Pärnu Literature Festival may have held its final edition amid funding woes
Estonia's Pärnu hosted its literature festival for the sixth time on Saturday, but organizers warn it may have been the last due to a lack of funding.
The Estonian summer capital of Pärnu held its literature festival for the sixth time on Saturday, though organizers say ongoing funding shortages could mean this was the final edition.
The festival opened in Koidula Park with a flower wreath laid on the statue of writer and poet Lydia Koidula (1843–1886), the site where the event traditionally takes place.
A full day of programming
Running for 12 hours, the festival featured lectures, meetings with authors, a book fair, and a dedicated area for children and young people.
Uncertain outlook
Festival organizer Merle Jantson said that putting on the event has grown more financially challenging each year, and this year's edition may turn out to be the last. She noted that the programme, which runs from noon to midnight, aims to celebrate and promote the Estonian language, literature and writers.
