Rotterdam is famous for its migration history and modern architecture. On Tuesday, the municipality added a different characteristic to its identity by celebrating the official recognition of poetry printed on its fleet of rubbish trucks.
Lines of verse have appeared on city waste vehicles since 1988, when the idea was first introduced by a poetry festival. This week, a Dutch body that guards national traditions elevated the practice to the status of intangible cultural heritage.
"Since 1988, poetry has been travelling through Rotterdam on our bin lorries," said Joan Nunnely, the deputy mayor for culture, community and language. Residents often read a line while cycling to work or waiting for a vehicle to pass.
Proponents of the programme say it is both uplifting and democratising. Nunnely explained that people sometimes view culture as something reserved for those with a theoretical education, whereas this practice brings poetry to all citizens.
Paul Keijzer has driven Rotterdam litter trucks since the scheme started in 1988. He stated that the poetry provides an added connection to the city and has even inspired him to write his own verses.
"We get positive reactions that people have never seen anything like it," Keijzer said, adding that some residents occasionally admit they do not understand a particular line. His current truck bears a verse from Neeltje Maria Min about looking back and the knot in time.
Diana Chin-A-Fat, director of Poetry International, said her organisation and the Rotterdam municipality approached the heritage body to preserve the custom. Every Rotterdammer recognises and reads the poetry, she added, describing it as unique.
Poet and spoken word artist Derek Otte said the initiative shows how Rotterdam is carving out a modern identity. His own words have recently joined the fleet on the side of a rubbish truck, reading that stones build a city high while the people give it depth.
The Dutch Centre for Intangible Cultural Heritage maintains an inventory of more than 400 traditions, crafts, rituals, and customs. The list documents unique characteristics ranging from the annual Pride Amsterdam festival to shepherded flocks of sheep.
Several Dutch traditions also feature on Unesco’s international list. These include traditional irrigation methods and the craft of millers operating windmills and watermills.
