Pranger – Festival of poetry criticism, translation and reading

Radovljica, 23rd-28th of September 2025

 

In its day, the “pranger” was a pillory set up in the middle of the town square, onto which criminals were tied. Its purpose was public punishment, in which the townspeople could participate with their remarks and comments.

With the Pranger Festival, the Pranger literary society nurtures criticism, translation and reading of poetry, with the Translation Pranger the reflection of various forms of translation and with the ELA – Little Pranger it dedicates itself to the creativity and the cultural-artistic critical upbringing of the youngest. With the Pranger Lyrikbook program, poetry is placed in an international context.

The festival, which yearly attracts poets, critics and translators, isn’t about tying anything to the pillory. Quite the opposite, we put poetry on a pedestal. Its purpose isn’t humiliation but the critical evaluation of Slovene and international poetry and bringing it closer to the people. With the conceptual discussions and critical debates, we discover the potential of poetry through poetry as well as evaluate the Slovene poetry collections, published in the last year, which experts have deemed most deserving of discussion. We also offer a platform to translators and critics, many of whom cut their teeth on this exact festival. Also, part of the programme is geared towards the youngest, another towards university students and high schoolers.

We welcome you to gather once again in front of the pranger – in 2025, it will be the medieval stocks between the pillars of the Mali House on Linhart Square in Radovljica, the only ones of their kind in Slovenia. Let us gaze into the far-reaching worlds of poetry!

The 22nd edition of the criticism part of the Pranger Festival will be held in Radovljica, while the Little Pranger – ELA and the SWA Stritar Award ceremony are staying in Rogaška Slatina, to be held on the 31st of May 2025.

Critics and Poets 2025

Varja Balžalorsky Antić

Jelka Kernev Štrajn

Luka Benedičič

Festival Programme 2025

Sunday, 21st of September 2025, Layerjeva hiša Kranj, Škrlovec Tower, 17:00 – Pranger x Medvrsticami. Alternative discussion with unchosen poets. Guests: Anja Zidar and her selected poets. Moderator: Dejan Koban.

Tuesday, 23rd of September 2025, Ljubljana, Vodnikova domačija, 18:00 – Conceptual discussion Poetry and Food. Guests: Vesna Liponik and Aja Zamolo. Moderator: Nežka Struc.

Wednesday, 24th of September 2025, Ljubljana, garden of Vodnikova domačija, 18:00 – Great poetry reading. Moderator: Natalija Milovanović.

Thursday, 25th of September 2025, Radovljica

13:30, Šivčeva hiša: arrival and admittance
14:00 (until 17:00), Šivčeva hiša: 1st critical discussion

Friday, 26th of September 2025, Radovljica

9:00, Anton Tomaž Linhart Library: library guided tour
10:00 (until 13:00), upper hall of the Anton Tomaž Linhart Library: 2nd critical discussion

16:00: guided tour of Radovljica, Linhart’s room and the Museum of Apiculture
19:00, Graščina, baroque hall: Great poetry reading

Saturday, 27th of September 2025, Radovljica

10:00: Visit Radol’ca x Festival Pranger: Radolška tržnica
11:00 (until 14:00), upper hall of the Anton Tomaž Linhart Library: 3rd critical discussion

16:00: Kamen Castle visit and poetry reading