Unleash the unsolicited muser in you. Here are some poetry festivals that will change the way you perceive the spoken word.
From tribute festivals for legendary poets to a festival that presents its poets as courtesans, the world of poetry festivals sure is colourful. Amongst the plethora of music festivals, poetry remains a quiet and subdued art, celebrated by few. If you love the rhythm of words as much as we do, here’s a short list of poetry festivals from around the world, where poets and revelers alike come together, that you may enjoy.
1. Brave New Voices
When: July, 2016
Where: Atlanta (TBA)
Brave New Voices prides itself in being the largest spoken word event in the world. A platform that celebrates the youth in the world of slam poetry, giving them a voice, BNV represents youths from ages 13 to 19. The festival itself has several panels and poetry recitals on complex issues important to the youth, apart from the primary poetry competition. For example, ‘Queeriosity’ is a National Queer Open Mic event at the festival. Similarly ‘Speak Peace’ allows the participants to write and recite poetry related to world peace.
Via: ebony.com
2. Annikki Poetry Festival
When: June, 2016
Where: Tampere, Finland
Annikki is one of Finland’s most distinguished poetry festivals. In the recent years, the festival has expanded to also include prose, music and the visual arts. The Annikki Poetry Festival has gathered around it a three-day off-tier event cycle called Annikki OFF. Held in the 100-year-old wooden town quarter in the centre of Tampere city, which has served as very special, the festival has a warm and welcoming milieu for poets and audience to meet and mingle.
(Images Via: annikinkatu.net)
3. Delhi Poetry Festival
When: TBA
Where: New Delhi, India
Conceptualized in 2012, the Delhi Poetry Festival has garnered much attention from literature and poetry enthusiasts all over India. The three-day, tri-lingual poetic affair includes poetry readings, discussions around poetry, mushairas, Sufi evenings, poetry-music fusion, art-poetry combine, children’s poetry segments and workshops. Delhi Poetry Festival receives audiences from all walks of life. Sign up here to be notified about the next edition.
4. International Poetry Festival of Medellín
When: TBA
Where: Medellín, Colombia
The International Poetry Festival of Medellín, or Festival Internacional de Poesía de Medellín is one of Colombia’s biggest poetry/spoken-word festivals. The festival aims to celebrate a peaceful environment with poetry, to contradict the city’s reputation of violence. Hundreds of locals and tourists alike flock to Medellín for this quaint festival. The festival has also won a Spanish literary award for its contribution to peace among other things.
(Imafe Via: princeclausfund.org)
5. NYC Poetry Festival
When: 23-24 July, 2016
Where: New York City, NY
One of the most flamboyant poetry festivals out there, NYC Poetry Festival prides itself in creating a safe haven for writers and poetry enthusiasts alike to share and discover new poetry. A laid-back festival where you can relax on the grass with your family/friends, NYC Poetry Festival features several interesting elements that deem it extraordinary. For example, this year’s edition will feature the ‘Poetry Brothel’, an event series that presents its poets as courtesans, who work within a carefully constructed character and give private poetry readings in lounges. This festival harbours a very family friendly environment, including a sub-event called the ‘Children’s Festival’.
(Images Via: newyorkcitypoetryfestival.com)
6. Texas Grand Slam Poetry Festival
When: October, 2016
Where: Texas
Texas Grand Slam Poetry festival is a celebration of poetry over the span of two days, during which over 42 poets compete for the title of the Texas Grand Slam Poetry Champion. The winner of the championship also receives a prize of $1200. One of the most popular poetry events in North America, this festival provides an immersive experience for all poets and enthusiasts.
7. Granada City International Poetry Festival
When: TBA
Where: Granada, Nicaragua
The city of Granada, famously known for its history and architecture, also celebrates an international poetry festival with splendour. The annual International Poetry Festival in Granada is held in honour of the Nicaraguan poet, priest and former Nicaragua’s Culture Minister, Ernesto Cardenal. Revelers dress up in costumes as a display of performances and festivities colour the streets of Granada. The festival sees 300 poets from around 60 countries every year.
(Images Via: gagdaily.com)
Special mentions:
Glastonbury Festival
Being one of the biggest UK music festivals, Glastonbury has a wide range of activities for attendees, including slam poetry events. Prior to the festival, you can register and share your work at the festival. Every year, a winner is selected and gets a chance to perform at the following edition of the festival.
Secret Garden Party
Secret Garden Party, the elusive and enchanting music festival is not all pumping beats and party. The festival has an intellectual edge that comes with its poetry recitals. This year’s edition featured Kate Tempest, a poetess who amalgamates spoken-word verses with urban beats.
Also view: 10 Book Festivals You Must Know About