Poetry Week 2026: Everything in motion!

Poetry Week is the annual celebration of poetry in Flanders and the Netherlands. What began in 2000 as Poetry Day, an initiative by Poetry International, has now grown into a vibrant week filled with poetry. Poets, readers, schools, libraries, and cultural organizations come together to experience, share, and showcase poetry.

From Poetry Day to Poetry Week

Since 2000, the last Thursday of January has been celebrated as Poetry Day. Initially, it was a single day when a poet wrote ten poems around an annual theme. Due to its success, it expanded into Poetry Week in 2013. Toon Tellegen had the honor of writing the very first Poetry Day collection, followed by renowned poets such as Hugo Claus, Tom Lanoye, Remco Campert, Judith Herzberg, and Antjie Krog.

Theme of Poetry Week 2026: ‘Metamorphosis’

From January 29 to February 4, 2026, we celebrate Poetry Week with the theme ‘Metamorphosis’. Ellen Deckwitz has written a collection of brand-new poems on this theme, which will be compiled in the Poetry Gift 2026.

But that’s not all: a free Poetry Day poster will also be available, featuring a poem from the Poetry Gift. The poster's design will perfectly match the Poetry Gift, promising a visually and poetically stunning experience.

And there’s more good news: an audio version of the Poetry Gift will once again be made available through the Luisterpunt Library. Additionally, Passend Lezen will produce a braille version, ensuring that everyone can enjoy this special collection.

Collaboration and Partners

Poetry Week is a collaboration between Poetry International, Poëziecentrum, and many other partners, including Antwerp Boekenstad, CANON Cultuurcel, Creatief Schrijven, De Schrijverscentrale, Iedereen Leest, Literatuur Vlaanderen, NOORDWOORD, Perdu, Awater, School der Poëzie, Stichting Dichter des Vaderlands, Stichting Lezen, and the Dutch Language Union (Taalunie).

Join us!

Discover the richness of poetry during Poetry Week 2026. Keep an eye on our website for more information about events, activities, and how to participate. Together, we’ll make this week a poetic highlight!