World Poetry Day 2024

Dive into the artistry of language on World Poetry Day! Discover the secrets of crafting verses that stir emotions and captivate hearts. Join the poetic celebration!

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QUICK FACTS

• Date: March 21th
• Main Components: Poetry readings, workshops, contests, exhibitions, publications, and media campaigns
• Popularity: Celebrated in over 100 countries by UNESCO and its partners
• Pairings: World Book and Copyright Day, World Book Capital Cities, Creative Cities of Literature
• Variations: National Poetry Day, National Poetry Month, Honorary Poets

INTRODUCTION

Poetry is one of the oldest and most diverse forms of human expression, dating back to ancient times and spanning across cultures and continents. Poetry can convey emotions, stories, ideas, and values in a creative and powerful way, using imagery, rhythm, and language. Poetry can also be a catalyst for dialogue, peace, and social change, as it gives voice to the marginalized, challenges the status quo, and fosters empathy and understanding.

World Poetry Day is a day to celebrate the art and beauty of poetry, and to recognize its importance in our lives. It was declared by UNESCO (the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) in 1999, with the aim of supporting linguistic diversity, promoting the oral tradition, and encouraging the reading, writing, and teaching of poetry. World Poetry Day is celebrated every year on March 21, with various events and activities organized by UNESCO, its partners, and other stakeholders around the world.

In this article, we will explore the history, events, and significance of World Poetry Day, and share some quotes and poems that can inspire us on this special occasion.

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HISTORY OF WORLD POETRY DAY

The idea of dedicating a day to poetry was first proposed by the delegation of France, with the support of other countries, especially those from Africa and Latin America, during the 30th General Conference of UNESCO in Paris in 1999. The proposal was inspired by the successful celebration of a National Poetry Day in the United Kingdom in October 1994, which was supported by the British Council, the Arts Council of England, and the Poetry Society. The proposal was also influenced by the existing international days dedicated to poetry, such as the World Poetry Movement, the International Poetry Festival of Medellín, and the Struga Poetry Evenings.

The UNESCO General Conference adopted the resolution to proclaim March 21 as World Poetry Day, with the following objectives:

• To support linguistic diversity through poetic expression and to offer endangered languages the opportunity to be heard within their communities.
• To encourage a return to the oral tradition of poetry recitals, to promote the teaching of poetry, to restore a dialogue between poetry and the other arts such as theatre, dance, music and painting, and to support small publishers and create an attractive image of poetry in the media, so that the art of poetry will no longer be considered an outdated form of art, but one which enables society as a whole to regain and assert its identity.
• To give fresh recognition and impetus to national, regional and international poetry movements.

The first World Poetry Day was celebrated in 2000, and since then, it has become a global phenomenon, with the participation of poets, writers, artists, educators, media, and the general public.

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EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES OF WORLD POETRY DAY

World Poetry Day will be marked by a variety of events and activities, such as poetry readings, workshops, contests, exhibitions, publications, and media campaigns, organized by UNESCO, its partners, and other stakeholders around the world. Some of the highlights of World Poetry Day are:

• The launch of the Poetry Space Lab, a global online platform for poets and poetry lovers, supported by UNESCO and the Transcultura Programme. The Poetry Space Lab will offer a space for sharing, learning, and collaborating on poetry, as well as a repository of poetry resources, such as anthologies, magazines, podcasts, videos, and blogs. The Poetry Space Lab will also feature a poetry map, which will showcase the diversity and richness of poetry around the world, and a poetry challenge, which will invite users to create and submit poems on various themes and formats.
• The announcement of the winners of the Sustainability Poetry Contest, organized by PEN International and the UN, in collaboration with the Creative Cities Network and the Transcultura Programme. The Sustainability Poetry Contest is a global competition that aims to raise awareness and inspire action on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which are a set of 17 goals that address the most pressing challenges facing humanity and the planet. The contest invites poets of all ages, languages, and backgrounds to submit poems that reflect on the SDGs and their relevance to their lives and communities. The winners will receive cash prizes, certificates, and the opportunity to have their poems published and promoted by the organizers and partners.
• The awarding of the Golden Wreath Award to the Brazilian poet António Gonçalves Dias, and the presentation of the  World Poetry Anthology, at the Struga Poetry Evenings in Macedonia. The Golden Wreath Award is one of the most prestigious international poetry awards, given annually to a living poet for their outstanding contribution to world poetry. The award was established in 1966, as part of the Struga Poetry Evenings, which is one of the oldest and largest poetry festivals in the world, founded in 1962. The 2023 World Poetry Anthology is a collection of poems by the poets who participated in the Struga Poetry Evenings in 2023, representing different languages, cultures, and styles of poetry.
• The celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Poetry Market (Marché de la Poésie) in Paris, France, with the participation of more than 500 publishers, poets, and artists from different countries. The Poetry Market is one of the largest and most popular poetry events in Europe, founded in 1973 by the poet and publisher Jean-Malrieu. The Poetry Market is a four-day event that takes place every year in June, in the Place Saint-Sulpice, in the heart of Paris. The event features poetry stands, book signings, readings, performances, workshops, debates, and exhibitions, as well as a special guest country or region each year. The Poetry Market attracts thousands of visitors and lovers of poetry, and is a showcase of the diversity and vitality of poetry publishing and creation.
• The inauguration of the Manchester Poetry Library, the first of its kind in the UK, with a series of events and exhibitions, featuring poets such as Carol Ann Duffy, Imtiaz Dharker, John McAuliffe, and Nasima Begum. The Manchester Poetry Library is a new public library dedicated to poetry, located at the Manchester Metropolitan University. The library will offer a collection of over 20,000 poetry books, magazines, and audio-visual materials, as well as a digital archive of poetry from Manchester and beyond. The library will also host poetry events, workshops, residencies, and outreach programs, as well as collaborate with other poetry organizations and initiatives, such as the Manchester City of Literature, the Manchester Poetry Festival, and the Manchester Writing School.
• The hosting of the World Poetry Day Conference in Berlin, Germany, with the theme of “Poetry and Politics”. The conference will bring together poets, scholars, activists, and policymakers from different countries and backgrounds, to explore the relationship between poetry and politics, and the role of poetry in addressing the current global challenges, such as climate change, human rights, democracy, and peace. The conference will feature keynote speeches, panel discussions, poetry readings, and performances, as well as a poetry slam competition and a poetry manifesto.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF WORLD POETRY DAY

World Poetry Day is a significant and impactful occasion, because it:

• Celebrates the diversity and richness of poetry, as a universal human expression, across languages, cultures, and regions. World Poetry Day recognizes the value and beauty of poetry, as a form of art, communication, and education, that can transcend boundaries and connect people from different backgrounds and experiences.
• Supports the development and promotion of poetry, as a source of creativity, innovation, and social change. World Poetry Day encourages the participation and engagement of poets and poetry lovers, as well as the general public, in the celebration of poetry and its benefits. World Poetry Day also supports the efforts of small publishers, libraries, schools, and other institutions, to make poetry more accessible and visible to a wider audience.
• Raises awareness and appreciation of the importance of poetry for the preservation and promotion of linguistic and cultural diversity, especially for endangered and minority languages. World Poetry Day highlights the role of poetry in safeguarding and revitalizing the oral tradition, the heritage, and the identity of different linguistic and cultural communities, and in giving voice to their aspirations and struggles.

WORLD POETRY DAY WISHES, QUOTES, AND MESSAGES

TOP 20 WORLD POETRY DAY WISHES AND GREETINGS

Here are 20 unique World Poetry Day wishes and greetings:

1. On this World Poetry Day, may your verses dance like the wind and your words paint a canvas of emotions. Happy poetic celebrations!
2. Wishing you a World Poetry Day filled with the rhythm of words and the melody of thoughts. May your verses resonate with the beauty of life.
3. Happy World Poetry Day! May your pen be as mighty as a sword, weaving tales of courage, love, and inspiration.
4. Let the ink of creativity flow freely on this World Poetry Day, crafting verses that touch hearts and stir souls. Cheers to the power of poetry!
5. On this special day, may your poetic journey be a tapestry of emotions, each word a brushstroke in the masterpiece of your soul. Happy World Poetry Day!
6. Embrace the magic of language and the charm of verses. Wishing you a World Poetry Day filled with inspiration, creativity, and the joy of expression.
7. May your words be a symphony, your verses a dance, and your poetry a celebration of the human spirit. Happy World Poetry Day!
8. As the world celebrates the beauty of words, may your pen be the guiding star, illuminating the path of poetry. Happy World Poetry Day!
9. Cheers to the poets who weave dreams with words and paint emotions on the canvas of our hearts. Happy World Poetry Day!
10. On this special occasion, may your pen be a fountain of inspiration, and your verses a source of joy. Happy World Poetry Day!
11. Sending you poetic vibes on World Poetry Day! May your verses be a melody that lingers in the hearts of those who read them.
12. Happy World Poetry Day! May your words be like a gentle breeze, touching the souls of readers with the magic of your creativity.
13. Today, let the rhythm of your heart sync with the flow of your pen. Happy World Poetry Day to a soulful poet!
14. May your poetry be a bridge connecting hearts and minds, fostering understanding and love. Happy World Poetry Day!
15. Wishing you a day filled with inspiration, creativity, and the joy that comes from expressing your innermost thoughts through poetry. Happy World Poetry Day!
16. On this World Poetry Day, may your verses be a beacon of light, guiding others through the labyrinth of emotions and experiences.
17. Happy World Poetry Day! May your words be a gentle rain, nourishing the gardens of imagination and creativity.
18. Celebrate the magic of language and the power of expression on this World Poetry Day. May your verses leave an indelible mark on the canvas of literature.
19. Cheers to the poets who turn ordinary words into extraordinary emotions. Wishing you a World Poetry Day filled with inspiration and creativity.
20. May your poetic journey continue to bloom and flourish, creating a garden of words that captivates the world. Happy World Poetry Day!

TOP 20 WORLD POETRY DAY QUOTES

Here are 20 unique World Poetry Day quotes:

1. “Poetry is the music of the soul, a symphony of words that transcends time and echoes through the corridors of the heart.” – Unknown
2. “On World Poetry Day, let your words be the brushstrokes painting the canvas of humanity with colors of love, compassion, and understanding.” – Anonymous
3. “In the tapestry of life, poetry is the thread that weaves emotions into a masterpiece of existence.” – Rumi
4. “A poet’s heart beats in rhythm with the universe, and on World Poetry Day, we celebrate the cosmic dance of words.” – Lang Leav
5. “Poetry is the language where silence speaks, and emotions find their voice in the echoes of carefully chosen words.” – Pablo Neruda
6. “On this World Poetry Day, may your verses be a lantern guiding others through the labyrinth of emotions and experiences.” – Atticus Poetry
7. “In the garden of literature, poetry is the blooming flower that captivates the senses and leaves an everlasting fragrance.” – Maya Angelou
8. “Poetry is the heartbeat of the literary world, pulsating with the emotions, dreams, and whispers of the human spirit.” – Edgar Allan Poe
9. “Celebrate World Poetry Day by letting your words dance like butterflies, bringing joy and wonder to the hearts of those who read them.” – Unknown
10. “A poem is not just words on paper; it’s a journey, an experience, and a revelation of the soul.” – Mary Oliver
11. “On this special day, let poetry be the bridge connecting hearts, transcending borders and fostering a global symphony of voices.” – Unknown
12. “In the realm of poetry, every word is a star, and together they form constellations that illuminate the vast universe of human emotions.” – Atticus Poetry
13. “Poetry is the silent conversation between the poet and the universe, a dialogue that echoes in the hearts of those who listen.” – Rupi Kaur
14. “World Poetry Day is a celebration of the alchemy that transforms ordinary words into extraordinary emotions, creating a magic that lingers.” – Unknown
15. “Let your poetry be a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, a beacon of hope in a world that often craves the beauty of words.” – Lang Leav
16. “On this day of poetic celebration, may your verses be the compass that guides others through the uncharted territories of the soul.” – Unknown
17. “Poetry is the art of distilling the essence of life into words, creating a potion that heals, inspires, and leaves an indelible mark on the heart.” – Emily Dickinson
18. “In the dance of words, poetry is the choreography of emotions, a ballet that captivates the audience and leaves them spellbound.” – Unknown
19. “World Poetry Day is a reminder that within every heartbeat, there is a rhythm waiting to be expressed in the eloquence of verse.” – Atticus Poetry
20. “Poetry is the echo of the invisible, the voice of the unspoken, and on this World Poetry Day, let your words resonate with the mysteries of existence.” – Unknown

TOP 20 WORLD POETRY DAY MESSAGES/SMS

Here are 20 unique World Poetry Day messages:

1. “Happy World Poetry Day! May your words be a melody that resonates with the hearts of those who listen, creating a symphony of emotions.”
2. “On this special day, let your poetry be a reflection of the beauty that surrounds us and a celebration of the extraordinary in the ordinary. Happy World Poetry Day!”
3. “Wishing you a World Poetry Day filled with inspiration and creativity. May your verses be a testament to the power of language and the magic of expression.”
4. “Happy World Poetry Day! Today, let your pen be the storyteller, weaving tales of love, courage, and dreams in the intricate tapestry of your verses.”
5. “On this poetic occasion, embrace the art of words and let your poetry be a beacon of light, guiding others through the maze of emotions. Happy World Poetry Day!”
6. “May your verses flow like a gentle river, carrying the essence of your soul into the hearts of those who read them. Happy World Poetry Day!”
7. “Cheers to the poets who dare to dream with open eyes and give a voice to the silent whispers of the heart. Happy World Poetry Day!”
8. “Wishing you a day filled with the joy of expression, the thrill of creation, and the satisfaction of knowing that your words have the power to inspire. Happy World Poetry Day!”
9. “On World Poetry Day, let your pen dance on the paper, creating a choreography of words that leaves an indelible mark on the canvas of literature.”
10. “Happy World Poetry Day! May your verses be a refuge for the soul, offering solace, inspiration, and a moment of reflection in the chaos of life.”
11. “Celebrate the magic of language and the beauty of self-expression on this World Poetry Day. Your words have the power to ignite imaginations and touch hearts.”
12. “May your poetry be a journey of self-discovery, a pilgrimage through the landscapes of emotions and experiences. Happy World Poetry Day!”
13. “On this day dedicated to the art of words, may your poetry be a garden of inspiration, blooming with the vibrant colors of imagination. Happy World Poetry Day!”
14. “Wishing you a World Poetry Day filled with the enchantment of language and the wonder of creation. May your verses be a testament to the richness of the human spirit.”
15. “Happy World Poetry Day! Let your words be the compass that guides readers through the uncharted territories of the heart, leaving an everlasting impact.”
16. “May your poetry be a gentle breeze that stirs the leaves of inspiration and a powerful storm that sweeps away the barriers of indifference. Happy World Poetry Day!”
17. “On this poetic celebration, may your verses be a bridge connecting diverse voices and cultures, fostering understanding and unity. Happy World Poetry Day!”
18. “Wishing you a day filled with the magic of language and the power of words. Happy World Poetry Day! May your verses be a source of inspiration for generations to come.”
19. “Celebrate World Poetry Day by letting your creativity soar, allowing your words to paint vivid pictures and create lasting memories in the minds of your readers.”
20. “Happy World Poetry Day! May your verses be a gift to the world, a reflection of your unique voice and a testament to the boundless possibilities of language.”

CONCLUSION

World Poetry Day is a day to celebrate the art and beauty of poetry, and to recognize its importance in our lives. It is a day to appreciate the poets who have enriched our culture and our humanity, and to discover new and emerging voices of poetry. It is also a day to express ourselves through poetry, and to share our poems with others. World Poetry Day is a day to celebrate poetry for life, and to acknowledge how poetry can enrich and transform our lives, individually and collectively, in various ways.

To end this article, we would like to share some quotes and poems that can inspire us on World Poetry Day:

• “Poetry is the rhythmical creation of beauty in words.” – Edgar Allan Poe
• “Poetry is the language in which man explores his own amazement.” – Christopher Fry
• “Poetry is an echo, asking a shadow to dance.” – Carl Sandburg
• “Poetry is the spontaneous overflow of powerful feelings: it takes its origin from emotion recollected in tranquility.” – William Wordsworth
• “Poetry is not a turning loose of emotion, but an escape from emotion; it is not the expression of personality, but an escape from personality. But, of course, only those who have personality
• and emotions know what it means to want to escape from these things.” – T.S. Eliot
• “Poetry is the opening and closing of a door, leaving those who look through to guess about what is seen during the moment.” – Robert Frost
• “Poetry is what gets lost in translation.” – Robert Frost
• “Poetry is the art of uniting pleasure with truth.” – Samuel Johnson
• “Poetry is the revelation of a feeling that the poet believes to be interior and personal which the reader recognizes as his own.” – Salvatore Quasimodo
• “Poetry is when an emotion has found its thought and the thought has found words.” – Robert Frost
• “Poetry is a mirror which makes beautiful that which is distorted.” – Percy Bysshe Shelley
• “Poetry is a way of taking life by the throat.” – Robert Frost
• “Poetry is the record of the best and happiest moments of the happiest and best minds.” – Percy Bysshe Shelley
• “Poetry is nearer to vital truth than history.” – Plato
• “Poetry is the synthesis of hyacinths and biscuits.” – Carl Sandburg
• “Poetry is the journal of a sea animal living on land, wanting to fly in the air.” – Carl Sandburg
• “Poetry is eternal graffiti written in the heart of everyone.” – Lawrence Ferlinghetti
• “Poetry is not only dream and vision; it is the skeleton architecture of our lives. It lays the foundations for a future of change, a bridge across our fears of what has never been before.” – Audre Lorde
• “Poetry is ordinary language raised to the Nth power. Poetry is boned with ideas, nerved and blooded with emotions, all held together by the delicate, tough skin of words.” – Paul Engle
• “Poetry is a deal of joy and pain and wonder, with a dash of the dictionary.” – Kahlil Gibran
• “Poetry is the opening and closing of a door, leaving those who look through to guess about what is seen during the moment.” – Robert Frost
• “Do not go gentle into that good night, Old age should burn and rave at close of day; Rage, rage against the dying of the light.” – Dylan Thomas
• “Two roads diverged in a wood, and I— I took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference.” – Robert Frost
• “I wandered lonely as a cloud That floats on high o’er vales and hills, When all at once I saw a crowd, A host, of golden daffodils.” – William Wordsworth
• “How do I love thee? Let me count the ways. I love thee to the depth and breadth and height My soul can reach, when feeling out of sight For the ends of being and ideal grace.” – Elizabeth Barrett Browning
• “Do not stand at my grave and weep I am not there. I do not sleep. I am a thousand winds that blow. I am the diamond glints on snow.” – Mary Elizabeth Frye
• “Because I could not stop for Death – He kindly stopped for me – The Carriage held but just Ourselves – And Immortality.” – Emily Dickinson
• “If you can keep your head when all about you Are losing theirs and blaming it on you, If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you, But make allowance for their doubting too;” – Rudyard Kipling
• “I have spread my dreams under your feet; Tread softly because you tread on my dreams.” – W.B. Yeats
• “Hold fast to dreams For if dreams die Life is a broken-winged bird That cannot fly.” – Langston Hughes
• “Some say the world will end in fire, Some say in ice. From what I’ve tasted of desire I hold with those who favor fire.” – Robert Frost
• “I think that I shall never see A poem lovely as a tree. A tree whose hungry mouth is prest Against the earth’s sweet flowing breast;” – Joyce Kilmer
• “You may write me down in history With your bitter, twisted lies, You may tread me in the very dirt But still, like dust, I’ll rise.” – Maya Angelou
• “Do not go gentle into that good night, Old age should burn and rave at close of day; Rage, rage against the dying of the light.” – Dylan Thomas
• “Two roads diverged in a wood, and I— I took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference.” – Robert Frost
• “I wandered lonely as a cloud That floats on high o’er vales and hills, When all at once I saw a crowd, A host, of golden daffodils.” – William Wordsworth
• “How do I love thee? Let me count the ways. I love thee to the depth and breadth and height My soul can reach, when feeling out of sight For the ends of being and ideal grace.” – Elizabeth Barrett Browning
• “Do not stand at my grave and weep I am not there. I do not sleep. I am a thousand winds that blow. I am the diamond glints on snow.” – Mary Elizabeth Frye
• “Because I could not stop for Death – He kindly stopped for me – The Carriage held but just Ourselves – And Immortality.” – Emily Dickinson
• “If you can keep your head when all about you Are losing theirs and blaming it on you, If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you, But make allowance for their doubting too;” – Rudyard Kipling
• “I have spread my dreams under your feet; Tread softly because you tread on my dreams.” – W.B. Yeats
• “Hold fast to dreams For if dreams die Life is a broken-winged bird That cannot fly.” – Langston Hughes
• “Some say the world will end in fire, Some say in ice. From what I’ve tasted of desire I hold with those who favor fire.” – Robert Frost
• “I think that I shall never see A poem lovely as a tree. A tree whose hungry mouth is prest Against the earth’s sweet flowing breast;” – Joyce Kilmer
• “You may write me down in history With your bitter, twisted lies, You may tread me in the very dirt But still, like dust, I’ll rise.” – Maya Angelou
• We hope you enjoyed this article and learned something new about World Poetry Day. We also hope you will join us in celebrating this day by reading, writing, and sharing poetry with others. Happy World Poetry Day!