REKU REKU is a vibrant storytelling festival organized by the renowned Slovenian publishing house Založba Goga, located in Novo mesto. The festival has evolved from its origins in Novo mesto Short, a literary event that celebrated the art of the short story and has now taken on a renewed identity as REKU REKU – a name that reflects the spoken word, oral tradition, and the act of storytelling itself.

Since March, REKU REKU has been taking place in the intimate and culturally rich setting of Goga Bookstore and Coffeeshop, creating a space where storytelling thrives not only on paper but also through voice, presence, and shared experience. This newly rebranded version of the festival marks a shift from written to spoken narratives, highlighting the deep human need to tell and hear stories, something that transcends age, background, and culture.

While the festival retains its local roots and strong ties to the community of Novo mesto, it embraces an increasingly international character. The lineup of storytellers includes both Slovenian artists and voices from abroad, emphasizing cultural exchange and the universal appeal of storytelling. This international element culminates in the festival’s grand finale, held in late August, when the small town becomes a stage for a wide array of narrative forms, from traditional tales to modern, experimental performances.

Each event in the REKU REKU program is carefully curated to offer a unique storytelling experience. The festival blends traditional and contemporary approaches to narrative, encouraging performers to engage audiences with stories that resonate on both personal and collective levels. These events are more than performances; they are shared encounters, where stories serve as tools for connection, reflection, and transformation.

REKU REKU is not just a festival; it is a celebration of the spoken word, a tribute to the storytellers who craft meaning from memory and imagination, and a reaffirmation of storytelling as one of humanity’s oldest and most essential art forms. Through this festival, Založba Goga continues its mission to support literary innovation, cultural dialogue, and community engagement.

The festival will take place from August 27th to 29th. On the second day of the festival.

(28th August), we will host a special event where Nerea Ariznabarreta Izcue, Nyk de Vries, Maša Seničić will take the stage. The theme for this evening is: “Nobody Speaks My Language”, aligning with the Lit-Up project’s mission to explore strategies that support language equality.