After four successful days of the latest in literature, comics, and audio productions, the Leipzig Book Fair opened its doors one last time on Sunday. With the most visitors to date, the organizers of the book fair can look back on a delightful event. Europe’s largest literary festival “Leipzig Liest” (“Leipzig reads”) took place parallel to the book fair. One of my fist stops in this festival was at the Moritzbastei, an old bastion that was built in the 16th century.

In the nostalgic cellar of the Moritzbastei the “Lange Leipziger Lesenacht” (“long night of reading”) gave young and upcoming authors the opportunity to read to a small audience. It was so special because you could enjoy this rare event until late into the night.

The newly included music and audio book area of Leipzig book fair was especially highly acknowledged, contributing to the fairs wide range of literature. Music also played a prominent role throughout the whole festival. Therefore, after the intimate reading at the bastion, I went on to the popular jazz bar, Spizz.

On my way there I passed a villa in the heart of Leipzig that was lit up by bright and colorful lights. At first I didn’t understand why people were gathering in front of this building, but when I came closer I realized that the reading that was being held inside was transmitted over a speaker system. This made for a relaxed mood, making me feel as if I was walking through a small town in the Mediterranean. This feeling was enhanced when I arrived at the Spizz bar, where people were enjoying food and drink outside on a warm spring evening while listening to the music coming from inside the venue. I went inside where another reading was held.

I entered the room and was immediately taken in by the wonderful atmosphere. The exciting combination of spoken word and live jazz let me really enjoy the stories about Louis Armstrong’s travels in the GDR. For me this seemed like a once-in-a-lifetime experience, but the amazing thing is that it happens every year! I thought it was so great how this city participated in the fair in such a nonchalant way. I can highly recommend this event as a must-see for anyone coming to Germany.