The Centroamérica Cuenta festival commemorates International Book Day by paying tribute to Nicaraguan poet Claribel Alegría, who would have turned 100 in May. Authors from around Iberoamerica read from her work “Carta al tiempo”, as a way to honor the 2017 Reina Sofía Poetry Prize winner. The voices of festival founder Sergio Ramírez, director of the Cervantes Institute Luis García Montero, along with Argentine photographer Daniel Mordzinski, Salvadorans Roxana Méndez and Jorge Galán, Nicaraguans Patricia Flakoll Alegría, Karen Flakoll Fauche, Erik Flakoll Alegría, William González Guevara, Gioconda Belli, and Mario Martz, as well as Spaniards Daniel Rodríguez Moya, Fernando Valverde, Santiago Herrero, and Chus Visor can be heard during the tribute.
Participants of the event include renowned literary figures from various Hispanic countries, and their voices come together to celebrate the legacy of Claribel Alegría. The festival strives to showcase the diversity and richness of the literary traditions in Central America and Iberoamerica, connecting authors and readers from different cultures. The homage to Alegría serves as a reminder of her contributions to poetry and literature, inspiring a new generation of writers to continue exploring the human experience through words. By bringing together voices from different parts of the Spanish-speaking world, the festival fosters an exchange of ideas and perspectives, enriching the public discourse on literature and culture.
The involvement of figures like Sergio Ramírez, who has been a prominent advocate for literature in Central America, and Luis García Montero, who heads the prestigious Cervantes Institute, highlights the importance of supporting and promoting the region’s literary heritage. The festival not only honors established authors like Alegría but also provides a platform for emerging talents to share their work and connect with a wider audience. Through readings, discussions, and other cultural activities, Centroamérica Cuenta creates a space for dialogue and reflection on the role of literature in society, encouraging a deeper appreciation for the power of words to transcend borders and foster understanding.
The festival’s collaboration with prominent literary figures and organizations demonstrates its commitment to nurturing and preserving the literary traditions of Central America and Iberoamerica. By paying homage to Claribel Alegría, a pioneering poet whose work continues to resonate with audiences worldwide, Centroamérica Cuenta celebrates the enduring relevance of literature as a means of expressing the human experience. The participation of authors and poets from diverse backgrounds underscores the festival’s dedication to promoting cultural exchange and fostering a sense of community among writers and readers. As the literary world commemorates International Book Day, events like Centroamérica Cuenta play a crucial role in preserving the legacy of iconic authors and inspiring future generations to explore the power of words.
