Spanish

Buenos Aires, Argentina—“Peace as the Protection of the Creation” is the theme of the UPF-Argentina’s eighth annual International Poetry Contest. It is open to writers, poets, students, and all those who feel inspired to express content of universal value on this theme in Spanish. Deadline for submissions is July 31, 2016. Poems may be sent by email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

In addition, artists are invited to submit designs to be considered as the cover for and for the interior of an anthology that will be created of the winning poems. The illustration should reflect the theme of the contest, “Peace as the Protection of the Creation,” and be submitted to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. (For more information, see point 7 of the contest rules.) 

RULES

VIII INTERNATIONAL POETRY CONTEST–UPF-Argentina
“Peace as the Protection of the Creation”
In conjunction with the International Day of Peace 2016

“Since wars begin in the minds of men, it is in the minds of men that the defenses of peace must be constructed” – Preamble of UNESCO’s Constitution (1945)

  1. Objective: Despite historical disappointments and conflicts that are still in force, world peace is still an indispensable imperative, an inescapable moral duty, a possible goal, and a task to be achieved. Culture, particularly literature can make a contribution, based on common values of universal brotherhood, transcending boundaries, traditions, and religions. It is expected that this aspiration, which is both an individual and universal longing inscribed in the hearts of peoples and cultures, will be embodied in the writings of the VIII International Poetry Contest of UPF-Argentina, whose theme this year is “Peace as the Protection of the Creation” (considering that conflicts and wars destroy our “bigger house,” nature). This is connected to the International Day of Peace, which was established by UN Resolution 36/67 to “commemorate and strengthen the ideals of peace in every nation and every people and among them.”

  2. Formalities: The VIII International Poetry Contest, “Peace as the Protection of the Creation,” is open to writers, poets, students, or anyone who feels inspired to express content of universal value about the subject. Each participant may submit one poem, in Spanish, and shall state on the paper his/her personal data: name and surname; nationality; current address (city, province/state, and country); phone number; and an e-mail address in order to learn the Jury’s evaluation and the award-winning poems. The format shall be a poem written in verse not to exceed one page of an A4 size paper. The poem may be sent by e-mail to: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

  3. Beginning of the contest: May 8, 2016

    Deadline: July 31, 2016

  4. Jury: Writer and plastic artist Mabel Fontau, member of the Hispanic Cultural and Literary Institute (ILCH) and the “Gente de Letras;” writer and plastic artist Martha Edith Candioti, spokesperson and curator of the Argentine Society of Writers (SADE), and vice-president of the “Almafuerte” literary group; poet and narrator Graciela Licciardi, member of the ILCH and the A.L.E.G.R.I.A. group; poet Donato Perrone, coordinator of Café Tortoni’s Lyric Space, and representative of the Livres de Santa Catarina (Brazil) poetry group; and a local representative of UPF—all of whom are Ambassadors for Peace. The Jury’s verdict will be final and shall have power to determine any question not covered by these rules.

  5. Patrons: the writer and poet Juana Alcira Arancibia, founder and president of the ILCH and chief editor of the prestigious international literary magazine, “Alba de América;” the Brazilian poet Marina Fagundes Coello, a bilingual writer (Portugese-Spanish) and member of various literary circles in America; and the writer and poet Nélida Pessagno, vice president of SADE and main counselor of the foundation “El Libro.”

  6. Awards: The winning poem will be read by the author, or by someone chosen by the author, at the awards ceremony. They will also receive a Certificate of Recognition and the poem will be publicized nationally and internationally. Four Honorable Mentions, five Special Mentions, and two Mentions will be awarded with their respective certificates. Each person who wins will also receive gifts, and their poems will be included in the anthology as a way of promoting and spreading peace culture.

  7. Anthology Illustrations: The contest also invites artists to submit designs to be considered as the cover for and for the interior of the anthology. The illustration should reflect the theme of the contest, “Peace as the Protection of the Creation.” A photo of the work should be submitted to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. The winning illustration will be displayed at the International Day of Peace Celebration and Awards Ceremony.

  8. Awards Ceremony: The presentation of awards will take place at the celebration of the International Day of Peace in an artistic, cultural and interreligious event, organized by the Universal Peace Federation of Argentina, with further details to be forthcoming. 

  9. Organizer: UPF-Argentina, whose international mottos are: “The hope of all ages is a unified world of peace,” “True love is the ideal and guiding principle,” and “One global family centered on God,” organized this eighth annual International Poetry Contest.

  10. Participation in this contest implies acceptance of these terms.