Madrid celebrates poetry with recitals, routes and a tribute to Robe Iniesta

Madrid celebrates World Poetry Day (21 March) with a vibrant programme that turns museums, bookshops and emblematic spaces into stages for verse. Different cultural plans that are accessible to all audiences.

Friday 20 March

19:30: Meeting with Amancio Prada at Ámbito Cultural of El Corte Inglés (Callao). Alongside Gonzalo Escarpa, he will share memories, songs and reflections. Free admission until full capacity + online streaming.

Saturday 21 March

11:45–14:30: Second edition of ‘Poetry in Museums’ at the Museo Nacional Thyssen-Bornemisza. More than 20 poets recite among the galleries. Massiel opens as herald and patron, alongside Javier Lostalé, Verónica Aranda, Marga Clark, Marta González Novo, Raquel Vázquez, Rosa Navarro, Pablo Rosal, Pía Tedesco, Arturo Martí and Bernard Engel, among others. Museum admission + reduced-rate entry to the Jardín Botánico.

13:30–14:30: Three-voice recital at the Jardín Botánico with Hugo Mujica, Pablo Rosal and Gonzalo Escarpa. Access with Thyssen admission ticket (reduced rate).

Afternoon: Tribute to Robe Iniesta in Callao. Gonzalo Escarpa and Gonzalo Hormigo analyse his poetic career and lyrics. Closing with a concert of covers by contemporary minstrels: Gonzalo Hormigo, Natalia Vega, La Chiado and Julia Bamboleira, Arisa Vedra, Bucero and Eva Calero.

World Poetry Day turns the city into a living space for accessible and free culture, away from everyday noise. In a Madrid that sometimes moves too fast, these gatherings in iconic places such as the Thyssen, Callao or the Jardín Botánico offer moments of pause, emotion and a deep connection with language and music. They promote local cultural tourism, give visibility to emerging and classic poets, and enrich weekend leisure with proposals that bring together art, literature and music. In times of screens and haste, live poetry reminds us that words remain a powerful, shared refuge.