The 78th edition of the Frankfurt Book Fair has formally commenced in Frankfurt, Germany. The book fair will continue until October 11, 2026, while its official opening ceremony took place on October 6.

In the current year, the Czech Republic is the Guest of Honour at the book fair and has set up its own pavilion to showcase the country's literary landscape. The country has brought along 75 authors to Frankfurt under the theme of 'A Country on the Coast.'

Book Trade, Publishing and International Debates

The fair remains one of the most important hubs for the international publishing world, covering the aspects such as rights deals, translations, books, audiobooks, films, and games. The edition of 2026 also focuses on how artificial intelligence and technology affect publishing and reading.

In addition to that, the programme includes debates on free speech, democracy, human rights and other socially important topics. More than 120 events about cultural policy will take place at 11 venues during the fair.

Among the most famous people who participate in the programme are the American historian and author Jill Lepore and authors and public figures Colson Whitehead, Jenny Erpenbeck, and Gisèle Pelicot.

The opening ceremony featured speeches and readings from cultural figures and officials, followed by the opening of the Czech Guest of Honour Pavilion. Reuters Connect's coverage captured the ceremony, including a light show and projections marking the start of the event.