Program outline

To read the full program (in Esperanto), please click here.

Being the largest annual gathering of Esperanto speakers in the world, and taking place each year in a different city and country, the World Esperanto Congress is an outstanding cultural event. During t Congress the participants will attend lectures on many topics (pertaining to the world of Esperanto, Canadian history and culture, science), concerts and more – all taking place in the international language Esperanto.

The World Esperanto Congress is proud to be one of the oldest international conventions continuously being held (suspended only during the World Wars), with the first Congress taking place in Boulogne-sur-Mer, France, in 1905.

Rooted in the present yet heir to a long legacy

World Esperanto Congresses have a long tradition, dating back more than a century, and are punctuated by great moments such as the opening and closing ceremonies. During these ceremonies, congress participants are officially welcomed to the event. There is also the possibility of welcoming messages from dignitaries and personalities from the host country.

Each World Congress is different, but each is part of the long history of World Congresses and of Esperanto.

Official theme

Each Congress, in addition to the activities presented here, also deals with a particular theme, which permeates the event and is discussed through a series of dedicated talks.

This theme is fully in line with the World Esperanto Association’s action in favour of cultural and linguistic rights, as well as sustainable development respecting the needs of minority groups.

The theme of the 2022 Congress is: “Language, Life and Earth: the Decade of Indigenous Languages“, in reference to the Decade of Indigenous Languages declared by UNESCO for 2022-2032.

The Congress is held under the symbolic patronage of Georges Sioui, Huron-Wendat historian and philosopher.

Attend talks on a variety of topics

– History and culture of Quebec and Canada (politics, language, educational system)

– Indigenous languages and cultures, around the official theme “Language, Life, Land: The Decade of Indigenous Languages

– Science, education

– In-person meetings of various bodies of the Esperanto movement, including those of the World Esperanto Association

Attend concerts and performances

The World Esperanto Congresses (and other Esperanto gatherings) are an opportunity for Esperanto vocal and music artists to meet their audiences in person and to perform. Various artists will perform, including some from Canada (Bïa, Yves Desrosiers, Joëlle Rabu and Nico Rhodes), who will be discovered by an international audience. All styles of music are represented in the Esperanto world.

The history of Montreal, Quebec and Canada will also be presented in an artistic and allegorical way during a show presented as part of the traditional evening dedicated to the culture of the host country.

Attend an original Esperanto-language play: “1910”

Did you know that Esperanto’s creator L.L. Zamenhof had Montrealers among his family members? The play “1910” (written by Yevgeniya Amis) follows the journey of the initiator L.L. Zamenhof to North America through the eyes of  British Esperantist William Mann (played by Garry Evans, pictured), who accompanied him that year, first to the 6th World Esperanto Congress in Washington, D.C., and then on his journey to Canada, including Montreal, to meet members of his family.

Meet the people who make the Esperanto movement a reality

A fair where all kinds of national or specialized organizations (vegetarians, members of different religious or philosophical creeds, creators of Esperanto content, etc.) are presented.

Literary contest

The winning short stories of the Intercultural Short Story Contest in Esperanto – a initiative launched under the honorary presidency of author, Ms. Claudia Larochelle – will be unveiled during a special award ceremony. A book containing the finalists’ short stories has also been published for the occasion. The theme of the contest was: “COVID-19: How it changed us”.

Buy books in Esperanto

A temporary bookstore set up just for the Congress makes it possible for participants to buy all kinds of books in Esperanto, which has a rich literature including both original and translated works.

Improve and test your level of Esperanto

Beginner and intermediate courses will be offered for participants wishing to improve their skills.

In addition, it will be possible to have one’s level of Esperanto evaluated in official exams on four levels of competence according to the CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages): B1, B2, C1 and C2.

People who are new to Esperanto are always welcome at World Congresses! Meet Esperanto speakers and experience Esperanto culture for yourself! It’s the best way to improve!

International Congress University and Science Café in Esperanto

Specialists in their fields give lectures in Esperanto on topics as diverse as

  • The anticipated scientific advances of the James Webb Space Telescope
  • An introduction to petrophysics
  • The spread of science on the Silk Roads

The Science Café, more accessible to the general public, will deal with various subjects such as languages in Brussels or the Pythagorean theorem.

A book summarizing the contents of these talks is available at the Congress bookstore.

Discover Montreal, Quebec and Canada

This is the first time the World Congress has been held in Quebec and only the second time in Canada (the first was held in Vancouver in 1984). For many participants, the Congress will also be an opportunity to discover local culture and history, including its relationship to languages – a topic close to the heart of many Esperanto speakers.

Have fun and make friends!

Participating in an Esperanto Congress is also about laughing, having fun, visiting a new place, meeting new people or seeing old friends, sometimes after many years.

The Congress is large enough to offer activities that appeal to everyone: young and old, lovers of literature, science, music, etc.

Many Esperanto speakers make lifelong friendships with people from near and far… or sometimes even start families!

Watching films with Esperanto subtitles

Congress participants will be able to watch films with Esperanto subtitles. In particular, films from the indigenous organization Wapikoni Mobile will be available thanks to a partnership with the Congress, as well as films from the National Film Board of Canada.