Basic Information
World Poetry Day is observed on March 21 every year Every year to recognize the unique ability of poetry to capture the creative spirit of the human mind. The day is initiated by UNESCO.
Observed on: March 21
Organized by: UNESCO
Introduced in: 2000 (First Observation)
Observed: Worldwide
About World Poetry Day
Every year March 21 is celebrated as World Poetry Day by UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) to recognize the unique ability of poetry to capture the creative spirit of the human mind.
A decision to proclaim 21 March as World Poetry Day was adopted during UNESCO’s 30th session held in Paris in 1999. The first Poetry Day was held on March 21, 2000.
Poetry contributes to the humanity, solidarity and self-awareness. It communicates the innermost values and feelings of different cultures. The day is observed to support linguistic diversity and endangered languages through poetry.
This observation also aims to promote the writing, reading, teaching and publishing of poetry throughout the world. It also meant 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, etc. Also 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and create an attractive image of poetry in the media, so that the art of poetry will no longer be considered an outdated form of art, but one which enables society as a whole to regain and assert its identity.
Activities and Programs on World Poetry Day
Many programs and activities are organized to encourage oral tradition of poetry recitals, support small publishers, coordination between poetry and other forms of arts, etc. The activities and programs are arranged all over the world to promote the reading, writing, publishing and teaching of poetry.
Government agencies, educators, community groups and individuals get involved in promoting or participating in the day to promote poetry and poets.