By Dickson Bandera
The world’s largest book fair, the Frankfurter Buchmesse (Frankfurt Book Fair), will once again draw global attention when it opens its 77th edition from 15–19 October 2025 in Frankfurt, Germany.
More than just a marketplace for books, the fair has grown into an international platform for cultural exchange, political debate, and technological innovation.
The Buchmesse traditionally attracts more than 250,000 visitors, including publishers, writers, agents, academics, policymakers, and general book lovers from across the world. Established in 1949 in post-war Germany, the fair has become a barometer of international publishing trends and a stage for urgent global conversations.
This year’s fair will officially open on 14 October 2025 with a redesigned ceremony blending words, music, light, and sound. Performers will include the Philippine Madrigal Singers and celebrated poets Merlie M. Alunan, Marjorie Evasco, and Mookie Katigbak-Lacuesta.
“With escalating global tensions, we need spaces for exchange, listening and cooperation more than ever before,” said Juergen Boos, Director of Frankfurter Buchmesse. “In Frankfurt, we celebrate books and the power of dialogue across all borders.”
Philippines as Guest of Honour
Each year, the Buchmesse highlights the culture and literature of a different country through its Guest of Honour programme. In 2025, the spotlight falls on the Philippines, the first Southeast Asian nation to be so honoured.
Under the motto “The imagination peoples the air”—a line from national hero José Rizal’s novel Noli Me Tangere—the Philippine programme will showcase over 100 writers, artists, and creatives. The events will extend beyond Frankfurt to Berlin and Heidelberg, featuring literature, architecture, photography, concerts, and films.
One highlight is the “Jeepney Journey”, an installation at Frankfurt’s Rossmarkt square that will transform the iconic Filipino transport vehicle into a cultural stage, symbolising creativity, resilience, and national identity.
Politics, War, and AI on Centre Stage
A major focus of the fair is global dialogue on pressing issues. On the new Centre Stage in Hall 4.1, the Frankfurt Calling series will examine topics such as freedom of expression, the wars in Gaza and Ukraine, the future of democracy, and the impact of artificial intelligence.
Prominent voices will include:
Maria Ressa, Nobel Peace Prize laureate and journalist known for her fight against disinformation.
Jens Stoltenberg, former NATO Secretary General.
Mahmoud Muna, Palestinian bookseller and cultural activist.
Dr. Stefanie Hubig, German Minister of Justice.
“This year’s fair will be more than a marketplace for books,” said John Steinmark, Programme Manager for Frankfurt Calling. “It will be a resonance chamber for dialogue on the challenges of our time.”
Publishing Industry and Pop Culture
Beyond politics, the fair will sharpen its focus on artificial intelligence in publishing, rights and licensing, and the growing intersections between books and other creative industries such as film, gaming, comics, and webtoons. The Literary Agents & Scouts Centre, often dubbed the “stock exchange of rights and licences,” is already fully booked—underscoring Frankfurt’s central role in shaping the global publishing economy.
For the general public, the Buchmesse promises a vibrant programme. International bestselling authors like Cassandra Clare, V.E. Schwab, and Abby Jimenez will host book signings. The TikTok Book Awards, the Frankfurt Kids Festival, and dedicated manga showcases are expected to draw younger audiences and digital-savvy readers.
Why the Buchmesse Matters Globally
While rooted in Europe, the Frankfurter Buchmesse is not just a German or European event—it is a truly global forum. For writers and publishers from Africa, Asia, and the Americas, it offers unmatched opportunities for networking, translation rights, and exposure to international markets. For policymakers and thinkers, it is a neutral stage for discussing global crises. And for readers, it is a celebration of how books connect cultures across borders.
As the 2025 edition unfolds under the dual banners of literature and dialogue, the fair will not only spotlight the Philippines’ cultural wealth but also confront the urgent political, social, and technological questions shaping our world today.
