The Ninth EIPOEMA — International Poetry Gathering of Macaronesia — took place in Madeira and Porto Santo, with the support of the Regional Government of Madeira and the Municipality of Funchal, as part of the commemorative program marking the 50th anniversary of the Autonomy of the Autonomous Region of Madeira.

The gathering brought together 43 poets, distinguished figures in the cultural landscapes of the Azores, the Canary Islands, Cape Verde, Madeira, mainland Portugal, and France, alongside eminent scholars and academics.

The Opening Ceremony was held in the Noble Hall of the Baltazar Dias Theatre and was presided over by His Excellency the Regional Secretary for Tourism, Environment, and Culture, representing the President of the Regional Government, Dr. Miguel Albuquerque.

All the poets assembled in the hall paid tribute to one of Portugal’s greatest poets, the Madeiran José Agostinho Batista.

The ceremony opened with a musical performance by two students from the Conservatory School of the Arts, Tomás Inácio and Artur Petryakov, who performed an original composition on violin and accordion.

Poetry was then celebrated through the voice of the distinguished actress Ana Zanatti, who read poems by Herberto Helder, José Agostinho Batista, Vítor de Lima Meireles, Vera Duarte Pina, Aquiles García Brito, and João Carlos Abreu. Her masterful interpretations earned a standing ovation beneath a shower of golden petals.

Dr. Jorge Carvalho, Mayor of Funchal, welcomed the participants. In an eloquent and spontaneous address, he emphasized the importance of the gathering as a bridge connecting the archipelagos of Macaronesia, underscoring the honor bestowed upon the city of Funchal by the presence of such distinguished poets and scholars.

Dr. Marcelino de Castro, the program’s Content Coordinator, observed in his brief intervention:

“This thematic program finds its expression in the convergence of three interconnected dimensions: poetry, thought, and autonomy.”

He concluded by affirming:

“Poetry, like Religion and Philosophy, beyond Economics, Science, and Technology, is undoubtedly one of the finest ways of confronting the unfolding of human existence amid this formidable unknown.”

The International Curator then took the floor, beginning with the reflection that poets who believe in the ideals they create, and who draw their sustenance from poetry, devote themselves passionately to the values of humanism.

They long for a world less irrational, less troubling, and less deadly.

He expressed his admiration and gratitude to the President of the Regional Government for the support that has enabled EIPOEMA to continue its journey through nine years of existence.

Dr. João Carlos Cunha e Silva, President of the Commission for the Commemorations of the 50th Anniversary of Autonomy, offered the poets an insightful account of Madeira before and after the establishment of its autonomy.

The series of addresses concluded with Dr. Eduardo Jesus, who, as has become customary, delivered a carefully crafted speech that revealed both his command of language and his understanding of its power. He approached the subject of Macaronesia with intelligence and sensitivity, emphasizing the importance of its distinct cultural identities, which together constitute an invaluable part of the world’s heritage.

It is also worth noting that, as participants arrived for the Opening Ceremony, representatives of the Boa Nova Group, under the direction of Danilo Fernandes, presented traditional Madeiran dances and songs, surprising and delighting the poets.

At 7:00 p.m., in the Noble Hall of the Legislative Assembly, the Eurico Martins Septet offered the poets an exceptional performance on mandolins. The audience made no attempt to conceal its enchantment, responding with repeated cries of “Bravo!” and warm applause.

The Eurico Martins Septet belongs to the magnificent Madeira Mandolin Orchestra, directed by André Martins.

On Monday, the 26th, the poets were greeted by an unexpected literary offering at the entrance to the theatre: readings of poems by Madeiran writers, performed by two actors, Diogo Pinto and Miguel Ângelo Sobral. Their powerful voices brought renewed life to the poetry of Herberto Helder, José Agostinho Batista, Manuela Vieira, Emanuel Bento, Vítor F. Sousa, Teresa Klut, and João Carlos Abreu.

That same evening, participants enjoyed a particularly delightful gathering at the restaurant O Celeiro, featuring performances by the artists Sandra and Ricardo and the fado singer Eugénia Maria.

Porto Santo: “A Refuge for Poets”

“In every stone, there is a story gazing out upon the immensity of the Atlantic Ocean.”

It was precisely in Porto Santo that EIPOEMA held its second gathering, with the purpose of bringing this island to the attention of the world through culture.

Known as a “Refuge for Poets,” this small Atlantic island offers an ideal sanctuary for literary encounters: its silences, its singular atmosphere, and the generosity of its people create a setting of rare beauty and inspiration.

This year, EIPOEMA began in Madeira, also in recognition of the commemorations marking the 50th anniversary of the Autonomy of the Autonomous Region of Madeira. Nevertheless, three of the four panel discussions took place in Porto Santo, addressing the following themes:

• Literature: Poetry and Translation
• Literature: Poetry and Thought
• Literature: Poetry and Autonomy

Special recognition must also be given to the two outstanding lectures delivered by Professors Onésimo de Almeida and Bernardo de Vasconcelos.

The proceedings concluded in the distinguished presence of the President of the Legislative Assembly of the Autonomous Region of Madeira, whose arrival was greeted with warm applause from the assembled poets.

Speaking on behalf of the poets, the International Curator welcomed the President and praised the remarkable work she has undertaken in the House of Democracy. He described her as one of the symbols of Madeira’s Autonomy, noting that she was the first woman to be elected unanimously to the highest office of the Madeiran Parliament.

In her address, the President of the Parliament, Dr. Rubina Leal, emphasized the importance of EIPOEMA as a convergence of energies and aspirations, brought together through culture to strengthen the bonds among the Macaronesian archipelagos. She highlighted the significance of this endeavor as a means of enriching and elevating their communities.

She congratulated the organizers and expressed her hope that EIPOEMA would remain faithful to its mission, continuing to contribute to the human and cultural enrichment of the Macaronesian archipelagos.

The Exhibition by Dina Pimenta

As part of the Ninth EIPOEMA program, an exhibition was presented in the theatre’s spacious atrium.

“From the Islands… the Most Beautiful and Free” was the theme chosen by Macaronesian painter Dina Pimenta for her magnificent exhibition.

It was a manifestation of talent and extraordinary expressive power, through which a distinguished artist listens to the earth, captures the essence of its natural world, and reveals it in the grandeur of its beauty, enveloping and captivating the public.

Poetry Took to the Streets Through the Voices of the Poets

The extensive EIPOEMA program was enriched by many memorable moments. One of the most beautiful took place in Porto Santo, in the open-air auditorium of the Columbus Museum.

There, poetry stepped beyond the confines of the page and entered the public space through the voices of the poets themselves, who gave their verses the full intensity of their emotions.

It was an evening destined to remain in memory.

Particular recognition is due to the constant presence of Dr. Medeiros Gaspar, Regional Director of Culture, throughout all the panel discussions.

His participation allowed him to appreciate the true scope and significance of the EIPOEMA project. By attending the sessions, he became acquainted with the ideas and reflections of the poets who explored the relationships between literature, poetry and translation, poetry and thought, and poetry and autonomy.

His presence carried particular significance because, as Regional Director of Culture, he is in a position to convey to the Government the importance and reach of this gathering as an initiative that affirms Macaronesia’s cultural identity and projects it onto the international stage.

The Tenth EIPOEMA will take place in Cape Verde. The curator representing that country, the poet Vera Duarte Pina, will endeavor to have the gathering held in Mindelo, on the island of São Vicente.

My Tribute to Two Distinguished Azoreans

They are two outstanding figures in Luso-American culture; two distinguished Azoreans whose work brings prestige, distinction, and honor to the Azores, to Portugal, and to the universities where they serve. They are two remarkable human beings who generously share with others the wealth of their experience, the breadth of their knowledge, and the immense generosity of their spirits.

I speak of Professors Onésimo de Almeida and Diniz Borges, whose presence at the Ninth EIPOEMA, and whose wise and illuminating contributions, constituted two essential pillars in the intellectual and cultural enrichment of this gathering.

I had the privilege of spending four days in their company, and at the age of 91, I learned an extraordinary amount from their reflections and interventions. For this, I remain deeply grateful.

They are two individuals endowed with brilliant minds, free from prejudice, and blessed with that precious sense of humor which lends color and warmth to the journey of life, particularly in these troubled times, when our world seems increasingly engulfed in an abyss of wars and indifference.

The humanism that defines them reveals itself not merely in their gestures, but above all in their profound desire to see those around them grow in intellectual understanding and human dignity.

It is this generosity of spirit, this sincere commitment to the enrichment of others, that ennobles them and makes them examples worthy of admiration in a society where selfishness still so often prevails.

This is a simple tribute from someone who holds you both in the highest esteem, who admires you profoundly, and who remains deeply grateful for the privilege of your companionship.

For four unforgettable days, you offered me not only the richness of your knowledge, but also the warmth of your humanity.

And for that rare and generous gift of shared wisdom, friendship, and intellectual fellowship, I shall remain forever grateful.