Poetry in Motion

View on map
Arts & CultureMandeville
DatesDates TBA · Usually FebruaryCheck locally before booking
DurationAnnualEstimate from available data
Crowd-Public scale varies
Best forPerformance, exhibitionsThe five-segment structure is what sets
LanguageLocal language; English access variesCurrency: JMD
CategoryArts & CultureFestival type
The story

Poetry in Motion in Mandeville

Poetry in Motion was founded in 2004 by dub poet Yasus Afari and is now Jamaica's longest-running annual poetry event, staged mainly in Manchester. Structured across five segments spanning a Reasoning Temple, African Bazaar, charity dinner, red carpet and Showtime performances, it blends spoken word with music, dance, comedy and fashion.

Yasus Afari launched Poetry in Motion in 2004 to give Jamaican spoken-word artists a dedicated stage and sustain interest in an art form that otherwise competes for attention with music and dancehall on the island's entertainment calendar.
Your trip starts here
What is special

The part that makes it specific.

01

The place changes

The five-segment structure is what sets Poetry in Motion apart from a standard poetry reading or open mic: the Reasoning Temple, African Bazaar, Dinner for Charity, Red Carpet Affair and Showtime each function as a distinct part of a single evening, combining reflection, commerce, charity and performance around the poetry itself

02

The mystery stays covered

Continuous artistic direction under founder Yasus Afari across two decades, marked by the festival's twentieth-anniversary staging in 2023, gives it an unusually stable identity for a spoken-word event of its longevity

Traditions & symbols

The language of the festival.

What moves first

Living ritual

The five-part evening format

Water and renewal

Living ritual

running from the reflective Reasoning Temple through to the closing Showtime performances

The sacred route

Living ritual

has remained the festival's structural signature since Yasus Afari founded the event in 2004

Before you go

Essential information

When to go

Dates TBA · Usually February

Getting around

For Poetry in Motion, plan transport around the exact Mandeville venue, route or gathering point rather than the city name alone.

What to wear

Red-carpet-appropriate smart or dressy attire is fitting given the event's Red Carpet Affair segment, though comfortable options work for the bazaar and reasoning portions.

Safety

Keep valuables light, follow local instructions, and watch how residents use the space before joining in.

Where to stay

For Poetry in Motion, stay near the part of Mandeville you will actually use, with reliable return transport.

Tickets/cost

Check official or local sources for ticketed areas, paid stands, and same-year access rules.

Language/currency

JMD

Family friendly

unknown

Interactive map18.04 N, 77.51 WOpen in Google Maps

Mandeville, Manchester, Jamaica

Nearest airportMBJ — Sangster
TransportFor Poetry in Motion, plan transport around the exact Mandeville venue, route or gathering point rather than the city name alone.
Stay areaFor Poetry in Motion, stay near the part of Mandeville you will actually use, with reliable return transport.

Your Trip Starts Here

External travel services to turn the plan into a trip — each opens in a new tab.

How to get thereRoutes, times and prices to Mandeville via local transport.Search routesFind a place to stayStays near Mandeville, close enough for the event-day route.Browse staysFind flightsCompare fares into the nearest practical airport for February.Compare faresFestival gearRed-carpet-appropriate smart or dressy attire is fitting given the event's Red Carpet Affair segment, though comfortable options work for the bazaar and reasoning portions.Shop the kitCheck visa requirementsSee whether you need a visa for Jamaica and apply online.Check entry rulesTravel insuranceCover for trip hiccups, gear and health on the road.Get covered

We may earn a small commission from trusted travel partners at no extra cost to you.

FAQ

Quick answers.

When is Poetry in Motion?

Poetry in Motion is listed for February. Always re-check the official or local source close to travel.

Where does Poetry in Motion take place?

The festival is listed in Mandeville, Jamaica. The map coordinate is a planning reference, not a guarantee of a ticket gate or exact venue.

How long should I plan for?

Annual is the listed festival span. Add time for arrival, local transport, queues, and any route changes during the event.

Is a source linked?

Needs editorial review. Eventisimus separates source confidence from travel suggestions, so check final details before booking.

Where exactly is it?

Mandeville, Manchester, Jamaica

Is it family friendly?

unknown

Sources and editorial review

About this guide

This guide is independently written by Eventisimus using publicly available information, official event and organiser sources where available, local tourism references, and additional editorial research. Eventisimus is not the official organiser of this festival and is not affiliated with it unless explicitly stated.

Festival dates, schedules, ticket conditions, access rules, and local arrangements can change. We aim to present useful and accurate information, but travelers should confirm important details with the official event source before booking transport, accommodation, or tickets.

Found something inaccurate or outdated? Email hello@eventisimus.com with the festival page link and the correction.

Official URLAwaiting confirmation
Organizer accessAre you the organizer? Claim this listing →
Listed datesDates TBA · Usually February
Source statusNeeds editorial review
Related festivals

Continue the route.

Photo pending

Buenos Aires International Book Fair

Past edition: 23 April–11 May 2026

Buenos Aires, Argentina
Photo pending

Cairo International Book Fair

Past edition: 21 January–3 February 2026

Cairo, Egypt
Photo pending

Pageant of the Masters

Not represented as one continuous festival occurrence

Laguna Beach, United States
Photo pending

Annecy International Animation Film Festival

Past edition: 8–14 June 2025

Annecy, France

Spotted something out of date? Submit a correction →