Struga Poetry Evenings: Festival & Travel Guide
Golden Wreath, Bridge of Poetry, 2026 Laureates & 2027 Planning
Every year, poets from around the world gather beside the Black Drim River in Struga for one of North Macedonia’s most important international cultural events.
Struga Poetry Evenings – Struški Večeri na Poezijata began as a gathering of Macedonian poets in 1961 and developed into an international festival whose laureates include some of the most influential poets of the modern era.
Its most recognisable moment comes during the international poetry meeting Bridges, when poetry is read beside the river and the festival’s principal awards are presented at the Bridge of Poetry.
But Struga Poetry Evenings is much more than one ceremonial evening. The programme can include international readings, poet portraits, new Macedonian poetry, young writers, exhibitions, literary discussions, publishing events, excursions and performances across Struga and the wider Lake Ohrid region.
One important planning lesson is that the festival does not have to take place on exactly the same August dates every year. The 65th edition in 2026 was held from 24–29 June, significantly earlier than several previous editions.
In this MacedoniaTOP guide, we explain the history of Struga Poetry Evenings, the Golden Wreath and other awards, what actually happens during the festival, where the main events take place and how to plan a trip to Struga around the festival.
Struga Poetry Evenings at a Glance
| Quick fact | What to know |
|---|---|
| Festival | Struga Poetry Evenings – SPE |
| Macedonian name | Струшки вечери на поезијата |
| Founded | 1961 |
| International since | 1966 |
| Main international award | Golden Wreath |
| Iconic event | Bridges international poetry reading |
| Iconic venue | Bridge of Poetry beside the Black Drim |
| 2026 edition | 65th |
| 2026 dates | 24–29 June |
| 2026 Golden Wreath | Anneke Brassinga – Netherlands |
| Best for | Poetry, literature, culture & a Lake Ohrid summer trip |
When Is Struga Poetry Evenings?
This is the first thing travellers should check every year.
Older editions were strongly associated with late August, but recent scheduling demonstrates that the festival should not be treated as permanently fixed to one week of the calendar.
Struga Poetry Evenings 2026
The 65th edition took place from:
24–29 June 2026.
The principal Struga programme ran between Wednesday and Sunday, followed by a final poetry matinée in Kavadarci on Monday.
Struga Poetry Evenings 2027
At the time of writing, the detailed 2027 festival dates and programme have not yet been officially published.
2026 Festival Highlights
The 65th edition demonstrates how varied the programme has become.
24 June – Opening Day
- Tree planting in honour of Golden Wreath laureate Anneke Brassinga;
- poetry reading in the Park of Poetry;
- press conference with the Golden Wreath winner;
- art exhibition;
- official festival opening;
- Poetry Meridians international reading.
25–26 June – Readings, Awards & International Programme
- Miladinov Brothers shortlisted poets;
- Bridges of Struga laureate portrait;
- Versopolis programme;
- international poetry readings;
- contemporary Macedonian poetry;
- poet portraits;
- an Ohrid literary programme.
27 June – Golden Wreath Portrait
The programme included poetry coffee with Anneke Brassinga, contemporary Macedonian poetry and an evening Golden Wreath portrait at St. Sophia in Ohrid.
28 June – St. Naum & Bridges
The final major day included:
- boat excursion to St. Naum;
- poetry reading at the monastery;
- poetry during the return boat journey;
- the international Bridges reading;
- presentation of the Golden Wreath;
- presentation of the Miladinov Brothers Award;
- presentation of the Bridges of Struga Award.
29 June – Kavadarci
The extended festival programme concluded with a poetry matinée at Tikveš Winery in Kavadarci.
How Struga Poetry Evenings Began
The story begins in 1961.
A group of prominent Macedonian writers gathered in Struga for a literary reading connected with a cultural anniversary honouring the Miladinov Brothers.
That first gathering developed quickly.
1961
The original event centred on Macedonian poets.
1963
Participation expanded to poets from other parts of what was then Yugoslavia.
The Miladinov Brothers Award was established for the best poetry collection published between festival editions.
1966
The festival became fully international and established the Golden Wreath.
Its first recipient was Russian poet:
Robert Rozhdestvensky.
From a Local Reading to an International Festival
Over the decades, Struga welcomed thousands of:
- poets;
- translators;
- literary critics;
- essayists;
- publishers;
- editors;
- cultural professionals.
Participants have come from dozens of countries, transforming a relatively small lakeside city into an internationally recognised meeting place for poetry.
The Golden Wreath
The Golden Wreath – Zlatен Venec is the festival’s highest international distinction.
It was created in:
1966.
Was It Always a Lifetime-Achievement Award?
No.
From 1966 until 1971, it was initially connected with the best unpublished poem read at the festival.
From 1971 onward, the Golden Wreath evolved into an award recognising the overall poetic achievement of an eminent international poet.
Famous Golden Wreath Laureates
The list includes many major figures in world literature, among them:
- W. H. Auden;
- Pablo Neruda;
- Eugenio Montale;
- Joseph Brodsky;
- Allen Ginsberg;
- Ted Hughes;
- Seamus Heaney;
- Tomas Tranströmer;
- Mahmoud Darwish;
- Adonis;
- Bei Dao;
- Blaže Koneski.
Tree Planting in the Park of Poetry
One of Struga’s most distinctive festival traditions is the connection between Golden Wreath laureates and the Park of Poetry.
Laureates plant trees that remain as living reminders of writers who have participated in the festival.
The 2026 festival opened with Golden Wreath laureate Anneke Brassinga planting a tree and reading poetry in the park.
Golden Wreath Winner 2026 – Anneke Brassinga
The 2026 Golden Wreath was awarded to Dutch poet, translator and writer:
Anneke Brassinga.
Born in 1948, Brassinga is recognised as one of the distinctive voices of contemporary Dutch poetry.
She is also an accomplished literary translator whose work has included authors such as:
- Vladimir Nabokov;
- Sylvia Plath;
- Samuel Beckett;
- W. H. Auden;
- Ingeborg Bachmann.
Her 2026 award was particularly notable because she became the first Dutch poet to receive the Golden Wreath.
The Miladinov Brothers Award
The Miladinov Brothers Award is the festival’s principal national poetry prize.
Established in 1963, it recognises the best poetry collection published between two editions of Struga Poetry Evenings.
The first laureate was Mateja Matevski for his collection Equinox.
Why the Miladinov Brothers?
The award honours the cultural legacy of the Miladinov family, particularly:
- Dimitar Miladinov;
- Naum Miladinov;
- Konstantin Miladinov.
The brothers played important roles in education, folklore, music and literature during the 19th-century cultural revival.
Miladinov Brothers Award 2026
The 2026 award went to Macedonian poet:
Nikolina Andova Shopova
for her poetry collection:
In the House.
The Bridges of Struga Award
The festival also works with UNESCO on the international Bridges of Struga award.
The award supports a young poet whose debut poetry book has attracted international recognition.
It is designed to help emerging poetic voices cross linguistic and cultural borders through:
- international recognition;
- festival participation;
- publication;
- translation;
- connection with the wider poetry community.
Bridges of Struga Laureate 2026
The 2026 recipient was British poet:
Daniel Hinds.
He received the award during the final Bridges ceremony alongside the Golden Wreath and Miladinov Brothers laureates.
The Famous “Bridges” Poetry Reading
If Struga Poetry Evenings has one event that defines its public image, it is:
Bridges – the international poetry reading.
The event takes place at the point where the Black Drim flows from Lake Ohrid through Struga.
Poets read to an audience gathered around the river and the Bridge of Poetry.
The principal festival awards are traditionally presented during this final ceremonial programme.
Why Attend?
Even if you do not attend poetry events regularly, Bridges combines:
- international literature;
- live performance;
- the Black Drim River;
- night lighting;
- Struga’s most recognisable public space;
- the presentation of the festival’s major awards.
“Longing for the South” – The Festival’s Symbolic Poem
The festival has a deep connection with Konstantin Miladinov and his famous poem T’ga za jug – Longing for the South.
The poem expresses homesickness and a yearning to return to the landscapes around Ohrid and Struga.
Its imagery of:
- sunlight;
- Lake Ohrid;
- mountains;
- homeland;
- distance;
- return;
has made it deeply associated with Struga’s literary identity.
The poem continues to play a ceremonial role in the opening traditions of the festival.
Main Struga Poetry Evenings Venues
Bridge of Poetry
Best for: the iconic final Bridges ceremony.
This is the festival location most strongly associated with Struga’s international image as a city of poetry.
Park of Poetry
Best for: Golden Wreath tradition and outdoor literary heritage.
Trees planted in honour of laureates turn the park into a living archive of the festival.
Miladinov Brothers Cultural Centre
Best for: opening ceremonies and major indoor readings.
The 2026 edition used the centre for:
- official opening;
- Poetry Meridians;
- international readings;
- late-night poetry programming.
Europe House Struga
Best for: poet portraits, professional meetings and contemporary programming.
Hotel Drim
Hotel Drim regularly functions as more than accommodation during the festival.
Its meeting spaces have hosted:
- press conferences;
- poetry coffee;
- award presentations;
- poet portraits;
- professional festival meetings.
Does the Festival Take Place Only in Struga?
No.
Struga remains the heart of the festival, but recent programmes have extended to other locations.
Ohrid
The 2026 edition included:
- readings at St. Mary Peribleptos;
- an international Correspondences reading;
- a Golden Wreath portrait at St. Sophia.
St. Naum
Festival participants travelled by boat to the Monastery of St. Naum for poetry readings and a programme around the springs.
Kavadarci
The final 2026 event was a poetry matinée at Tikveš Winery.
This wider programme demonstrates that SPE increasingly connects poetry with landscapes and cultural sites across North Macedonia.
How Many Days Should You Stay?
One Night
Enough if you are travelling specifically for one major event such as Bridges.
Two Nights
Best choice for most visitors.
You can experience:
- Struga during the day;
- one evening poetry programme;
- the Black Drim waterfront;
- another festival event the following day.
Three or More Nights
Worthwhile if:
- you are genuinely interested in literature;
- you want several readings;
- you want to visit Ohrid too;
- you want beaches and Lake Ohrid;
- you prefer a slower summer trip.
Where to Stay During Struga Poetry Evenings
Do not choose accommodation only by hotel name.
Location matters more.
Central Struga
Best overall.
You can walk to:
- Bridge of Poetry;
- Black Drim waterfront;
- Park of Poetry;
- restaurants;
- festival venues;
- central cafés.
Lakefront
Best for: combining the festival with a summer holiday.
You remain within easy reach of central events while gaining quicker access to beaches.
Outside the Centre
Can offer better value, but check your late-night transport arrangements if you plan to attend readings ending close to midnight.
How to Get to Struga
From Ohrid Airport
St. Paul the Apostle Airport – Ohrid is the closest airport.
It lies only a short road journey from Struga.
However, the airport currently confirms that there is no regular public airport shuttle for ordinary passengers.
The easiest options are:
- taxi;
- pre-arranged transfer;
- rental car;
- transport arranged through accommodation.
Do not arrive expecting a permanent airport bus timetable.
From Skopje
Intercity buses connect Skopje with Struga and the Lake Ohrid region.
Services and operators can change, so we do not recommend planning from an old list of exact departure times.
Check current departures shortly before travelling.
From Ohrid
Struga and Ohrid are close enough to combine easily.
Options include:
- regional buses;
- taxi;
- car;
- seasonal transport.
For wider planning, read How to Get to Ohrid & the Lake Region.
Can You Stay in Ohrid and Attend the Festival?
Yes.
Ohrid and Struga are close enough that this is completely realistic.
Stay in Struga If…
- the poetry festival is the main reason for your trip;
- you want to walk home after evening readings;
- you want the full festival atmosphere;
- you prefer the Black Drim riverside.
Stay in Ohrid If…
- you want more historic sightseeing;
- you want a larger accommodation selection;
- you are visiting primarily for Lake Ohrid;
- you only plan to attend one festival evening.
What to Do in Struga Between Poetry Events
The festival does not require sitting in a hall all day.
Walk Along the Black Drim
The river flows directly from Lake Ohrid through the centre of Struga.
Its bridges, cafés and promenades form the city’s most enjoyable walking area.
Visit the Lakefront
Festival season can coincide with excellent swimming weather.
Spend the afternoon beside Lake Ohrid and return to the centre before the evening readings.
Explore Struga’s Literary Heritage
The city has monuments and cultural references connected with the Miladinov Brothers and its long identity as a literary centre.
Read our Struga – The City of Poetry Guide.
Visit Kalishta
The monastery complex west of Struga includes important cave-church heritage beside Lake Ohrid.
Visit Radožda
Continue towards the Albanian border for:
- a traditional lakeside village;
- fish restaurants;
- cave church heritage;
- views over Lake Ohrid.
See our Beautiful Villages in North Macedonia Guide.
Visit Vevčani
The mountain village of Vevčani makes an excellent half-day excursion from Struga.
It is known for:
- Vevčani Springs;
- traditional houses;
- local food;
- mountain scenery;
- its famous winter carnival.
Explore Struga & the Lake Ohrid Region
What to Eat in Struga
Festival days can be long, so leave enough time for proper meals rather than surviving on café snacks.
Look for:
- shopska salad;
- tavče gravče;
- grilled meat;
- šarska pleskavica;
- seasonal vegetables;
- Macedonian cheeses;
- local pastries;
- traditional soups.
For more local dishes, read What to Eat in Struga.
Is the Festival Free?
Struga Poetry Evenings includes a mixture of public, invitation-based and professionally oriented events.
Some major outdoor poetry readings have traditionally been accessible to a broad public audience.
Individual:
- indoor events;
- special programmes;
- professional meetings;
- excursions;
- receptions;
can operate differently.
Check the current programme for access information rather than assuming every festival event has identical entry conditions.
Do You Need to Speak Macedonian?
No.
Struga Poetry Evenings is fundamentally an international festival.
Poetry may be presented in:
- the author’s original language;
- Macedonian translation;
- English translation;
- other festival translation formats.
The experience of hearing poetry in several languages is part of the event’s identity.
Is Struga Poetry Evenings Only for Academics?
No.
Some events are naturally aimed at:
- writers;
- publishers;
- translators;
- literary professionals;
- researchers.
But major readings, especially outdoor programmes, can be enjoyed simply as cultural events.
You do not need to know every poet beforehand.
Best Events for an Ordinary Traveller
1. Bridges
First choice.
The combination of poetry, river and final awards gives you the strongest single festival experience.
2. Poetry Meridians
A useful opening-night introduction to the international group of participating poets.
3. Golden Wreath Portrait
Best if you want to hear more from the year’s principal laureate.
4. Outdoor and Riverside Readings
Often more atmospheric and accessible than specialist professional sessions.
5. Ohrid / St. Naum Programme
Excellent if the edition includes public events connecting poetry with important Lake Ohrid locations.
How to Plan a Festival Day
09:00 – Breakfast by the Black Drim
Start slowly in central Struga.
10:00–12:00 – Morning Poetry Programme
Choose one reading, discussion or poet portrait.
12:30 – Lunch
Eat before the afternoon heat.
14:00–17:00 – Lake or Rest
Do not fill every hour with literary events.
Use the afternoon for:
- swimming;
- coffee;
- walking;
- rest at your accommodation.
18:00 – Dinner
Eat before the principal evening programme.
20:00 onwards – Poetry
Attend the headline reading, portrait or Bridges programme.
Best Time to Visit Struga
If you are travelling specifically for the festival, follow the annual dates rather than a generic seasonal recommendation.
For a normal Struga trip:
May–June
Excellent for:
- walking;
- comfortable temperatures;
- fewer peak-summer crowds;
- green landscapes.
July–August
Best for:
- swimming;
- beaches;
- summer nightlife;
- Lake Ohrid activities.
Accommodation demand and temperatures are higher.
September
Excellent for a quieter lake trip with generally pleasant weather.
Weather During the Festival
Because festival dates can shift between June and August, the exact conditions vary.
June
Expect warm days but cooler evenings than peak midsummer.
August
Days can be hot and evening outdoor events remain warm well after sunset.
Always Bring
- a light evening layer;
- comfortable shoes;
- water;
- sun protection;
- a compact rain layer for outdoor programmes.
What to Wear
There is no requirement to dress formally for most public poetry readings.
Daytime
Comfortable summer clothing is appropriate.
Major Evening Ceremony
Smart casual is a good choice if you want to dress slightly more formally.
Church or Monastery Events
If the programme includes St. Sophia, St. Naum or another religious venue, dress respectfully and follow the site’s rules.
Photography
Outdoor events are naturally photogenic, particularly around the Black Drim.
However, photography rules can differ at:
- indoor readings;
- churches;
- press events;
- professional sessions.
Avoid flash during poetry readings unless it is clearly permitted.
Struga Poetry Evenings for Writers
The festival becomes considerably deeper if you are a poet, translator, publisher or literary professional.
Programmes can include:
- Versopolis;
- publisher meetings;
- poet portraits;
- translation and publishing activity;
- young-poet awards;
- professional guests;
- international literary networking.
Applications, accreditation and award competitions follow their own annual procedures.
Use the official festival announcements rather than general visitor information if you want to participate professionally.
Struga Poetry Evenings and UNESCO
The festival has a long-standing relationship with UNESCO.
The clearest contemporary expression of this partnership is the Bridges of Struga international poetry award supporting young authors and debut poetry books.
The cooperation reinforces one of the festival’s core ideas:
poetry as a bridge between languages and cultures.
Why Struga Calls Itself a City of Poetry
The festival has influenced the identity of Struga for more than six decades.
Poetry appears physically in the city through:
- Bridge of Poetry;
- Park of Poetry;
- monuments;
- festival venues;
- public readings;
- literary heritage connected with the Miladinov Brothers.
That is why Struga’s connection with poetry feels more permanent than a festival banner that appears for one week each year.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Struga Poetry Evenings?
It is an international poetry festival held in Struga, North Macedonia, bringing together poets, translators, publishers and literary audiences from around the world.
When did Struga Poetry Evenings begin?
The festival began in 1961.
When did it become international?
By 1966, Struga Poetry Evenings had developed into an international cultural festival.
When is Struga Poetry Evenings?
The dates can change significantly between editions. The 2026 festival took place from 24–29 June.
Is the festival always in August?
No. Several previous editions were strongly associated with August, but the 2026 edition took place in June. Always check the current year’s dates.
When is Struga Poetry Evenings 2027?
Detailed official 2027 dates had not yet been announced at the time of writing.
What is the Golden Wreath?
It is the principal international award of Struga Poetry Evenings, currently recognising the overall poetic achievement of an eminent world poet.
When was the Golden Wreath established?
1966.
Who was the first Golden Wreath winner?
Robert Rozhdestvensky received the first Golden Wreath in 1966.
Was the Golden Wreath always a lifetime-achievement prize?
No. It initially recognised an unpublished poem presented at the festival. Since 1971 it has been awarded for an eminent poet’s overall body of work.
Who won the Golden Wreath in 2026?
Dutch poet and translator Anneke Brassinga.
Why was Anneke Brassinga’s award notable?
She became the first Dutch poet to receive the Golden Wreath.
What is the Miladinov Brothers Award?
It is an important national poetry award presented for the best poetry collection published between two editions of the festival.
Who won the Miladinov Brothers Award in 2026?
Nikolina Andova Shopova won for her collection In the House.
What is Bridges of Struga?
It is an international award connected with SPE and UNESCO that supports a young poet with a debut poetry book.
Who won Bridges of Struga in 2026?
British poet Daniel Hinds.
What is the Bridges poetry reading?
It is the festival’s iconic international poetry meeting beside the Black Drim and Bridge of Poetry, where the main awards are traditionally presented.
Where is the Bridge of Poetry?
It is in central Struga near the point where the Black Drim flows from Lake Ohrid through the city.
What is the Park of Poetry?
It is a Struga park associated with the Golden Wreath tradition, where laureates plant trees commemorating their participation.
What does “Longing for the South” have to do with the festival?
Konstantin Miladinov’s famous poem T’ga za jug – Longing for the South is deeply connected with Struga’s literary identity and remains part of festival ceremonial tradition.
Is Struga Poetry Evenings free?
Access differs between events. Major public readings can be broadly accessible, while professional meetings, excursions or individual programmes may have separate conditions.
Do I need to be a poet to attend?
No. Ordinary visitors can attend public readings and festival events.
Are readings translated?
The international nature of the festival means poetry is frequently presented through multiple languages and translations, although the exact format varies by event.
How many days should I stay?
Two or three nights is ideal for a first-time visitor who wants both the festival and time to enjoy Struga.
Where should I stay?
Central Struga is best if festival events are the priority because you can walk to the river, Bridge of Poetry and major venues.
Can I stay in Ohrid instead?
Yes. Ohrid and Struga are close, although staying in Struga is more convenient for late festival events.
Which airport is closest?
Ohrid St. Paul the Apostle Airport.
Is there an airport shuttle to Struga?
There is currently no regular public passenger shuttle from Ohrid Airport. Taxi, private transfer or rental car is simpler.
Can I reach Struga by bus from Skopje?
Yes. Intercity connections operate, but check current schedules rather than relying on old fixed times.
What else should I see near Struga?
Combine the festival with Ohrid, Kalishta, Radožda, Vevčani, Lake Ohrid beaches or St. Naum.
Continue Exploring Struga & Lake Ohrid
Official Festival Information
Because dates, participants and venues change each year, confirm the current edition directly with:
Struga Poetry Evenings – Official Website
The festival also publishes annual information about:
- Golden Wreath laureates;
- Miladinov Brothers competition;
- Bridges of Struga;
- daily programme;
- participating poets;
- publications;
- professional activities.
Final Verdict: Is Struga Poetry Evenings Worth Visiting?
Yes – and not only for dedicated poetry readers.
There are larger literary festivals in larger cities, but few have Struga’s relationship between poetry and place.
The Black Drim actually flows through the centre of the festival.
The Bridge of Poetry becomes a stage.
Golden Wreath laureates leave living memorials in the Park of Poetry.
Konstantin Miladinov’s longing for Ohrid and Struga continues to echo through the opening tradition more than a century and a half after the poem was written.
And between readings, you are still beside one of Europe’s most remarkable lakes.
Start Planning Your Macedonia Trip
Make your trip easier with a reliable airport transfer, a top day tour from Skopje, and our most useful Macedonia travel guides.
- Arrive without stress: Book your airport transfer and enjoy a smooth ride straight to your hotel. Drivers will meet you at Arrivals.
- Take one of the best day trips from Skopje: Join a Vodno and Matka Canyon guided tour and discover some of the area’s most beautiful natural highlights.
- Need ideas for your trip? Explore our MacedoniaTOP Where To Go and Things To Do guides for top destinations, attractions, and travel inspiration.
Travel Essentials
That makes the festival easy to enjoy on two levels: as an internationally significant literary event and simply as an unusually atmospheric time to visit Struga.
