This gathering of poets of different nationalities takes place within the framework of the 44th Caribbean Festival and Festival of Fire. It is considered the most important gathering of poets in terms of Caribbean poetry. This year, the honored poet was Nelson Simon, a prominent figure in the Cuban literary scene whose work has shaped generations and continues to be at the center of conversation.
The first event I attended was at the Soler Puig bookstore, where most of the city's most prestigious literary events take place and which has become, in a way, the focal point of Santiago literature. For that first meeting, I decided to read the texts that best represented the literary period I'm in, a mix of urban themes, social criticism, and satire through poetic imagery. Fortunately, or by merit (sometimes I don't know), most of the attendees, mostly writers themselves, liked my style—experimental, needless to say.
The second meeting was at the house where I was born as a poet and where one of the greatest poets in Cuban history, José María Heredia, was also born. The second reading of the Caribbean poets' meeting took place in his birthplace, with the poet and poets from Mexico and Uruguay as guests. I also had a reading this time with more confidence and with texts no one had heard before.
The space was decorated with works evoking Afro-Cuban culture and its significance, a theme that has long defined poetry on the island. This time, I read alongside great friends of all ages and styles, resulting in a unique and enjoyable experience for both me and the audience.
The event concluded with a great discussion by Nelson Simón, of course, not before we met at the provincial branch of the Cuban Writers and Artists Association. The event culminated in the Botalin Gallery, where attendees, in addition to hearing the life stories of the honoree, enjoyed an unforgettable afternoon amid laughter and applause. Thus, extending the invitation to next year, where, as always, poetry would be the centerpiece of this grand celebration that only exists in the Caribbean.
