Celebrating Literary Talent: III Concurso y Certamen Literario ‘Doctor Mena’
In a vibrant celebration of literature and creativity, the Asociación de Vecinos San Pedro Alcántara, in collaboration with Museos de Fuerteventura, recently held the award ceremony for the third edition of the III Concurso y Certamen Literario ‘Doctor Mena.’ This literary contest has drawn participants from across the beautiful Canary Islands, showcasing talents in poetry and microrrelatos (micro-stories).
Honoring Cultural Commitment
The significance of this event was emphasized by Lola García, the president of the Cabildo de Fuerteventura, who applauded the Asociación de Vecinos for keeping this vital initiative alive. García highlighted the importance of local engagement in cultural development, stating, “this demonstrates that culture is built from the ground up, through proximity and commitment.” She took pride in the abundant talent that continues to flourish on the island.
Echoing her sentiments, Rayco León, the counselor of Museums in Fuerteventura, expressed how the contest reaffirms the community’s dedication to cultural expression. The concurso has established itself as an essential platform for literary creativity within the Archipelago, fostering connections among writers and artists from different backgrounds.
A Community Effort
The event witnessed a substantial turnout, signifying the recognition and support for literature within the community. David de Vera, the mayor of Puerto del Rosario, expressed his gratitude to both the Cabildo and the Asociación for making this contest a reality. He encouraged attendees to engage with more events scheduled as part of the Fiestas en Honor a Fray Andresito.
Notable attendees included Juan Manuel Verdugo, the councilor of Culture in Puerto del Rosario, along with David Reyes, the president of Asociación de Vecinos San Pedro Alcántara, and Idaira Reyes, the project coordinator. The presence of these local leaders underscored the collective commitment to nurturing the artistic spirit in Fuerteventura.
Awards and Recognitions
The contest featured an impressive 200 submissions, showcasing high-quality and diverse literary works that span various themes and styles. In the Poesía category, the first prize went to Néstor Pérez Domínguez from Candelaria (Santa Cruz de Tenerife) for his poignant piece entitled Con el cajón abierto. Diana Sayago Armas from Puerto del Rosario received the second prize for her evocative work, Al ser nombrada, La Ampuyenta, while Ivan Shioppa also from Puerto del Rosario snagged the third place with Palmera solitaria.
The Microrrelato category also saw remarkable talent. The first prize was awarded to Marjorie Rodríguez España from Los Estancos for her gripping micro-story, Ceder al viento, pertenecer a la tierra. A well-deserved second prize went to Isabel María Lobato Jiménez from La Orotava (Tenerife) for her piece titled La verdad escondida, while Fernando Armas Pérez from San Cristóbal de La Laguna (Tenerife) secured third place for his micro-story, El traficante.
Two additional works received special recognition: Milagros Cabrera for her piece Mi infancia en mi pueblo, awarded the first accésit, and Lucía Rodríguez for her work Volver a casa, which received the second accésit.
Prizes and Further Recognition
The awards included monetary prizes and trophies for the top three works in each category, with the first place winners receiving €150, second place €100, and third place €75. Furthermore, selected texts from the competition will be compiled into a collective book, allowing more individuals to access and appreciate the written works of local talent.
In a nurturing environment like Fuerteventura, initiatives like the III Concurso y Certamen Literario ‘Doctor Mena’ provide essential avenues for literary voices to be heard, fostering a deeper appreciation for the arts within the community. As the event continues to evolve with each edition, it remains a testament to the vibrant creative spirit of the island.
