National Poet’s Day

National Poet’s Day on August 21 may come as a surprise to some, but it serves as an important reminder of how poetry has shaped human expression. In ancient times, poetry was used to record historical events, express love, and even mock rivals. Today, as we immerse ourselves in digital communication and prose literature, we may forget the lasting power of poetic language.

History

The origins of National Poet’s Day are unclear—no one knows for sure who first proposed the celebration or whether it came from poets themselves or their admirers.

Interesting Facts

1. National Poet’s Day is not the only holiday dedicated to poetry. In 1994, National Poetry Day was established in the UK and Ireland by publisher William Sieghart. It is held annually on the first or second Thursday of October.
2. In 1996, the Academy of American Poets founded National Poetry Month, a month-long celebration in April. Canada began observing the same month in 1998.
3. UNESCO declared March 21 as World Poetry Day in 1999, and since 2000, National Poetry Day has continued in October in the UK.

How to Take Part

• If you write poetry, compose a new piece and share it—whether through a local publication or on social media.
• If you’ve never tried writing a poem, give it a shot! Learn about different poetic forms. You don’t need to rhyme—Japanese haiku and tanka are great examples of unrhymed poetry.
• Host a poetry reading party with friends or family and enjoy your favorite verses together.
• Celebrate by sharing a biography or poem of your favorite writer online, or simply raise awareness of the holiday.
• Explore the work of a contemporary poet you’ve never read before and share it with others.

When is National Poet’s Day in 2025?

National Poet’s Day is observed on August 21 each year.

Observations