World Poetry Day

World Poetry Day History

World Poetry Day is devoted to celebrating and promoting poetry in all its forms. This day is an opportunity to appreciate and explore the in-depth language of poems, admiration of artistic creativity, and the significance of vocal traditions. It aims to encourage young people and adults alike to discover the joy in verbal expression, while promoting the teaching of poetry in schools, among other venues.

World Poetry Day was established in 1999 by UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) with the objective of supporting linguistic diversity through poetry and to offer endangered languages an opportunity to be heard. For Canadians, poetry holds a significant place in the cultural landscape, carrying the power to explore diverse themes of identity, heritage, and life. The country is home to several renowned poets like Robert Service, Leonard Cohen, and Louise Glück, who are celebrated for their imaginative expression of the human condition, cementing poetry's vital role in Canada's rich literary tradition.

In Canada, World Poetry Day is commemorated with a wide array of activities designed to bring poetry into the public eye. These activities range from poetry readings and public performances to special broadcasts and publications showcasing the works of Canadian poets, alongside workshops at schools and libraries aimed to stimulate interest and participation in poetry. Special events, online and offline, pay homage to the contribution of poetry in the culture and history of Canada. Canada observes World Poetry Day takes place each year on March 21, reflecting the unity in diversity and shared love for language and verses around the globe.

Top 9 Facts for 2026 World Poetry Day in Canada

• The 11th Parliamentary Poet Laureate of Canada, Chimwemwe Undi, is a central figure for this year’s observance as she continues her two-year term promoting the importance of literature and culture through her acclaimed work, such as her award-winning collection Scientific Marvel.
• The League of Canadian Poets is celebrating its 60th anniversary throughout 2026 with a national campaign titled 60 Events for 60 Years, which includes funding for dozens of in-person readings, slams, and workshops across the country.
• The United Nations has designated 2026 as the International Year of Volunteers for Sustainable Development, a theme that has been adopted by major Canadian academic institutions like Brock University for their annual poetry contests and public celebrations.
• On March 21, the League of Canadian Poets will announce the winners of prestigious national honors including the Very Small Verse Contest and the Pamela Paige Porter Poetry Prize to recognize excellence in both short-form and manuscript-length works.
• The Writers' Trust of Canada is marking its 50th anniversary in 2026, drawing attention to the organization's legacy of supporting iconic Canadian poets like Margaret Atwood and Michael Ondaatje since its founding in 1976.
• Regional celebrations across the Atlantic provinces include a featured reading event in St. John's hosted by the city's Poet Laureate, Mark Callanan, showcasing the voices of local poets such as Allie Duff and Paul Moorehead.
• UNESCO originally established this global observance in 1999 with the primary goal of supporting linguistic diversity and providing a platform for endangered languages to be heard through the oral tradition of poetic expression.
• Many Canadian classrooms utilize the day to study modern indigenous perspectives by exploring works like Thomas King’s I’m Not the Indian You Had in Mind and the spoken word performances of Shane Koyczan, including his viral piece To This Day.
• The release of the annual anthology Best Canadian Poetry 2026, guest-edited by Newfoundland poet Mary Dalton, provides a significant snapshot of the most impactful verse published by Canadian writers over the past year.

In the News and Trending in Canada for World Poetry Day

Top things to do in Canada for World Poetry Day

• Read up about riddles, rhymes, limericks and sonnets and then try to write your very own original poem. Once written, share it on social media as a picture or a note.
• Go see a poetry slam show. It is often a dramatic performance in which poets recite their poetry. It is considered to be one of the most interesting ways of engaging poetry.
• Visit the House of Anansi Press in Toronto: It's devoted to publishing culturally significant work, including poetry.
• Read a book to learn more about Poetry in Canada:
  Canadian Poetry from World War I: An Anthology - by Joel Baetz
  Canadian Poetry: The Modern Era - by John Newlove