Get ready for a poetic downpour of powerful messages! Poetry International is proud to announce the upcoming ‘Bombing of Poems’ event, which will flood De Binnenrotte in the centre Rotterdam with words of peace and beauty on Wednesday 14 May. This art intervention is part of the festivities leading up to the 55th Poetry International Festival in June.
Imagine this: 100,000 poems printed on bookmarks, gently falling from the sky. It may sound like magic, but it’s a breathtaking art intervention called Bombing of Poems, created by Chilean art collective Casagrande. This internationally renowned project has taken place in cities like Berlin, Dubrovnik, Guernica, London, Milan, and Warsaw—places that, like Rotterdam, have experienced the devastation of war. Now, Rotterdam will be transformed into a poetic playground, turning a painful past into a moment of beauty and reflection.
The Meaning Behind Bombing of Poems
Originally conceived in 2001, Bombing of Poems is a symbolic response to war and destruction. Instead of explosives, poetry rains down from the sky, filling public spaces with words of hope, culture, and connection. The project reclaims the airspace once used for violence and turns it into a platform for art, literature, and peace.
This year’s event in Rotterdam carries special significance, as it marks the 85th anniversary of the 1940 bombing that changed the city forever. By hosting Bombing of Poems, Rotterdam shifts from a place once shattered by war to a city flooded with words of resilience and unity.
A Celebration of Poetry Without Borders
During the event, 100 carefully selected poems by 100 poets will be released into the air. Featuring works from both Dutch and Chilean poets, printed in their original languages and in translation.
Poetry International, in collaboration with Casagrande, invites poetry lovers and media representatives to witness this extraordinary spectacle. Join us for this unique celebration where poetry fills the sky, creating a moving tribute to the enduring power of words.
Practical information
• Date: Wednesday 14 May* (or 15/16 May if the weather is bad).
• Time: 21:15, Duration: 60 minutes
• Location: Binnenrotte*, Rotterdam
• Admission: free. Advance reservations are not mandatory but recommended.
* n.b.: The date and location may change. Make a reservation via this link to stay informed of any changes to the programme, date and/or location.
Bombing of Poems is part of the Rotterdam festival agenda. For a complete overview, visit www.uitagendarotterdam.nl.
