Free interactive series makes poetry accessible to adults via guided sessions on women's voices, songs,

Escaldes-Engordany municipality has introduced "Poesia sense por" (Poetry Without Fear), a free series of four interactive workshops aimed at making poetry accessible to adults through reflective, participatory experiences.

Guided by journalist and author Eva Arasa, the sessions will occur at the municipal library in Escaldes-Engordany. Each 90-minute event features an introduction to the theme and poets, readings with discussions, and hands-on writing or poetic experiments to overcome common reservations about the genre.

Culture councillor Valentí Closa explained that the programme stems from a desire to explore why poetry can seem daunting and to show its potential for broad appeal. Arasa noted it offers a supportive environment for attendees—often revisiting poetry from their school days—to engage afresh with the form.

The series opens on 25 March at 7pm with "Veus de dona" (Women's Voices), tracing female poets from classics like Sappho and Sei Shonagon to contemporaries such as Maria-Mercè Marçal and Teresa Colom.

Next, on 15 April at 7pm, "De la paraula a la cançó" (From Word to Song) delves into oral and musical poetry, spotlighting works by Miquel Martí i Pol, Salvador Espriu, and Joan Salvat-Papasseit that have influenced songs.

"Veus d’Andorra" (Andorran Voices) on 6 May focuses on modern Andorran poetry, emphasising the nation's landscapes, language, and viewpoints through writers including Teresa Colom, Josep Dallerès, and Ester Fenoll.

It concludes on 10 June with "Amb veu pròpia" (With One's Own Voice), centring on personal poetic expression via guided creation.

Limited to 15-20 participants per session to promote interaction, the workshops are open to those 16 and older. Advance registration is required at the library. The initiative also seeks to promote enjoyment of Catalan poetry and attract new readers.