Opening speech of the international literature festival graal-müritz 2025
This years opening speech was given by Alhierd Bacharevič.
international literature festival graal-müritz (ilgm) to continue in 2026
The festival, which concludes today, received unanimously positive feedback from international guests, local residents, and cultural professionals from Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. Around 1,500 visitors attended the events. Following this great success, the organizer Bebelplatz e.V. has announced the continuation of the ilgm, subject to secured funding. From September 24 – 27, 2026, the traditional seaside resort will once again transform into a stage for international authors.
This year’s concept will continue to shape the framework of the festival. Prose, poetry, graphic novels, and children’s and young adult literature will remain essential parts of the program. Guests from Eastern Europe, the Baltic States, and Scandinavia are expected to play a special role.
Ulrich Schreiber, organizer (Bebelplatz e.V.), emphasizes:
“Especially in times of social and international upheaval, we need places where we can engage in dialogue. Literature can give us orientation and foster mutual understanding. The festival demonstrates that words have the power to create community. We thank all participants from Germany and abroad, the supporters of this year’s festival, and the Tourismus- und Kur GmbH for their support.”
Dörthe Hausmann, spa director of Graal-Müritz, says:
“Literature builds bridges – it connects people across linguistic and cultural boundaries. Here in Graal-Müritz, between sea and forest, a space emerges where we can reflect together on values, on the power of literature, and on the future. The continuation of the festival is a strong signal of the cultural vitality and literary inspiration of our town.”
Outlook:
With the new date in autumn 2026, the ilgm will become a permanent part of the cultural calendar in the Baltic Sea resort of Graal-Müritz and in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. Organizers, the municipality, and supporters agree: the festival should not only continue, but become a tradition.
Graal-Müritz, September 2, 2025
Ulrich Schreiber