Discovering the Magic of Struga Poetry Evenings
Struga Poetry Evenings (SPE) (Macedonian: Струшки вечери на поезијата, СВП) is an illustrious international poetry festival held annually in Struga, Republic of Macedonia. This renowned event has been a beacon for literary luminaries since its inception in 1961, evolving from a national gathering to a global cultural celebration.
A Brief History
The festival began in 1961 with local Macedonian poets and expanded in 1963 to include poets from the former Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. By 1966, SPE had become an international cultural festival, introducing the prestigious Golden Wreath award, first given to Robert Rozhdestvensky.
The festival now also presents the Miladinov Brothers Award for the best poetry book and, since 2003, the Bridges of Struga award for the best debut poetry book by a young author. Over the years, SPE has honored approximately 4,000 poets, translators, essayists, and critics from 95 countries, including notable figures like Pablo Neruda, Seamus Heaney, and Joseph Brodsky.
SPE 2024 Program Highlights
Thursday, August 22, 2024
- Tree Planting and Poetry Reading in honor of the Golden Wreath winner
- Press Conference with the Golden Wreath winner
- Art Exhibition by Leetiv Namdag Janchivin
- Official Opening of SPE 2024 at the Centre of Culture “Miladinov Brothers”
- Poetic Meridians – International Poetry Reading
Friday, August 23, 2024
- Poetry Readings by shortlisted poets for the Miladinov Brothers Award
- Promotion of Translated Book by the 2023 Miladinov Brothers Award winner
- VERSOPOLIS Night – meeting with publishers and professional guests
- Portrait of the 2024 Winners of the Bridges of Struga and Miladinov Brothers Awards
Saturday, August 24, 2024
- Poetry Readings by shortlisted poets
- Poetry Portraits and presentations
- Outing to Ohrid for sightseeing and cultural immersion
- Night without Punctuation – musical-poetic performance
Sunday, August 25, 2024
- Poetry Café with the Poet Laureate
- Bridges Ceremony at the Bridge of Poetry, including the presentation of awards
Monday, August 26, 2024
- International Poetry Meeting in Skopje
Getting to Struga
Struga is accessible via Ohrid Airport, located about 10 km away. You can reach Struga by taxi, bus, or rental car from the airport.
Alternatively, bus services from major Macedonian cities like Skopje also connect to Struga.
Getting Struga from Skopje with bus
Other companies:
Euro Linia -> Skopje-Struga: 08:00/ 11:00 / 13:15 / 16:15/ 19:00
Vakcare -> Skopje-Struga: 05:30/ 12:30/ 14:30/ 15:45/ 17:30
From Ohrid to Struga
Every 30 minutes on local bus stops; Providers: Galeb Company and Classic Company.
Taxi cost around 300-500 denars ( 5-8 eur)
Where to Stay: Top Accommodations
As the Struga Poetry Evenings draw in visitors from around the globe, accommodations in Struga quickly fill up. To guarantee your stay during this vibrant cultural festival, it’s highly recommended to book your hotel or apartment well in advance.
Don’t miss out on the unique opportunity to immerse yourself in this world-renowned literary event amidst the stunning scenery of Lake Ohrid and the rich cultural heritage of Struga. Secure your spot early and enjoy a seamless and unforgettable experience.
Hotels:
- Hotel Drim – Centrally located with stunning views of Lake Ohrid.
- Hotel Biser – Known for its excellent service and comfortable rooms.
- Hotel Mirage – A luxurious option with modern amenities.
- Hotel Beograd – Offers a blend of comfort and affordability.
- Hotel Izgrev – Ideal for a cozy stay with a touch of elegance.
Apartments:
- Villa Eros Apartments – Modern apartments with lake views.
- Villa Dva Bisera – Comfortable and well-furnished accommodations.
- City Center Apartments – Conveniently located in the heart of Struga.
- Riverside Apartments – Offers a serene setting by the river.
- Vila Europa Apartments – Known for its spacious and well-equipped units.
Where to Eat in Struga
Struga offers a variety of culinary experiences, from traditional Macedonian dishes to international cuisine.
Top Restaurants:
- Restoran Aquarius – Famous for its seafood and lake views.
- Restoran Antika – Offers a mix of Macedonian and Mediterranean dishes.
- Villa Radozda – Known for its traditional Macedonian cuisine and fish.
- Restoran Roma – Popular for its Italian and European menu.
- Restoran Konak – Offers a cozy atmosphere with diverse culinary options.
Start Planning Your Macedonia Trip Now!
- Unsure where to stay in Skopje or Ohrid? Discover top-rated Skopje and Ohrid hotels with Booking.com. Reserve now, pay later, and enjoy free cancellations.
- Book your airport transfer now and enjoy a hassle-free ride directly to your hotel. Drivers will meet you at Arrivals.
- Discover the Beauty of Vodno and Matka Canyon! Book your Vodno and Matka Canyon guided tour today and explore Skopje’s breathtaking natural wonders
- Looking for ideas? Check out our Macedonia Itineraries Where To Go, plus Things To Do guide for must-see attractions.
Enjoy the 63rd Struga Poetry Evenings, where the world of poetry converges to celebrate the beauty and power of verse against the backdrop of Struga’s enchanting landscapes.
Official song
If I had an eagle’s wings
I would rise and fly on them
To our shores, to our own parts,
To see Stamboul, to see Kukuš;
And to watch the sunrise: is it
Dim there too as it is here?
If the sun still rises dimly,
If it meets me there as here,
I’ll prepare for further travels,
I shall flee to other shores
Where the sunrise greets me brightly.
And the sky is sewn with stars.
It is dark here; dark surrounds me,
Dark for covers all the earth,
Here are frosts and snows and ashes.
Blizzards and harsh winds abound.
Fogs all around, the earth is ice,
And in the breast are cold, dark thoughts.
No, I cannot stay here, no;
I cannot look upon these frosts.
Give me wings and I will don them;
I will fly to our own shores,
Go once more to our own places,
Go to Ohrid and to Struga.
There the sunrise warms the soul,
The sun sets bright in mountain woods:
Younder gifts in great profusion
Richly spread by nature’s power.
See the dear lake stretching white –
Or bluely darkened by the wind,
Look you at the plains or mountains:
Beauty’s everywhere divine.
To pipe there to my heart’s content!
Ah! let the sun set, let me die.
translated by: Graham Read
Т’га за југ
Орелски крилја как да си метнех,
И в наши ст’рни да си прелетнех!
На наши места ја да си идам,
Да видам Стамбол, Кукуш да видам.
Да видам дали с’нце и тамо мрачно угревјат како и вамо.
Ако как овде с’нце ме стретит,
ако пак мрачно с’нцето светит;
на п’т далечни ја ке се стегнам,
и в други ст’рни ке си побегнам,
к’де с’нцето светло угревјат,
к’де небото ѕвезди посевјат.
Овде је мрачно и мрак м’обвива,
и темна м’гла земја покрива;
мразој, снегој, и пепелници,
силни ветришча и вијулици,
околу м’гли и мразој земни,
а в гр’ди студој, и мисли темни.
Не, ја не можам овде да седам,
не, ја не можам мразој да гледам!
дајте ми крилја ја да си метнам
и в наши ст’рни да си прелетнам;
на наши места ја да си идам,
да видам Охрид, Струга да видам.
Тамо зората греит душата,
и с’нце светло зајдвит в гората;
тамо дарбите природна сила
со с’та раскош ги растурила:
бистро езеро гледаш белеит,
или од ветар сино темнеит;
поле погледнеш или планина,
сегде божева је хубавина.
Тамо по с’рце в кавал да свирам,
с’нце да зајдвит, ја да умирам.
