World Poetry Day

On March 21, we commemorate one of the most cherished forms of human linguistic expression and identity.

In the library, we celebrate it by bringing readers closer to the work of a selection of poets—men and women—from different periods, countries, and styles.

Poetry, practiced throughout history in all cultures and on every continent, speaks to our shared humanity and common values, transforming even the simplest poem into a powerful catalyst for dialogue and peace.

UNESCO first adopted March 21 as World Poetry Day in 1999 with the aim of supporting linguistic diversity through poetic expression and promoting the visibility of languages that are at risk.

World Poetry Day is an opportunity to honor poets, revive oral traditions of poetry recitals, promote the reading, writing, and teaching of poetry, and encourage the convergence of poetry with other arts such as theatre, dance, music, and painting.