The Gibunco Gibraltar Literary Festival has announced a series of fringe events, including the Lines of Light – Haiku Project. Organized by the Gibraltar Heritage Trust, this installation at the Gibraltar Lighthouse will invite visitors to write haiku poetry inspired by the landscape and heritage of Europa Point, contributing to a community artwork throughout the festival.
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Participants will compose short poems, with each handwritten haiku added to the staircase, creating a public installation. Brielle Gafan, the Trust’s Heritage Engagement Officer, shared that the project is inspired by a unique aspect of the lighthouse's history. In May 1921, Crown Prince Hirohito of Japan, who later became Emperor, visited the Gibraltar Lighthouse during a European tour, a historical fact displayed for visitors.
Gafan noted that she aimed to encourage visitors to engage with the heritage site creatively, combining the historical connection with the Japanese poetic form of haiku, chosen for its simplicity and nature-inspired themes. Each haiku follows a 5-7-5 syllable structure, making it accessible for people of all ages and writing experiences.
Europa Point, known for its stunning views where the Mediterranean meets the Atlantic, provides a perfect backdrop for poetic reflection. Gafan emphasized that each individual interprets their surroundings uniquely, contributing diverse perspectives to the poetic interpretations. The project aims to encourage community engagement with Gibraltar's heritage, with Gafan expressing hope that the staircase will be filled with haikus throughout the month of the project.
The Gibraltar Heritage Trust seeks to make Gibraltar’s history more accessible through educational initiatives and community involvement. Gafan highlighted the importance of partnerships in promoting and celebrating local heritage. The Lines of Light project combines literature and heritage, allowing participation from different audience segments.
Those interested in the haiku project need not have previous experience. Lines of Light cards and guides will be available at the lighthouse, offering instructions on haiku writing. The Gibraltar Lighthouse will be open from Monday to Saturday, 10:30 AM to 1:30 PM, with guided tours available for a more immersive experience.
Haikus can be submitted to staff at the Gibraltar Lighthouse or the Marine Interpretation Centre for inclusion in the installation. The project, running from October 15 to November 30, 2026, coincides with the Gibraltar Literary Festival. Additionally, festival ticket holders can receive a discount on lighthouse access during the festival week. Gafan concluded that the evolving installation aims to demonstrate that heritage is about creating meaningful connections with places in the present.