Poetry Competion

Via Querinissima International Cultural Association - present in the countries crossed by Pietro Querini during his journey connecting Southern and Northern Europe by sea and land in 1431-1433 and the Querini Stampalia Foundation, one of the oldest Italian cultural institutions, announce the first edition of the international poetry competition “Never lose hope” for the year 2026, on the occasion of World Poetry Day, established in 1999 by UNESCO to promote poetry as a universal art, a tool for dialogue, intercultural understanding, the enhancement of linguistic diversity and a vehicle for peace, which is celebrated every year on 21 March.

The competition is inspired by the story of Pietro Querini, a 15th-century Venetian merchant and navigator who was the protagonist of a dramatic shipwreck marked by hunger, cold, fear and loneliness, but also by redemption and rebirth.

 

Eleven men from his crew survived thanks to the strength of spirit of Querini — the courageous Venetian who never stopped believing in the possibility of salvation — and the hospitality of the inhabitants of the Lofoten Islands in northern Norway.
This long journey, based on exchanges, encounters and listening, has now become a symbol of
openness and solidarity between different cultures. Just as the bridges of Venice connect the city islands, Pietro Querini's  words have become links between communities and stories.

 

Participants must submit their poetic works inspired by the themes of travel, shipwreck and rebirth, in their symbolic and universal meaning, in digital format.

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You can download the announcement below, available in Italian and English!

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To participate, you must complete the registration form available below and send it to: staff@viaquerinissima.net

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