Gomel Book Festival Commemorates WWII Victory

Gomel Celebrates WWII Victory with Regional Book Festival Gomel, Belarus – The 7th annual "Read, Gomel" book festival concluded on June 6th, 2025, commemorating the 80th anniversary of the Soviet victory in World War II. Held on Victory Square near the Gomel Regional Library, the festival offered a diverse program for all ages. The event featured thematic exhibitions showcasing historical artifacts and literature related to the war. A lively book fair provided opportunities for attendees to purchase books and engage with authors. In addition to the exhibitions and book fair, the festival offered a range of interactive activities, including a workshop on making Victory Day buttonholes, a beginner's cryptography school, and a quest game centered on the war's history. The highlight of the festival was the premiere of the play "My Steppe Bell...", adapted from Konstantin Simonov's "Russian People", presented by the local amateur theater group "Grachi". "It was a truly moving experience to see so many people come together to celebrate history and literature," said one attendee. Another participant added, "The interactive elements of the festival were particularly engaging, especially for younger generations." The festival underscored the enduring significance of remembering and learning from the past, while also promoting a love of reading and literature within the community.