Humberto Fuentes, a writer from Matanzas who uses the pseudonym Bill, won the prestigious 27th Celestino Short Story Prize this Friday for his work “Cubacabana.”
The unanimous decision was announced during the closing ceremony of this important literary competition. Which solidifies Holguin province as a beacon of contemporary narrative on the island.
Also the competition’s jury was composed of a prestigious international panel that included Cuban writers Mariela Varona and Laidi Fernández de Juan. Along with the renowned Argentine writer Kike Ferrari. In awarding the prize, the judges highlighted Fuentes’ technical skill and imaginative flair throughout the eleven stories that make up the award-winning volume.
“Cubacabana,” a work dedicated with profound sensitivity to the memory of the recently deceased Cuban intellectual Francisco López Sacha. It stands out for its sustained prose rhythm.
According to the jury’s report, the narratives fluidly alternate passages of stark realism with imaginative transitions. All underpinned by a solid geographical, social, and political structure.
Founded in 1999 and inspired by the celebrated novel of the same name by Reinaldo Arenas from Holguin. The Celestino Prize is traditionally sponsored by Ediciones La Luz, the publishing house of the Hermanos Saíz Association (AHS).
This organization, which brings together Cuba’s young artistic and intellectual vanguard. Reaffirms its commitment to promoting emerging writers with each edition.
This twenty-seventh edition not only paid a well-deserved tribute to the master of world literature, Jorge Luis Borges. Also joined the national celebrations for the four decades since the founding of the AHS, further solidifying the cultural landscape of northeastern Cuba.
By: Daimy Peña Guillén
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