Holguin Becomes the Short Story Capital: The 27th Celestino Prize Begins

Young writers once again take over the City of Parks. From June 9th to 12th, the 27th Celestino Short Story Prize will unfold an intense program. That promises to make the province of Holguin the epicenter of contemporary Cuban narrative.

Theoretical panels, dramatic readings, book presentations, and the highly anticipated announcement of the competition’s winners make up the agenda. An event that this year pays special tribute to the Argentine master Jorge Luis Borges.

Sponsored by Ediciones La Luz, the publishing house of the Hermanos Saíz Association (AHS) in Holguin. The event not only celebrates the maturity of a competition born in 1999. Inspired by the celebrated novel “Celestino Before Dawn” by Holguin native Reinaldo Arenas. It also joins in the celebrations of the four decades of the organization that brings together Cuba’s young artistic and intellectual vanguard.

The event kicks off on Tuesday, June 9th at 10:00 a.m. at the iconic headquarters of Ediciones La Luz. There, participants will be officially welcomed, and a top-tier jury will be introduced. Comprised of renowned Cuban writers Laidi Fernández de Juan and Mariela Varona. Along with the distinguished Argentine prose writer Kike Ferrari.

Moreover the first day continues with the “Emergency Entrance” literary gathering. A space designed to gauge the pulse of contemporary Cuban literature. Emerging writers such as Thalía Ricardo, Glenn Tamayo, Yeema Martínez, Milho García, and María Ramírez. They will share their work with the audience in a fraternal celebration of the AHS’s 40th anniversary.

On Wednesday, June 10th, literary theory and new works will come together. At 10:30 a.m., the “Ode to Young Light” literary gathering will host the panel “40 Years Without the Creator.”

Intellectuals Manuel García Verdecia and Eugenio Marrón will delve into the life and work of Jorge Luis Borges. A unique opportunity to revisit the author of “The Aleph.”
Shortly afterward, at 11:30 a.m. at the Abrirse las Constelaciones literary gathering. The public can explore contemporary drama with the presentation of “La visita,” the debut play by Matanzas-born writer Alain Gómez Pérez.

Thursday, June 11th, will keep the literary scene buzzing. In the morning, “Oda a la joven Luz” will host writers Rubén Rodríguez and Robert Ráez. Later that afternoon, at 4:00 p.m., the event will move to the usual UNEAC Literary Café. Where Mariela Varona will present the novel “El día de los santos inocentes” by Andrés Cabrera.

On Friday, June 12th, the festival will reach its climax. Activities will begin at 10:00 a.m. With a special edition of Entrada de emergencia (Emergency Entrance). Which will bring together storytellers who have won awards in previous editions of the Calendario and Celestino prizes. Including Ghabriel Pérez, Rafael A. Inza, Erian Peña, in addition to the aforementioned Rodríguez and Ráez.

At 11:00 a.m. that same day, the book “Morir un poco” (To Die a Little), by Andy Jorge Blanco. Winner of the 25th edition of the competition, will be presented, demonstrating the vitality and reach of La Luz’s catalog.

The climax of the day will arrive with the highly anticipated awards ceremony for the 27th Celestino Short Story Prize.

Also the winner of this edition will not only add the prestige of this important award to their career, but will also receive a certificate. A cash prize, and publication of their work—in both digital and print formats—under the Ediciones La Luz imprint. Furthermore, as is tradition, an exclusive piece of art, generously donated by the heirs of the immortal Holguin painter Cosme Proenza, will be awarded.

With the closing of this twenty-seventh edition, Ediciones La Luz and the AHS reaffirm their unwavering commitment to the country’s literary vanguard. In this way, they continue to safeguard the legacy of the short story in Cuba from Holguin. The same indomitable land that saw the birth and dreams of the great Reinaldo Arenas.

By: Daimy Peña Guillén

Radio Angulo
Latest posts by Radio Angulo (see all)