Location: Ethnographic Museum, Marko Marulić City Library and Central Café

Date: 11–20 December 2026

Advent programmes bringing festive magic to Split this December are already being widely announced, but – as they say in TV commercials – that’s not all! The literary and publishing initiative Splitski kantun remains true to its spirit, always ready to take on new challenges and embark on new projects. Founded by sisters Kate Bošković and Mirjana Bošković Smrekar, Splitski kantun has brought together numerous small publishers and independent author-publishers from Split. This holiday season, it is bringing a special contribution to the city’s cultural life for both locals and visitors: the first Split Literary Advent by Splitski kantun.

The project’s initiators have already brought the highly popular SlatCroFest by Slatkopedija festival to Split, while their publishing activities regularly contribute to the Mediterranean Book Festival. Now they have prepared something entirely new: a festival that, over ten days – from 11 to 20 December – will bring together books, authors, readers and everyone who loves a good story!

The Split Literary Advent will offer a rich and varied programme for all generations, including children, young people and adults. Visitors can look forward to literary gatherings, book presentations, creative workshops, discussions, quizzes and many other surprises.

The festival programme will take place at several attractive venues in the centre of Split, with the support of the City of Split, co-organised with the Marko Marulić City Library in Split and in partnership with the Ethnographic Museum of Split and Central Café.

"Our wish with this festival is to bring books back into the spotlight during the Christmas season, give them the attention they deserve and remind our fellow citizens that the most beautiful stories are found in books – but also come to life through them," say the Bošković sisters, adding that Sabol Polyclinic has already joined the project as a sponsor of the children's programme. The visual identity of the new Split festival was created by the 13th Floor Studio.

Further programme details will be announced very soon. In the meantime, visitors can be sure they won't regret marking 11–20 December in their calendars, when books will take centre stage as Split gets into the festive spirit!