CARICON is proud to announce the Third Annual CARICON Poetry Slam, taking place Saturday, March 21, 2026, at 7:00 PM at Teatro Aula Habaai in Willemstad, Curaçao. Presented in partnership with Wintertuin Curaçao, this year's event brings together poets representing nine Caribbean islands.
-- The Caribbean Literary, Culture & Heritage Organization (CARICON) is proud to announce the Third Annual CARICON Poetry Slam, taking place Saturday, March 21, 2026, at 7:00 PM at Teatro Aula Habaai in Willemstad, Curaçao. Presented in partnership with Wintertuin Curaçao, this year's event brings together poets representing nine Caribbean islands for a landmark weekend of spoken word, cultural exchange, and community.
The competing poets represent Jamaica, Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago, Grenada, Aruba, Curaçao, the British Virgin Islands, Saint Martin, and Puerto Rico — a living map of Caribbean expression, assembled on one stage for three extraordinary days. Now in its third year, the CARICON Poetry Slam has established itself as the region's premier platform for Caribbean spoken word: a competition where fully memorized, performance-driven poetry commands the room and the conversation.
POET WEEKEND SCHEDULE
Competing poets and invited guests will experience the full richness of Curaçao through a carefully curated three-day program:
Thursday, March 19 — Welcome Cocktail Reception: Poets and distinguished guests are welcomed to Curaçao at Sandals Royal Curaçao — an evening of introductions, island hospitality, and the spirit of Caribbean solidarity that defines this event.
Friday, March 20 — Morning — School Visits: Competing poets visit local Curaçao schools, bringing the art of spoken word directly to students and inspiring the next generation of Caribbean storytellers through live performance and dialogue.
Friday, March 20 — Afternoon — Poets' Luncheon: A curated luncheon for competing poets and partners hosted at the Curaçao Marriott Beach Resort — a moment of reflection, connection, and celebration before the main event.
Saturday, March 21 — 7:00 PM — Third Annual CARICON Poetry Slam: Doors open at Teatro Aula Habaai for the main competition. Nine poets. Nine islands. One champion. The evening culminates in the crowning of the 2026 CARICON Poetry Slam champion before a live audience.
A PARTNERSHIP ROOTED IN THE COMMUNITY
Wintertuin Curaçao serves as CARICON's local host and primary community partner, bringing authentic cultural credibility, deep ties to the island's artistic community, and the organizational infrastructure to make this event a true expression of Curaçao's cultural spirit.
"Curaçao is not a backdrop — it is a protagonist," said V. Steve Russell, Executive Director of CARICON. "Wintertuin has been an essential partner in making this event truly of the island and for the island. Together, we are building something the region will carry forward for generations."
"The Caribbean has always produced extraordinary poets and storytellers," said Joeri Oltheten, Executive Director of Wintertuin Curaçao. "What CARICON is doing is giving that tradition a stage worthy of its power. We are proud to stand behind this event and behind every poet who takes the mic on March 21."
EVENT DETAILS
Date: Saturday, March 21, 2026
Time: 7:00 PM
Venue: Teatro Aula Habaai, Willemstad, Curaçao
Format: Competitive Poetry Slam — fully memorized performances
Competing Islands: Jamaica, Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago, Grenada, Aruba, Curaçao, British Virgin Islands, Saint Martin, Puerto Rico
Local Host & Partner: Wintertuin Curaçao
Welcome Cocktail: Thursday, March 19 — Sandals Royal Curaçao
School Visits: Friday, March 20 — Local Curaçao Schools
Poets' Luncheon: Friday, March 20 — Curaçao Marriott Beach Resort
Tickets: caribbeanticketshop.com/events/caricon-poetry-slam-2026-21-03-2026
SPONSORS & PARTNERS
The Third Annual CARICON Poetry Slam is made possible through the generous support of the following sponsors and partners: Wintertuin Curaçao, Sandals Royal Curaçao, Curaçao Marriott Beach Resort, Brer Anancy Press, "Our Children The Future Inc," Jamaica Tourist Board, Dominican Republic Tourism Board, Caribbean Heritage Organization, Cultuurfonds, Taste of the Caribbean LA, Curaçao Tourism Board and International Authors Forum.
ABOUT CARICON
The Caribbean Literary, Culture & Heritage Organization (CARICON) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in Los Angeles, dedicated to amplifying Caribbean literary, artistic, and cultural expression across the diaspora and around the world. CARICON's programs include the annual literary conference, the CARICON Prize — a major literary award dedicated exclusively to Caribbean writers, the Poetry Slam, Heritage Remix oral history program, and the House of CARICON cultural storefront. CARICON operates with an institutional vision: to ensure that the Caribbean voice endures, evolves, and leads.
ABOUT WINTERTUIN CURAÇAO
Wintertuin Curaçao is a leading cultural organization on the island, committed to fostering community through art, performance, and meaningful public programming. As the local host and primary community partner for the Third Annual CARICON Poetry Slam, Wintertuin brings deep community relationships, local expertise, and a shared belief in the enduring power of Caribbean expression.
Contact Info:
Name: Steve Russell
Email: Send Email
Organization: CariCon
Address: 3894 Crenshaw Blvd, Los Angeles, California 90008, United States
Phone: +1-323-366-8006
Website: https://www.cari-con.org
Source: PressCable
Release ID: 89185955
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