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Barcelona International Poetry Festival: when verse converses with music and art
The Barcelona International Poetry Festival celebrates its 41st edition from 14 to 21 May 2026, consolidating its position as one of Europe's most important literary gatherings. Organised by the Institut de Cultura de Barcelona, this annual event stands out for its open, contemporary and multidisciplinary character, bringing poetry closer to specialists and the general public alike. In every edition, Barcelona becomes a living space where verse converses with music, art and everyday life.
The festival, promoted by Barcelona City Council, offers a diverse programme including recitals, workshops, literary routes, performances and meetings with authors, with the participation of renowned poets such as Marta Pessarrodona, Biel Mesquida and Dolors Miquel, alongside new voices from the contemporary scene.
Where does the Barcelona International Poetry Festival take place?
During the week, the city will host various activities in different emblematic spaces. One of the central moments is the grand final evening at the Palau de la Música Catalana, which brings together leading international poets. In addition, the festival promotes public participation and cultural dialogue through open activities.
Although it does not focus exclusively on awards, its importance lies in the symbolic recognition and visibility it gives to participating authors, consolidating their prestige within the international poetry scene.
What is the Barcelona International Poetry Festival?
It is a platform for promoting and celebrating poetry in all its forms. For one week, Barcelona will be filled with activities combining recitals, music, performances and meetings with authors.
Its aim is to foster dialogue between different poetic traditions, languages and generations, with special attention to Spain's cultural richness and linguistic diversity. In addition, the event will seek to take poetry out of traditional spaces, bringing it to theatres, libraries, cultural centres and public spaces, thereby bringing it closer to a wider audience.
Who will take part in the Barcelona Poetry Festival?
This 41st edition will bring together an outstanding selection of voices from the literary scene. The most prominent participants include:
Marta Pessarrodona: one of the most recognised figures in poetry in Spain.
Dolors Miquel: an author noted for her transgressive style.
Biel Mesquida: a leading figure in literary experimentation.
Invited international poets, who will enrich the festival with global perspectives.
New emerging voices from the Spanish scene, who will bring freshness and innovation.
Tributes and recognition
This edition of the Barcelona Poetry Festival will place special emphasis on tributes to great figures in poetry, with recitals dedicated to Joan Alcover, Blai Bonet, Clementina Arderiu, Màrius Sampere and Francesc Garriga.
Each will have readings, performances or musical recitals in different spaces in the city, such as the Born or the Museu Marès. In addition, there will be monographic sessions on authors such as Mercè Rodoreda, William Shakespeare and the Nabí poets in places such as the CCCB, CaixaForum or La Pedrera.
Highlights of the Poetry Festival programme
Throughout the week, the festival will offer varied and accessible proposals. The most important moments include:
14 May – Opening event: at 18:00, the official opening event will take place, with the opening proclamation by Marta Pessarrodona and the opening performance Recitare-Religare.
Poetry readings: daily recitals in libraries, cultural centres and emblematic spaces in the city.
Tributes: events dedicated to key figures in Spanish and Catalan poetry, spread over different days. The most notable include key figures such as Mercè Rodoreda, Francesc Garriga, Clementina Arderiu and Blai Bonet.
One of the important institutional moments is the presentation of the 2026 Jocs Florals de Barcelona Poetry Prize, awarded to Martí Sales, on 18 May.
21 May – Closing: the grand finale will be at the Palau de la Música Catalana with La Nit del Palau.