Gibraltar has been represented at the Patras World Poetry Festival in Greece. Gibraltar Cultural Services has supported the participation of local poet Dr Jonathan Teuma at this annual event, which showcases contemporary poetry in Greece and abroad. In its 7th year, 60 poets from 20 countries came together in celebration of the written and spoken word, giving a voice to contemporary poets in an inclusive and open environment.

Dr Jonathan Teuma, a visiting professor at URJC Madrid and founder of poetry slam Madrid, had the opportunity to recite his work at a reading at Byron’s last home in Missolonghi, as well as at a local secondary school and the final reading at the Perivolaropoulos Mansion.

The central theme and title of the Patras festival was ‘I had a dream, which was not only a dream’, drawn from the poem Darkness by Lord Byron and marked the 200th commemoration of his death in Missolonghi. The festival honoured Lord Byron's role as a Philhellene and his contribution to the Greek War of Independence, 1821.

Festival activities took place at historical landmarks in Western Greece including landmarks where Lord Byron once passed through and lived. Additionally, poets visited local secondary schools which had received and analysed their work beforehand. This provided a unique experience with students having the opportunity to meet and interview the authors of the work they had previously studied. Round table discussions also provided a platform to talk about the current era of poetry festivals. A bilingual anthology (in Greek and English) containing the poems read during the festival is planned for publication, alongside discussions on themes related to the poetic arts. 

Speaking on the experience, Dr Jonathan Teuma said: ‘The festival provided a unique opportunity for Gibraltar’s blossoming poetic landscape to be highlighted before poets and festival organisers from all over Europe. While at the same time, allowing poets and organisers to network and inform themselves as to the workings of the literary scene in many counties across the globe. Thank you to the Ministry for Culture and GCS for their support. I look forward to my participation in future editions.’