The enchanting setting of the Caffarella Park, within the Appia Antica Regional Park in Rome, is preparing to welcome the fourth edition of the Poetry Village, a one-of-a-kind festival that celebrates the encounter between poetry, music, art and a profound sense of environmental responsibility. From 8 to 13 September, the event open aircreated by Saperenetwork Società Benefit, in collaboration with a network of associations and the University of International Studies of Rome – UNINT, promises to be an immersive and stimulating experience for everyone.
The artistic director, the poet Asia Vaudo, describes the Poetry Village as «a living container, in which poetry does not remain just a word, but becomes a hand, a root, a fortress, a tree. It becomes matter and relationship. It is our idea of poetry, a poetry that is care, sustainability and the possibility of meeting; which does not erect borders but builds bridges. To welcome the wonder that everyone has to offer.”
The green heart of the festival: poetry and sustainability
An acknowledgment of environmental commitment
Among the most significant innovations of this edition, the awarding of the Poetry Village Prize to the musician and frontman of Baustelle, Francesco Bianconi, for his song “Canzone verde, amore toxic”. A song that was able to best interpret the values of the festival: respect for the Planet and its inhabitants, the commitment to combating the climate emergency and for the protection of Nature. This recognition underlines the festival’s attention to issues crucial to GreenMe, promoting a message of responsibility and care through art.
In line with its ecological spirit, the Poetry Village will also host the inauguration of the exhibition “Enough plastic in the sea”, a decalogue of good deeds illustrated by the cartoonist Franco Sacchetti, to curb the use of single-use plastic. A concrete initiative that invites us to reflect on our daily behaviors for a more sustainable future.
Nature is the protagonist: from Caffarella to ethical fashion
Respect for nature is not limited only to the choice of location. The closing day, Sunday 13 September, will see a special event dedicated to ethical fashion at the former Cartiera Latina. A capsule collection of clothes designed by designer Ruth Dueñas exclusively for Sapereambiente magazine will be presented, inspired by the natural heritage of the Caffarella Park.
The fashion show, created in collaboration with the “Modelli si nasce” association, which involves young people on the autistic spectrum, promises to rewrite the concept of beauty, enhancing the person and individual expression. A perfect combination of sustainable fashion, inclusion and love for nature.
A crossroads of arts and languages
The Poetry Village program is rich and varied, with over 80 guests including poets, writers, musicians, actors and visual artists. Prominent personalities of Italian culture include the poets Patrizia Valduga and Gabriella Sica, the essayist Enrico Terrinoni, the linguist Massimo Arcangeli and the singer-songwriter Luca Mascini (Militant A).
A journey into Lusophone poetry with UNINT
This year, the festival dedicates an entire section to poetry in Portuguese, thanks to the precious partnership with the University of International Studies of Rome – UNINT. After a conference on the memory of Nuno Júdice and Camilo Pessanha, whose death marks the centenary of their deaths, the afternoons of the festival will welcome poets such as Pedro Eiras, Filinto Elísio and Vera Lúcia de Oliveira, offering a unique opportunity to explore the different nuances of Lusophone culture.
Events and activities for everyone
The Poetry Village offers a wide range of activities to engage audiences of all ages. From the Teatro Poesia workshop “The Versifier”, inspired by Primo Levi, to the evocative “Poetic Oracle” with twenty illustrated cards to be accompanied by poetry. There will be book presentations, poetry readings and musical performances.
Among the most appreciated initiatives, “Gomitolando” returns, an event in which poets and the public interact through exchanged verses and threads, creating a moment of sharing and connection. Furthermore, participants will be able to read their poems on video in the Poetry Corner and dine with the artists in the refreshment area, booking online.
The “Settimo Poesia” project will collect the voices of 35 poets of the VII Municipality, highlighting the festival’s commitment to giving space to the cultural energies of the territory.
A festival to connect and be inspired
The Poetry Village confirms itself as an unmissable event for those seeking a profound cultural experience, immersed in the beauty of nature and oriented towards the values of sustainability and care. An opportunity to nourish the soul with poetry and rediscover the importance of a harmonious bond with the environment around us.
Participation in all events is free. For more information and to book dinners, you can consult the official website www.poetryvillage.it.
