Pune and Bangalore Literature Festivals are happening on the same dates. You can pick the one that appeals to you most. Like Pune, entry to this fest is also free.
3. Prose Readings Riga
🗓️ 1-8 December 2024
Prose Readings Riga stands as an ode to literature. Born in 1977 to honor the centenary of Latvian writer Andrejs Upīts, Prose Readings Riga carries a rich legacy. After a brief hiatus in the early ’90s, the festival resumed in 1995. It has since evolved into a vibrant celebration of literature and creativity.
Every December, Riga witnesses a marathon of events that spills beyond traditional venues into libraries, museums, cafes, bars, train stations and in the open air.
If you are interested in Baltic literature, this is a go-to festival for you. It’s a rare chance to hear Baltic authors read their latest works and engage in conversations with the audience. Here is the speaker line-up and schedule for 2024.
4. Kampala Writes LitFest
🗓️ 7-8 December 2024
Crossing over to Uganda, the Kampala Writes LitFest is a celebration of African storytelling in all its glorious forms. This fest is a testament to the continent’s rich narrative tradition. The program includes performances, readings, and discussions that bring together Uganda’s literary icons and voices from across Africa.
And if you’re lucky, you might stumble upon a storytelling session under the stars, where oral traditions come alive in the most evocative way. Kampala’s infectious energy will stay with you long after the festival ends.
5. Hausa International Books and Arts Festival
🗓️ 20-21 December 2024
This festival, dedicated to the literary and artistic traditions of the Hausa-speaking world, is an unmissable deep dive into one of Africa’s richest cultural legacies.
With its fusion of literature, music, and visual arts, it offers an experience that’s as educational as it is enchanting. Think of it as a doorway to understanding how art and stories come together to preserve history and shape identity.
And for those unfamiliar with the Hausa language, it’s an eye-opening exploration of how literature transcends barriers.
End the Year With Stories That Matter
December’s literary festivals aren’t just gathering, they are spaces to reflect, learn, and connect. Whether you find yourself amidst Bangalore’s intellectual fervor or in Riga’s winter glow, each of these events offers a chance to engage with the written word.
So, pack your bags and plan your travels to these December Literary Festivals 2024 . Close the year immersed in stories and creativity. Let us know in the comments below—which one will you attend?
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