Frequently Asked Questions

We imagine you have questions. Good, because we’re here to answer them. Have a look below at some questions we’ve received earlier and if your question is not listed, feel free to reach out to us via info@poetry.nl.

  1. Do I need to buy a ticket?
    Well… No! The entrance is free, but making an advance reservation is highly recommended. This way we can keep you updated about new info and changes. Make your reservation over here: https://poetry.stager.co/shop/bombing-of-poems.

  2. How do you select which poems get to take flight?
    Casagrande and Poetry International Rotterdam carefully selects poems from contemporary poets that represent both Dutch and Chilean voices. We acknowledge the limitations of what we can feature and aim for a diverse range of styles and themes to capture the vibrancy of today’s poetic scene in both the Netherlands and Chile.

  3. Can I keep the poems I catch?
    They're all yours! That's the whole idea, there are a 100 poems floating around - catch 'em, keep 'em, love 'em. You can also trade with those around you. It's like Pokémon, but with words!

  4. How long will this poetic precipitation last?
    The bombing will begin 15 minutes before sunset and lasts approximately 2 to 3 hours. The helicopter will make multiple passes, ensuring a thorough coverage of poems.

  5. Will there be music or poetry performances?
    No, the bombing of poems is the actual performance. To keep the focus undivided, there will be no other performances before, during or after the poems falling from the sky.

  6. What if the weather decides to ‘rain on our parade’?
    We have a Plan B... and C! We've penciled in May 15 and 16, 2025, as backup dates. If it's too windy or rains, we'll reschedule and notify you immediately via e-mail (this is why we recommend making reservations via this link).

  7. Is the night accessible to people with limited mobility?
    Yes! We've ensured that the location is wheelchair accessible. Everyone is welcome to join in catching poems and being part of this unique experience. If you use a wheelchair or have trouble standing and would like some assistance, please reach out to us via info@poetry.nl.

  8. Is this Bombing of Poems environmentally friendly?
    Absolutely! We're committed to making this a sustainable celebration:
    • The CO2 emission of the flight will be compensated.
    • Poems are printed on wood-free, biodegradable paper with eco-friendly ink
    • Poetry International and Casagrande will conduct a thorough clean-up after the event – even though in previous events this was unnecessary since attendees pick up the poems as a keepsake.
    • Tromp, the printing partner for his event works CO2-neutral
    • We'll publish a comprehensive sustainability report post-event

  9. How can I get involved as a volunteer?
    Thank you for wanting to involved. Please send an email to info@poetry.nl and we will get in touch.

  10. Who is organising this project?
    The Bombing of Poems concept was created by the visionary artists of Casagrande Collective in 2001. Here in the Netherlands, they're collaborating with Poetry International to bring this powerful symbolic art intervention to Rotterdam.

Sponsors
Gemeente Rotterdam
Nederlands Letterenfonds
Stichting Van Beuningen Peterich-fonds
Prins Bernhard cultuurfonds
Lira fonds
Versopolis
J.E. Jurriaanse
Gefinancierd door de Europese Unie
Elise Mathilde Fonds
Stichting Verzameling van Wijngaarden-Boot
Veerhuis
VDM
Partners
LantarenVenster – Verhalenhuis Belvédère