World Poetry Day, celebrated on March 21st, is a time when people around the globe honor poets and the art of poetry. In 2018, various activities were organized to celebrate this form of expression that transcends language, culture, and time.
Schools and educational institutions often spearhead World Poetry Day celebrations by organizing workshops where students can learn about different poetic forms and techniques. These workshops may include writing sessions where students are prompted to create their own poems, sometimes with guidance from established poets.
Literary groups and cultural organizations frequently host poetry readings in public spaces such as parks, libraries, and bookstores. The 2018 events featured diverse voices from local and international poets who offered readings in multiple languages to highlight poetry’s universal appeal.
Another popular activity is the social media campaign where organizations and individuals share their favorite poems or lines on platforms like Twitter or Instagram using dedicated hashtags like #WorldPoetryDay. This helps increase awareness about the day and encourages participation from a broader audience.
Many publishers take this opportunity to release poetry anthologies or new collections from emerging and well-known poets. Book signings and launch events are common, providing fans with opportunities to meet their favorite writers and discover new voices in the world of poetry.
In some cities, interactive installations such as “poetry walls” where passersby can write their favorite verses or compose impromptu lines are set up in public spaces. These communal activities encourage everyone to participate and contribute to the living tapestry of words that capture human experience.
Cafes and art centers often blend music with poetry, offering open mic nights that invite performers to share their work in a live setting. The synergy between spoken word poetry and acoustic music creates a rich sensory experience for audiences.
To commemorate this day in 2018, UNESCO – the organization that first declared March 21st as World Poetry Day – highlighted the need to support linguistic diversity through poetic expression. Efforts were made globally to provide a platform for endangered languages to be heard through poetry.
World Poetry Day activities extend far beyond these examples, as individuals and organizations find unique ways to pay homage to the art form. The key message of this day remains clear: poetry is an influential medium that has the power to change perspectives, challenge thinking, and bring people together across the divides of language and culture.
