The 12th Annual International Poetry Festival in Granada, Nicaragua!
Originally founded in 1524, Granada is one of Central America’s oldest cities. With easy access to both coasts, charming colonial architecture, delicious local cuisine, and a vibrant art scene, Granada is a popular destination for international festivals and celebrations.Basically, there is always something fun happening in Granada, and next week is no exception! Beginning on the 14th of February, Granada will host the twelfth annual International Poetry Festival. Hundreds of poets from 66 countries will gather to celebrate this ancient art.
A poet reads her work aloud at the Carnival Poetica. Photo by: Jorge Mejía peralta.
What Happens at the International Poetry Festival?
The International Poetry Festival celebrates poets from around the world (and is also the largest poetry festival in the world). This year’s theme is “the poet: a being illuminated by the radiance of grace.” The festival will honor the centennial anniversary of the death of the Nicaraguan poet Ruben Dario. Dario is famous for initiating the Spanish-American movement known as modernism (which combines elements of romanticism, symbolism, and parnassianism).
In addition to poetry readings and award ceremonies, the festival will also take advantage of Granada’s open plazas, parks, churches, and markets to host a number of events. There will be folkloric dancing, craft fairs, book fairs, food stands, literary workshops, roundtables, classes, and more. Spectators are encouraged to join these events, stroll through Granada’s Parque de Poesia (complete with statues of famous Nicaraguan poets), try some local produce and strong Nicaraguan coffee, and enjoy the festival.
Who Will Be There?
There are a number of award-winning poets attending the festival including Pulitzer Prize winners Vijay Seshadri, Gregory Pardlo, and Rae Armantrout. To read their bios, visit the official International Poetry Festival website.
Over 70 Nicaraguan poets will participate in the festival. To see a complete list of poets participating in the festival and a breakdown by country, please visit this page.
Women in traditional dress for the parade. Photo by: Jorge Mejía peralta
History of Poetry in Nicaragua:
Nicaragua is famous for its Vanguardia literary movement. The movement started in Granada in 1927 and was led by poetry students: José Coronel Urtecho, Pablo Antonio Cuadra y Joaquín Pasos. The goal of the movement, according to Coronel, was to “initiate a struggle to get the public attention through artistic expressions, intellectual scandal, and aggressive criticism.”
Influenced by similar movements in Europe, the Vanguardia movement revolutionized Nicaraguan art and encouraged artists to adopt more radical, surreal, and confrontational styles. Travelers can visit La Merced Church in Granada where these poets held their revolutionary meetings or take part in any number of festival events including the most revolutionary event of all: the Poetic Carnival.
The Poetic Carnival, an annual event at the International Poetry Festival, is dedicated to the Vanguardia movement and celebrates the idea of banishing intolerance, ignorance, and indifference from life. Every year, the carnival addresses a different theme and Nicaraguans parade through the streets in traditional folklore costumes to take action. This year, the Poetic Carnival plans to address the “pain of cutting down trees,” in order to raise awareness for the environment.
Parade at Carnival Poetica. Photo by Jorge Mejía peralta.
Here at Pacaya Lodge & Spa:
A defining feature of our lodge is that we celebrate local voices and artists. The poetry festival provides an opportunity for guests to experience an authentically Nicaraguan experience. We offer daily shuttles to Granada so that guests can check out the splendor of this colorful city and its historical charm, and our staff are trained to interact with guests and inform them about local happenings and history.
We hope that guests will take advantage of all that Nicaragua has to offer while they are here, and we encourage them to stroll through Granada’s picturesque parks, plazas, and markets. Between the world-renowned colorful doors, the scent of coffee wafting through the streets, and the friendly locals, Granada is a must see. It’s less than a 25-minute drive from the lodge.
Click here to check out the cultural tours we offer in Granada and to find out more about our commitment to promoting local artists and celebrating Nicaraguan culture.
We hope that you will be able to check out the International Poetry Festival this year in Nicaragua, or that you plan a trip for next year!
