The International Poetry Festival of Medellín (
Spanish:Festival Internacional de Poesía de Medellín) is an annual festival held in
Medellín, the second-largest city of
Colombia. It was founded in 1991.
Background and history
Medellín has a reputation for violence,[1] and from its beginning in 1991, the festival has attempted to offer an alternative.[2][3]
In 2011 the World Poetry Movement was founded in the context of the World Gathering of Directors from 37 International Poetry Festivals, held in Medellín.[citation needed]
Recognition and awards
In 2006 the festival was one of the recipients of the
Right Livelihood Award.[4][3][2] The citation for the award explained that it was given "…for showing how creativity, beauty, free expression and community can flourish amongst and overcome even deeply entrenched fear and violence."[5]
The festival has also won a Spanish literary award for its contribution to peace among other things.[6]