On December 13, Madrid will host the Books.Blizko book fair, one of the most anticipated Russian-language events of the pre-New Year season. From 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., guests will find a wide selection of literature and a rich program of events at Espacio Montesa and the neighboring Tuuulibreria.
The fair will offer a rare opportunity to purchase books in Russian without paying extra for shipping. On sale will be new works by well-known authors, publications from independent publishers, children's and teen books, intellectual and light literature, in hardcover and paperback — more than a thousand titles.
This time, the fair also includes a literary program. Anna Starobinets, Armen Zakharian, Alexander Gavrilov, Alexander Delfinov, Evgeny Feldman, and Daria Serenko have confirmed their participation.
The program is split between two venues located two minutes' walk from each other:
11:00 a.m. — Family “beastly” program with Anna Starobinets
12:30 p.m. — Discussion with Alexander Gavrilov on art and dictatorship
1:30 p.m. — Presentation by Armen Zakharian, “More Than a Hero: The Phenomenon of Don Quixote”
3:00 p.m. — Alexander Delfinov's poetic theater
12:00–18:00 — book sales
4:00 p.m. — Presentation of Evgeny Feldman's photo album “It's Navalny.”
5:00 p.m. — reading of new poetry and prose by Daria Serenko
Addresses:
Espacio Montesa — Calle de Montesa 39, Madrid
Tuuulibreria — a two-minute walk from the main venue
Visitors are advised to register in advance for free admission to Tuuulibreria and to purchase tickets for performances at Espacio Montesa.
What Are the Objectives of the Award?
The primary goal of the Award is to support authors and promote Russian-language literature worldwide. We welcome all who write and read in Russian, regardless of citizenship or place of residence. We aim to foster a Russian-language culture free from political and imperial influences.
How Is the Award Process Conducted?
The Prize is awarded annually. The Jury holds a vote in which each member selects between one and three works. The author whose work receives the highest number of votes becomes the winner.
What Awards Are Provided?
The Prize winner receives a grant for the translation of their work into English, French, and German.
When Does the Submission Period for the Competition Start and End?
Submissions for the third season of the prize will open on July 15, 2026, and close on October 15, 2026.
When will the list of finalists and winners be announced?
On January 20, 2027, the Council of Experts will announce the shortlist. The Independent Jury will announce the winner on May 25, 2027.
What are the conditions for the nomination of a book for the award
Works published in 2025 are eligible for the third season of the competition. Eligible works (novels, novellas, short story and essay collections, documentary prose) may have been published either as standalone editions or in literary magazines. Nominations may be submitted by publishing houses and magazine editorial boards, as well as by the authors themselves or third parties (with the author's consent and written confirmation). Texts must be submitted for consideration in electronic format. The DAR Prize is open to all authors. Given the prize's main goals — promoting contemporary Russian-language literature outside of Russia — and the nature of the award itself (a translation grant), priority will be given to authors whose works have not previously been translated into English, French, or German.
