Chernivtsi | International Poetry Festival Meridian Czernowitz Returns with a New Edition and an International Cultural Program

International Poetry Festival Meridian Czernowitz Returns to Chernivtsi

From September 4–6, 2026, Chernivtsi will host the 17th edition of the Meridian Czernowitz International Poetry Festival, bringing together writers, poets and cultural figures from Ukraine and abroad. The program includes book launches, literary meetings, author evenings, a concert and wine tastings.

Six Book Launches Featured in the Festival Program

The organizers have prepared six book launches, presenting audiences with new works and authors from contemporary Ukrainian literature.

Artem Chekh will present his new novel “We Didn’t Wait for You”, while Artur Dron will launch his volume “Hemingway Knows Nothing”. Yevhen Volodchenko, known by his artistic name Jeka Kurgan, will present his debut book “Point. Nemo”, created in collaboration with illustrator Dina Chumuj.

The literary program will also feature Natalia Vorozhyt’s first collection of plays, “What Is This Play About?”, as well as Serhiy Zhadan’s new volume, “Hymns of the Baroque Wars”, which brings together poetry, prose and graphic art.

Oksana Zabuzhko to Take Part in a Meeting Dedicated to Her Landmark Novel

Writer Oksana Zabuzhko will participate in a meeting dedicated to her novel “Field Work in Ukrainian Sex”. In 2026, the book marks 30 years since its publication and has become one of the significant works of contemporary Ukrainian literature.

Poets from Europe and Israel to Join the Festival

The festival will also welcome international guests. Poets from Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Israel are expected in Chernivtsi, including Iuliane Libert, Nea Schmidt, Konstantin Kaiser, Maria Marggraf, Jana Buh and Mati Shmuelof.

The program will also feature author evenings with Igor Pomerantsev, Oleksandr Boichenko, Yurii Andrukhovych and Iosif Zisels.

Poetry Meets Music

The festival’s artistic program will be complemented by a concert featuring the band “Chystyi Chetver”, with the participation of Marian Pirih, a member of the band “Pirih i Batih”, and Elizaveta Pirozhok.

The concert, titled “Sung Poetry of Difficult Times in a Difficult Period”, will combine poetry and music against the backdrop of Ukraine’s current realities.

Book’O’Wine Combines Literature and Wine Culture

On September 5 and 6, the festival program will also include Book’O’Wine events dedicated to wine and book tastings, offering a format that combines literary and gastronomic experiences.

Two Venues in Chernivtsi

Events during the 17th edition will take place at two venues in Chernivtsi: the Tselan Literary Center, located at 51 O. Kobylianska Street, and the ”Bartka” complex, located at 124 Holovna Street, on the second floor.

According to the organizers, the complete festival program and information about the events have been published by the Meridian Czernowitz team.