Piedad Bonnett Wins the XXIII Federico García Lorca International Poetry Prize in Spain

Colombian writer and poet Piedad Bonnett was awarded the XXIII Federico García Lorca International Poetry Prize, selected from among nominees representing 14 Spanish-speaking countries in Spain.

International Recognition and Literary Career

The verdict was announced by the Mayor of Granada and chair of the jury, Marifrán Carazo, alongside the representative of the Federico García Lorca Foundation, Jordi Doce Chambrerlan. The award recognizes the career of the poetic work of living authors whose contributions impact literature written in the Spanish language. Created in 2004, the prize carries a cash reward of 20,000 euros, the publication of a poetry anthology, and the hosting of literary conferences on the author’s work.

Born in Amalfi, Antioquia, in 1951, Bonnett’s literary career began in 1989 with the publication of her first book, De círculo y ceniza (Of Circle and Ash). She has since established herself as a poet, novelist, playwright, and literary critic, having previously won the 2024 Queen Sofía Prize for Ibero-American Poetry. Her nomination for the Granada prize had been submitted consistently since 2003.

A Poetic Voice Confronting Pain and Simplicity

The jury highlighted the Antioquian author’s ability to address sensitive and complex themes with simplicity and an emotional, vital, and intellectual perspective. Among the works noted was the anthology Lo terrible es el borde (The Terrible Thing Is the Edge), praised for its ability to portray fear and confront pain while giving a firm voice to a female character.

Upon receiving the news, the writer expressed her joy at obtaining a recognition linked to Granada and the figure of Federico García Lorca, joining a historic list of laureates that includes figures such as Ida Vitale, Raúl Zurita, Darío Jaramillo, and Jaime Siles.