Pärnu literature festival highlights local writers

The Pärnu Literature Festival, which will be held for the fifth time this weekend, places the city’s writers at the centre of its programme, organiser Merle Jantson told ERR’s cultural programme Delta.

Jantson said Pärnu and literature were a natural match. She noted that even people who had never read a book would probably know the name of Lydia Koidula, as well as that Pärnu was her childhood city and that her father published Postimees there.

“The question is not why we have a literature festival, but rather why we did not have one before,” Jantson said.

She said the idea emerged while taking one of her children to school near Koidula Park. The park, surrounded by schools, offered everything needed for a compact festival with a distinct Pärnu character, she said.

The festival aims to value the beauty of the Estonian language, good Estonian literature and writers. Although it is not primarily focused on Koidula, Pärnu authors play an important role in the programme.

One stage is dedicated to past and present Pärnu writers. This year’s guests include Johanna Roos, who won the Siuru and Betti Alver prizes last year. Pärnu writers Indrek Koff, Kadri Kõusaar and Kaupo Meiel will serve as moderators, while Jaanus Vaiksoo will moderate for the first time.

A midnight programme will take visitors to the home courtyard of one of Pärnu’s famous writers. Taavi Tõnisson will lead a night-hour programme about Ingi and Siuts, the wives of Visnapuu and Vares, who were close friends.

Jantson said the festival welcomes anyone who cares about the Estonian language. Its programme includes areas for young people, children, discussion groups, Pärnu residents, dialects and theatre, as well as a main stage featuring musicians who write.