Miquel Martí i Pol days highlight poetry as a tool for social cohesion

The Miquel Martí i Pol Foundation, supported by the Diputació de Barcelona, is organising the Miquel Martí i Pol Days from 5 to 28 November. This annual event aims to keep alive the literary and human legacy of the poet from Roda de Ter, while promoting his work among new audiences.

This year’s programme emphasises the social and community aspects of culture, featuring a blend of poetry, music, literature, education, and heritage. Events will primarily take place in Roda de Ter, but will also extend to Vic, Torelló, and Barcelona, with activities designed for audiences of all ages.

The initiative seeks to highlight poetry's ability to forge connections, encourage civic participation, and link literary creation with the cultural and social life of the region. Among the key events is a popular tribute to Miquel Martí i Pol on 6 November at the Teatre Eliseu, featuring students from local educational centres and members of the community.

Another significant event will occur on 8 November, which includes a tribute and the presentation of literary, artistic, and educational awards, including the 42nd Miquel Martí i Pol Poetry Prize. This day will conclude with the musical performance “Martí i Pol, words that endure,” featuring students from the El Faristol Municipal Music School.

The relationship between poetry and music will be a focal point, with discussions and concerts such as Miquel Pujadó's talk, “Is Miquel Martí i Pol the most set Catalan classic to music?” and the “Interluni” concert by Coloma Bertran and Lia Sampai, part of the “With a voice of their own. Poetic actions” cycle.

The programme also includes literary presentations, such as “Una hormiga nada” by Ramon Besora and “Pasillo abajo” by Joan Rotger Julià, family activities like the storytelling hour “¡Por, por, poesía!” and the puppet show “La elefanta Miranda y el gusano Ulises,” as well as literary routes dedicated to Miquel Martí i Pol and Emili Teixidor.

Additionally, the event will feature proposals linking poetry, workers' memory, and industrial heritage, alongside an exhibition dedicated to poet Clementina Arderiu. The Miquel Martí i Pol Days will conclude on 28 November with an educational day titled “The current Elionors,” aimed specifically at secondary and upper primary school teachers. This session will provide pedagogical resources and tools to engage with Miquel Martí i Pol's work both inside and outside the classroom through a learning situation, a literary route, and a scavenger hunt.

Established in 2006, the Miquel Martí i Pol Foundation works to preserve, study, and disseminate the literary, educational, and social legacy of the poet, while promoting contemporary literary and cultural creation. The Diputació de Barcelona supports the Foundation's efforts and initiatives that contribute to keeping the author’s legacy alive and projecting it towards new generations.

This initiative aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically Goal 18 on “Culture and linguistic rights,” Goal 4 on “Quality education,” and Goal 10 on “Reducing inequalities.” These goals were proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly on 25 September 2015 and form part of the global agenda for 2030. The Diputació de Barcelona is committed to fulfilling these goals and supporting local governments in the province accordingly.