Global poetry initiatives announced in Costa Rica and Guadalajara

Costa Rica will participate in the Continental Poetry Marathon for Peace, an international initiative featuring poetry readings and recitals in public spaces on October 22 and 24. Originally launched in Ecuador in 2021, this year's edition includes participants from Ecuador, Iran, Colombia, Mexico, the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico, Chile, Spain, and Russia. In Costa Rica, Catalina Cartín and Gabriel Vargas will serve as Peace and Poetry ambassadors, coordinating activities in various communities including San José, Alajuela, Heredia, and the University of Costa Rica.

Separately, the Guadalajara International Book Fair (FIL) has announced 27 authors for its Poetry Hall during the 2026 edition. Running from November 28 to December 6, the program will feature readings from poets representing countries such as Italy, Chile, Colombia, Egypt, Spain, the United States, Greece, Mexico, Nicaragua, Poland, the Dominican Republic, Ukraine, Austria, and Uruguay. Notable confirmed participants include 2026 FIL Prize for Literature in Romance Languages winner Gioconda Belli.

The poetry marathon organizers intend to document recitals to be submitted to the United Nations and the Organization of American States, using public spaces to promote themes of peace, life, and the environment.