World Poetry Day in the United States

World Poetry Day is celebrated on March 21st each year, not just in the United States but around the globe. This commemorative day was established by UNESCO (the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) in 1999 with the aim of promoting the reading, writing, publishing, and teaching of poetry throughout the world.

History

• UNESCO Proclamation: UNESCO designated World Poetry Day during its 30th session held in Paris in 1999.
• Objective: The day aims to support linguistic diversity through poetic expression and to offer endangered languages an opportunity to be heard within their communities.
• Recognition: It also recognizes poetry as a form of artistic expression that can capture the creative spirit of the human mind.

Traditions

In the United States, traditions surrounding World Poetry Day include:

• Readings and Festivals: Poets may hold readings or performances at bookstores, libraries, schools, or cafes. Some cities host festivals or special events dedicated to poetry.
• Educational Programs: Schools and universities often organize workshops or classes focused on poetry appreciation and creation.
• Publication Releases: Publishers may release new poetry collections or anthologies to coincide with the celebration.
• Social Media Campaigns: Individuals and organizations promote poetry through social media using hashtags like #WorldPoetryDay to share favorite verses or encourage others to write their own poems.

Activities on World Poetry Day

On this day, people might:

• Attend Local Events: Visit poetry slams or open mic nights dedicated to World Poetry Day.
• Write Poems: Try their hand at writing some verse, perhaps even sharing it with friends or on social media.
• Read Favorite Poems: Spend time reading works by favorite poets or exploring new ones.
• Support Poets: Purchase books by living poets to support them financially, helping sustain a vibrant poetic culture.

World Poetry Day encourages reflection on the power of language and promotes a full embrace of poetic expression across communities.