From Rome to Venice: Poetas del Mundo Successfully Concludes its Second International Gathering in Italy

By Poetas del Mundo International Press Service

For nine unforgettable days, poetry crossed borders, languages, cultures, and histories to build bridges between people.

From June 12 to 20, 2026, Italy became the stage for the Second International Gathering of Poets of the World, an event that brought together poets, writers, artists, and cultural promoters from Africa, Europe, and the Americas in a journey through Rome, Florence, Bologna, Ferrara, Rovigo, Mestre, and Venice.

More than a literary festival, the gathering was a living demonstration that poetry continues to be a powerful instrument for dialogue, understanding, and human connection in an increasingly fragmented world.

A Movement Born from a Vision

The event was organized by Poetas del Mundo (Poets of the World), an international cultural movement founded in 2005 by Chilean poet Luis Arias Manzo, whose vision has inspired thousands of writers across the globe.

Today, the organization brings together more than 9,000 members from over 140 countries, united by a shared commitment to peace, social justice, environmental protection, and fraternity among peoples.

For Arias Manzo, poetry is not merely an artistic expression. It is a moral and cultural force capable of contributing to humanity's collective awakening.

Over two decades, Poetas del Mundo has built a worldwide network of poets and cultural activists who believe that literature can play an active role in addressing the challenges of our time.

The Second International Gathering in Italy represented another important milestone in that ongoing journey.

A Caravan of Poetry Across Italy

The gathering began in Rome, where participants were welcomed at the cultural center La Casa del Municipio in the Montagnola district.

From there, the international delegation traveled north through some of Italy's most historic and culturally significant cities.

In Florence, cradle of the Renaissance, poets shared readings and reflections in an atmosphere where centuries of artistic heritage seemed to accompany every conversation.

In Bologna, the gathering continued at the reading center L'Isola del Tesoro, reinforcing the event's spirit of cultural exchange and community engagement.

Ferrara offered another memorable chapter, hosting participants in the historic Palazzina Marfisa d'Este, where poetry resonated among the echoes of one of Italy's great Renaissance centers.

The journey then moved to Rovigo before reaching Mestre and Venice, where the final celebrations and closing ceremonies took place.

Throughout the tour, public readings, cultural exchanges, literary discussions, and informal encounters transformed the gathering into a unique experience of coexistence and friendship.

Voices from Three Continents

The diversity of participants reflected the global character of Poetas del Mundo.

Leading the delegation was Luis Arias Manzo (Chile), founder and Secretary General of the movement.

Joining him was Maggy Gómez Sepúlveda (Colombia–Chile), poet, psychologist, and Deputy Secretary General of Poetas del Mundo, whose work combines literature, psychology, biodanza, and dance therapy as tools for human development and social transformation.

From Colombia came poets Julio César Medina Hernández and Édgar Enrique Páramo Blanquicett, both recognized for their literary and educational contributions.

Brazil was represented by celebrated masters of repentismo and cordel literature, Chico de Assis and João Santana, who brought the vibrant oral traditions of northeastern Brazil to the gathering.

Spain contributed the voices of Cristina Galán Rubio and Teresa Sánchez Laguna, both distinguished writers with extensive literary careers and strong commitments to cultural promotion.

Representing El Salvador was poet and cultural leader Óscar René Benítez, currently based in the United States and serving as Continental Vice President of Poetas del Mundo for the Americas.

Africa's voice was embodied by Raïs Neza Boneza, poet, writer, and peace activist born in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and currently residing in Norway. His work addresses exile, memory, reconciliation, and human dignity.

From Tunisia came Rajaa Gharbi, internationally acclaimed poet, painter, and sociolinguist whose artistic work creates bridges between cultures and civilizations.

Together, these voices transformed the gathering into a truly global conversation.

The Italian Hosts

The success of the gathering was made possible thanks to the dedication of numerous Italian poets and cultural leaders who welcomed the international delegation in each city.

The opening event in Rome was coordinated by Elisabetta Biondi Della Sdriscia.

In Florence, participants were received by poet Carmelo Consoli.

Bologna's activities were organized by poet Claudia Piccinno, while Ferrara welcomed the delegation through the collaboration of renowned poet, journalist, playwright, and cultural critic Athos Tromboni.

The activities in Rovigo were supported by Stefano Siviero, and the final stage in Mestre and Venice was hosted by internationally recognized Italian poet Isabella Sordi, whose distinguished literary career and cultural leadership added special significance to the closing events.

Stefano Caranti: The Architect Behind the Gathering

Behind the scenes, one individual played a particularly decisive role.

The entire Italian tour was coordinated by Stefano Caranti, National Secretary of Poetas del Mundo for Italy.

Months before the event, Caranti began an extensive effort to connect cultural institutions, literary associations, and local organizers across multiple cities, transforming a vision into a tangible reality.

His work built upon foundations established in 2019, when Poetas del Mundo first organized activities in Italy.

Thanks to his dedication, the Second International Gathering evolved into a complex and successful cultural project involving dozens of collaborators and institutions.

In an official statement, Luis Arias Manzo emphasized that Caranti's commitment and organizational work were essential to making the gathering possible and to strengthening the presence of Poetas del Mundo throughout Italy.

Preserving Memory Through Art

A special contribution was made by Italian artist Lucio Russo, whose role extended beyond documentation.

Photographer, actor, filmmaker, and theater artist, Russo accompanied part of the tour, capturing images, emotions, landscapes, and human encounters that defined the spirit of the gathering.

His work will become an important visual archive preserving the memory of this international experience for future generations of Poetas del Mundo.

Through photography and audiovisual storytelling, Russo helped transform fleeting moments into lasting cultural heritage.

More Than Poetry

The gathering also included international companions whose presence enriched the experience of friendship and intercultural exchange.

Among them were Teresa Botache Capera (Colombia), Guillermo Manzo Ruz (Chile), and Erika Reyes Ayares (Chile).

Their participation reflected one of the fundamental principles of Poetas del Mundo: that poetry is not confined to books or stages but lives through human relationships, solidarity, and shared experiences.

A Message for the Future

At a time when many societies face division, conflict, environmental crises, and growing social fragmentation, the Second International Gathering of Poets of the World offered a different vision.

It demonstrated that dialogue remains possible.

That cultural diversity can be a source of enrichment rather than separation.

And that poetry still has the capacity to inspire reflection, empathy, and collective responsibility.

As participants returned to their respective countries, they carried with them more than memories of Italian cities and literary events.

They carried renewed friendships, new collaborations, and a shared conviction that words can still help shape a better future.

For Poetas del Mundo, the gathering was not merely the conclusion of a journey.

It was another step in a global movement that continues to believe that culture, poetry, and human solidarity can contribute to building a more conscious, peaceful, and humane world.

Because poetry knows no borders.