February typically signals the closing chapter of Europe’s vibrant literary season, as most literary congregations draw to a close. In stark contrast, Asia continues to keep the literary spirit humming with an impressive line-up of world-class lit fests, particularly in countries such as Sri Lanka, India, and Taiwan.
1. New Delhi World Book Fair (1-9 Feb)
The World Book Fair is back at Bharat Mandapam, running until February 9, 2025. The National Book Trust of India organizes it, as they always do. It is, as they say, one of the biggest.
A place where publishing’s moving parts – editors, writers, agents, printers, booksellers – gather under one roof. There are over a thousand exhibitors this year, though no one seems to have a definitive count.
The halls stretch long and wide, stacked with books in every size, every genre, every language you can imagine. If you love books, you will be here. If you don’t, you will tell yourself there’s no need, but something will pull you in anyway. Maybe curiosity.
2. Taipei International Literary Book Festival (4 – 9 Feb)
The 2025 Taipei International Book Exhibition (TiBE) returns to the Taipei World Trade Center from February 4 to 9. This year’s theme suggests, Follow Your Fancy in Reading.
Italy takes center stage as the Guest of Honor, bringing a touch of European literary heritage to the heart of Taipei.
The exhibition will unfold in carefully curated sections, covering literature, children’s books, digital learning and more, offering visitors a space to rediscover the joy of reading.
Held during Taiwan’s winter break, the fair promises to be a meeting ground for readers, writers, educators and publishers, all drawn together by the shared love of storytelling.
3. Galle Literary Festival (6 – 9 Feb)
Once a hidden gem, Galle has transformed into a global literary hub, thanks to Galle Literary Festival (GLF). The 2025 Festival weaves together global literature and Sri Lanka’s cultural essence once again.
This year’s program features discussions on literary translation, writing prizes and global storytelling, with a line-up of speakers who understand what it means to to put words to experience.
Beyond the books, Galle’s local community plays a vital role. With 8,000 visitors expected over four days, residents collaborate with event organizers to create a welcoming literary experience. More than 60% of the festival’s volunteers come from Galle and nearby villages, ensuring the event stays rooted in its origins while embracing a global audience.
4. Times Lit Fest (11 – 12 Feb)
Some festivals arrive with a lot of buzz. Others build their presence over time – you know, one moment at a time. The Times Literature Festival is the latter. Now in its seventh edition, it has settled into its place as a festival to reckon with.
This year’s theme, “One World, Many Words,” speaks to the borderless nature of storytelling. The festival gathers a mix of Indian authors, poets, playwrights, lyricists, scriptwriters, filmmakers and bloggers. You can check out the schedule for this year here.
5. Havana International Book Fair (13 – 23 Feb)
The Havana International Book Fair shapes the Cuban literary world. It began in 1982, at first every two years, then annually after 2000. Its home is San Carlos de la Cabana Fortress, a space that holds history, weight, presence.
Each year, the fair dedicates itself to a writer, a country, a theme. In 2025, the Guest Country of Honor is South Africa. The theme, “A Whole Country in Books,” speaks to something larger. The fair extends beyond Havana. It moves through the country, filling each province with words.
The fair mostly attracts Spanish-speaking readers. This year, it is estimated to be attended by around 500,000 Cubans and foreigners. This year’s fest will also honor two famous Cuban authors – Francisca Lopez Civeira, historian and thinker and Virgilio Lopez Lemus, poet, essayist and critic.
6. Goa Arts and Literature Festival (13 – 15 Feb)
The Goa Arts and Literature Festival (GALF) is not Jaipur. It is not a spectacle, not a place where celebrity writers arrive with entourages, not an event engineered for bestseller lists and global publishing deals.
Like several other smaller-scale festivals, it is smaller, quieter, more deliberate.
The International Centre, Goa (ICG) is the venue this year, like previous years. The festival is organized by ICG and the Goa Writers’ Group, with support from the Directorate of Art and Culture, Government of Goa.
There are no tickets, no velvet ropes, no press lines. Just books and people who care about them. GALF is not for everyone. But if you are the kind of person who understands why that matters, it is for you.
7. Faversham Literary Festival (21 Feb – 2 Mar)
The Faversham Literary Festival is a friendly event held in Faversham, a charming town in Kent, England, that celebrates books, writing and storytelling.
Events are held in various spots around the town, such as local libraries, community halls and even outdoor spaces. This gives you a fun opportunity to explore Faversham while enjoying the festival.
The literary festival scene does not move in a straight line. It shifts with seasons and with continents. In Europe, February signals the end, a winding down of the bookish frenzy.
In Asia, in Cuba, in Goa, in Galle, festivals carry on, reinforcing the notion that stories have no off-season.
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