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Medellín, Colombia — The 36th Medellín International Poetry Festival will take place from 4 to 11 July 2026 under the inspiring theme “Toward the Human Spring: Poetry as the Axis of Hope and Peace.” Continuing a tradition that has made Medellín one of the most important global centers for poetic dialogue, the festival will bring together poets, writers, artists, scholars, and audiences from across the world in a collective celebration of creativity, cultural exchange, and spiritual renewal.
Organized by the Prometeo Art and Poetry Corporation, the festival will host more than 60 poets and literary figures representing over 30 countries across Africa, Asia, Europe, Oceania, and the Americas. Participants will engage in an extensive program of public readings, dialogues, lectures, workshops, panel discussions, and artistic performances designed to explore poetry’s role in confronting contemporary challenges and fostering a culture of peace and solidarity.
According to the organizers, the 2026 edition seeks to reaffirm poetry as a transformative force capable of renewing human consciousness and inspiring new visions for society. The festival’s central message emphasizes the power of poetic thought to cultivate hope, strengthen human connections, and encourage resistance against violence, exclusion, and despair. Poetry is presented not only as an artistic expression but also as a vital means of preserving human dignity and nurturing a deeper understanding of history and existence.
The program will feature approximately 68 major activities involving 68 poets from 31 countries, held at 48 venues throughout Medellín, the metropolitan area, and five municipalities of Antioquia. These events will include poetry readings in cultural centers, universities, public squares, libraries, and community spaces, making literature accessible to diverse audiences throughout the region.
Among the distinguished international participants are poets from Egypt, Tunisia, Zimbabwe, Canada, Chile, Ecuador, Cuba, Qatar, Kurdistan, Uzbekistan, China, Malaysia, Iran, Vietnam, Switzerland, Portugal, Croatia, Russia, Denmark, Ireland, Spain, Italy, Tonga, New Zealand, Palestine, Poland, Argentina, Honduras, Mexico, Peru, and many other nations. Their presence reflects the festival’s longstanding commitment to cultural diversity and global literary dialogue.
The festival will also showcase a strong representation of Colombian poetry, bringing together established voices and emerging talents selected through national and international calls for participation. Workshops and educational activities will provide opportunities for direct engagement between poets and audiences, encouraging reflection on literature, identity, memory, and social transformation.
Since its founding in 1991, the Medellín International Poetry Festival has welcomed poets from nearly every country in the world and has played a significant role in the development of the global poetic movement. Recognized internationally for its contribution to cultural dialogue and peacebuilding, the festival continues to serve as a meeting point where poetry transcends borders and affirms the shared aspirations of humanity.
The 36th Medellín International Poetry Festival promises a week of artistic excellence, intercultural encounter, and collective reflection, reaffirming Medellín’s place as one of the world’s leading capitals of poetry and literary exchange.
The festival will run from 4–11 July 2026 and all activities are designed to promote international cultural dialogue through poetry and the arts. (festivaldepoesiademedellin.org)
