French American Cultural Society’s Concours de Poésie 2025 Expands to Latin America 

The French American Cultural Society’s poetry contest has returned and expanded to create a global contest in Francophone and Francophile poetry.

The Francophile world is truly global. This year, Northern California’s French American Cultural Society Concours de Poésie (Poetry Contest) is expanding to Latin America through the Alliances Françaises and French Institutes in the southern continent. The goal is to use a poetry contest to both include and celebrate the diversity and richness of the global Francophone/Francophile world.

“Latin America is home to many French-speaking communities and a growing number of students and schools that teach French,” said Léa Caubert, Operations Lead for the Poetry Contest. “From what I’ve observed, French is a language that resonates strongly in the region, in part because it’s more accessible for Spanish speakers, making it a popular second language choice. This contest is a way to build bridges between cultures and give students a platform to express themselves creatively through the French language.”

This is the third year of the Concours de Poésie. It is hosted by the French American Cultural Society (FACS) and the Gabadito Foundation, along with the French Heritage Society Northern California chapter which was founder of the inaugural 2023 contest. The Concours began as a poetry contest for students in French classes from pre-school to high school in both US-based French and American schools. It was founded by Thomas Celerier and William de Pracomtal. Last year, the contest expanded to French territories and this year, Latin America was added.

For Celerier, poetry is universal. “Poetry . . . is that timeless muse that transcends ages and borders.”

Poetry contestants are judged in levels from kindergarten to high school. An adult category was added this year for the first time to be open to learners beyond the school system. Student categories are free to enter but participants in the adult category are asked to donate to the FACS. All proceeds from the contest will be allocated to K-12 laureates in the Concours geographies. Deadline for submissions is June 13, 2025. Each poem must include a French translation.

Although poem topics are open, a recommended theme is the Hermione and Lafayette. Hermione is the ship that Frenchman Lafayette and his army used to assist the American side during the Revolutionary War (1775 – 1783.) The goal is to raise awareness of the historical symbol of French-American friendship and the Association Hermione-La Fayette. The association is in the process of restoring a replica of the Hermione in time to sail to the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics but needs financial support. The Concours de Poésie will help support the effort. 

In addition, the FACS is looking for additional sponsors for the Concours de Poésie and other programs, plus donations. Anyone interested in creating an epic – or even a sonnet – donation or sponsorship program should connect with the FACS.

The contest jury will be chosen soon and will be composed of 30+ professionals including teachers, writers, artists, poets, French organization officials and students. Winning poems will be published in a book and featured through social media. The goal is to have 1,500 poem entries this year which is a significant growth from last year.

According to Caubert, encouraging responses have already been received from Argentina, Columbia and Peru, plus the other areas where the contest has been in the past.

“Our goal is to gradually reach the entire (Latin America) continent, though we’re aware this will take time and adaptation, as each country has its own level of cultural openness and access to culture,” said Caubert. “It is part of the mission: to cross borders and open doors through poetry.” 

For Celerier, poetry is like singing and the Concours de Poésie is a grand musical tour.

“François-René de Chateaubriand once said: ‘La Poésie, c’est le chant intérieur / Poetry is the inner song’,” quoted Celerier. “We started the contest in the hope to share and spread these beautiful songs. Some might be joyful, some less, nonetheless, they are all beautiful”.