On Wednesday, May 14, 2025 at 9:15 PM & 9:50 PM respectively, two Bombings of Poems unfolds over the city of Rotterdam. This artistic intervention forms part of the events leading up to the 55th Poetry International Festival in June, organized by Poetry International, Rotterdam.
Picture this: 100,000 poems printed on bookmarks, falling from the sky… It’s not magic, it’s ‘Bombing of Poems’ – a spectacular and deeply symbolic project originated by the Chilean art collective Casagrande. Their ‘Bombing of Poems’ initiative has been carried out in cities like Berlin, Dubrovnik, Guernica, London, Milan and Warsaw – all of which, like Rotterdam, have experienced actual bombings in their past. Now, we’re turning Rotterdam into a poetic playground, transforming a space once touched by war into a canvas for art and reflection.
Born in 2001, ‘Bombing of Poems’ was conceived as a powerful response to the military bombings that many cities, including Rotterdam, have endured. By raining down poems instead of explosives, this project aims to transform our public spaces into vibrant venues for art and literature. By doing so, we help transform painful memories from the past into moments of beauty and reflection. This project actively promotes peace and cultural exchange, while making poetry more accessible to everyone by bringing verses out of traditional books and into the streets where people live and gather.
Rotterdam’s participation marks a significant moment in the city’s cultural history. Taking place on the 85th anniversary of the bombing of Rotterdam during World War II, hosting ‘Bombing of Poems’ symbolizes a powerful transformation – from a place once devastated by bombs to one now showered with words of hope, beauty, and human connection. This art intervention thus bridges the city’s past and present, turning a space of historical trauma into a canvas for art and reflection.
The night will feature a carefully curated selection of 100 poems written by 100 poets: from local Dutch poets as well as Chilean voices – all printed in their original languages and in translation. This multilingual approach emphasizes the universal nature of poetry and its ability to transcend borders and cultural differences.
Poetry International, joining forces with Casagrande, cordially invites all word enthusiasts, curious onlookers, and members of the press to witness this extraordinary celebration of airborne literature and peace. Join us as we turn the sky into a space for remembrance and let poetry rain down on Rotterdam!
Date: 2025-05-14
Time: Sunset (two Bombings, around 9:15 PM & 9:50 PM)
Location: Binnenrotte square (between the Library and Market Hall), Rotterdam, The Netherlands
Poets (NL): Alfred Schaffer, Anna Enquist, Anne Vegter, Babeth Fonchie Fotchind, Babs Gons, Benzokarim, Daan Doesborgh, Daniëlle Zawadi, Derek Otte, Edward van de Vendel, Elfie Tromp, Ellen Deckwitz, Elten Kiene, Erik Jan Harmens, Esmé van den Boom, Eva Gerlach, Ferdy Karto, Geoffrey van der Ven, Hester Knibbe, Iduna Paalman, Ingmar Heytze, Jana Beranová, Joke van Leeuwen, Joost Oomen, Lev Avitan, Lieke Marsman, Mahat Arab, Marjolijn van Heemstra, marwin vos, Maxime Garcia Diaz, Merel van Slobbe, Mustafa Stitou, Myrte Leffring, Neeltje Maria Min, Nisrine Mbarki, Peter Swanborn, Radna Fabias, Robin Block, Roelof ten Napel, Rozalie Hirs, Sasja Janssen, Sholeh Rezazadeh, Simone Atangana Bekono, Sophia Blyden, Ted van Lieshout, Thom Wijenberg, Tsead Bruinja, Wout Waanders, Yentl van Stokkum, Zaïre Krieger
