When you walk in the rain, be prepared to see some magic—you might find poems appearing right under your feet on Boston's sidewalks. If only it had been true magic, but in fact, these are a part of the "Raining Poetry" project run by local youth supported by the city's authorities. Young romantics write poems all over the city using waterproof paint that is revealed only in rainy weather. The secret art can be seen in lots of the city's public places including Park Street, Roslindale intersection, and around the Strand Theatre. The city has no dry season, summer and early fall see the most showers and thunderstorms, yet on average it rains year-round except for snow season which lasts from December to March. So one can witness the magic from April through November, but if you want to avoid thunderstorms, opt for spring and late fall.
Practical info
What is the Raining Poetry project in Boston?
The Raining Poetry project involves local youth from Boston writing poems on the city's sidewalks with waterproof paint. The paint can only be seen when it rains, providing an entirely new look at the city with poem excerpts that previously remained hidden. The initiative's mission is to promote poetry's beauty and engage the public in a fun, innovative way by exploring the city. Show more
Where can we find the poetry in the city?
The Raining Poetry project is a unique initiative in Boston that allows poetry enthusiasts to enjoy the city's poems that only become visible during the rainy weather. But during this time, you can witness magic in different parts of the city, such as Roslindale, South Street, Washington Street, Uphams Corner, the Strand Theatre and Boston Common's Park Street. Stroll through the city on a rainy day, and you'll discover something new with every step. Show more
When is the best time of year to see the secret poetry?
The Raining Poetry project is a year-round initiative, but the ideal period to view it is from April to November, mainly because of the high number of anticipated showers and thunderstorms. Boston receives the most rain during early fall, making late September and October prime times to encounter the secret poetry. If you prefer less rain, visit during the spring season, April to May, or towards the end of November when the rainfall is the least. Show more
What is the waterproof paint used to write the poems?
The Raining Poetry project makes use of a special type of the spray-on, environmentally friendly paint. It dries up transparently on concrete and becomes visible only when the surface is wet. This allows users to refill the lines as required and guarantees the sidewalks remain spotless. Additionally, the paint wears off after six months, ensuring there is always something new for visitors to see and experience. Show more
How are local youth involved in the Raining Poetry project?
Boston's youth play a significant part in the Raining Poetry project's success. They gain valuable exposure by showcasing their talents at various events organized across the metropolitan area. Additionally, the project offers several workshops and open mic nights aimed at supporting young aspiring writers, providing them with an excellent avenue to explore their creativity and build their confidence. Show more
