In celebration of National Poetry Month in San Antonio, the World Heritage Office presents the 4th annual Viva Poesia: Palabra, Musica y Cultura event, on Friday, April 6 and Saturday, April 7 at Mission Marquee Plaza.

This two-day art happening will focus on the revelation of self-authenticity through explorations of concealed or masked cultural identity issues.  Performances and activities this year will be staged collectively as "La Battle Royal,” an exciting fusion of two beloved cultural traditions – the literary art of spoken-word and the colorful, well-known styling of the popular Mexican variety of wrestling. Set inside an actual regulation-sized ring, head-to-head battles between participating poets are sure to thrill the crowd in a truly unique community celebration of words and metaphorical play.

All matches will be officiated and called by ring master Anthony "The Poet" Flores. Luchador tag names and mask are encouraged for all.

In between matches, attendees can enjoy workshops and interactive art take-aways, and much more!  Live music by DJ Plata, Los Callejeros de San Anto, Los Nahuatlatos, The Indigenauts and Los de Esta Noche.  Food trucks and beverages will available to purchase.  Join us at this free fun-filled and family-friendly event!

Friday, April 6, 2018 (6 – 10 p.m.)

The two-day event kicks off with a welcoming and celebration of local poets, with opening remarks from District 3 Councilwoman Rebecca Viagran and a guest appearances by the 2018 San Antonio Poet Laureate, Octavio Quintanilla. This preview reception of the next day’s performances and MAIN EVENT will showcase spoken word artist Andrea “Vocab” Sanderson, Jason “Shaggy” Gossard, and Christopher “Rooster” Martinez.

Saturday, April 7, 2018 (6 – 11 p.m.)

The MAIN EVENT festivities kick off with a community poetry open-mic and, in a tribute to last year's big-hit competition, a mini Banzai Haiku Battle, in which a maximum of 15 poets will take to the ring at the same time and verbally wrestle for a cash prize determined by audience response! The night culminates with a world-class, 10-round epic and poetic slug-fest between two of San Antonio's most celebrated spoken-word artists, Eddie Vega and Amalia Ortiz!!!