Poetry Day in the Czech Republic
The 3rd annual Poetry Day was held in the Czech Republic at the end of last week. It is coordinated by the literary and cultural "Club 8", who also organize the 'Poetry for Travellers' and have displayed works by Czech poets in Prague metro wagons and stations for the past two years. By Alena Skodova.
The aim of the Poetry Day is to celebrate poetry in all its forms and varieties and to broaden its public appeal. This year's events ranged from traditional poetry readings, poetry and theatre workshops for young people and expressing poetry through music and the visual art, including graffiti. There was also the so-called 'floating poetry' on the Vltava river and an open mike for the general public to read their poetry in one of the busiest metro stations in the centre of Prague.
Although the events were predominantly in Czech, several were conducted in English, such as the one at the British Council held on the eve of the Poetry Day. It hosted the British performer Levi Tafari, who is referred to as an "urban griot". Mr. Tafari explained to Alena Skodova what it meant: Poetry Days are celebrated on various dates in a number of countries throughout the world and have proved very popular. Poetry Day in the Czech Republic is celebrated on the 16th of November, the birthday of the most famous Czech poet of the Romantic period, Karel Hynek Macha.
