20th Century Writers - Ecuadorian Literature

Zoila María Castro

Zoila María Castro (1907-2001) was a prominent Ecuadorian writer who, alongside Mary Corylé, Eugenia Viteri, and Carmen Acevedo Vega, stands as one of the most significant female figures in Ecuadorian literature from 1948 to 1960. Her most important work, titled “Urbe,” is a book of short stories that offers a social realist perspective on Ecuadorian immigrants in the U.S. Among her notable works are “En el norte está el dorado” and “Verónica, historia de amor.”

Pedro Florentino Valdez

Pedro Florentino Valdez Alcivar, originally from Rocafuerte, stood as a testament to raw poetic talent. Despite not being able to read or write, he had an extraordinary ability to share profound thoughts through the oral tradition. In his younger years, he settled in Chone, where the environment deeply influenced his oral verses. Milton Erazo Vera compiled and introduced Valdez’s spoken poetry to a broader audience through “El poeta de la Montaña” in 1957. Horacio Hidrovo further honored Valdez by depicting him as deeply connected to nature’s essence. By the 1990s, “Amorfinos costeños” compiled various forms of Valdez’s oral poetry, from décimas to quartets. His work, abundant with themes like love, hardships, natural beauty, and cultural celebrations, reflected his desire to connect with the written word. Valdez’s legacy remains a powerful reminder of the beauty of oral traditions and our deep bond with nature.

Fernando Macías Pinargote

Fernando Macías Pinargote (Portoviejo) is an Ecuadorian author, poet, and academic known for his contributions to the cultural and literary landscapes of his home province of Manabi. His illustrious career spans roles as a cultural promoter, a newspaper editorialist, a professor, and a director of various cultural institutions. Macías Pinargote’s literary repertoire is equally impressive, featuring diverse works from poetry collections like “El bus de las 5” (1976), “Teoría del juego” (2007), and “El signo” (2011) to journalistic chronicles like “La Primera pantalla” (2003) and his latest work in 2023, “El fútbol junto al río,” a historical account of establishing Portoviejo’s first soccer stadium. His unique narrative style and commitment to the cultural enrichment of his country distinguish Macías Pinargote as a significant figure in Ecuadorian literature, journalism, and academia.

Alfredo Baquerizo Moreno

Alfredo Baquerizo Moreno (Guayaquil, September 28, 1859 – New York City, March 20, 1951) was a prominent Ecuadorian politician, author, and intellectual figure of the early 20th century. Baquerizo Moreno excelled in various fields throughout his life. He displayed his artistic talents through his poetry, influenced by Spanish author Gustavo Adolfo Bécquer, and his novels, which showcased his imaginative storytelling. Baquerizo Moreno’s career in politics was equally impressive, serving as the President of Ecuador from 1916 to 1920. During his presidency, he implemented progressive reforms and prioritized social justice, advocating for the abolition of debt imprisonment and improving labor conditions. Baquerizo Moreno’s lasting contributions to literature and his dedication to public service have secured his place in Ecuadorian history as a multifaceted and influential figure.

Carlos Carbo Viteri

Carlos Carbo Viteri (April 13, 1865 – August 13, 1922) was a distinguished Ecuadorian poet, translator, congressman, and diplomat, renowned for his substantial contributions to his country’s literature and politics. Influenced by classical Greek and Latin literature, his romantic poetry captured the nuances of everyday life, earning him recognition and acclaim. His poignant poem “A Guayaquil,” composed for the centennial birth anniversary of Vicente Rocafuerte, notably secured him the second prize in a 1883 poetry contest. He also translated foreign works, such as Alphonse de Lamartine’s “El Poeta Moribundo,” into Spanish, making them accessible to a wider audience. In his political career, Carbo Viteri served actively as a congressman while passionately advocating for conservative principles. His service extended to several important positions including the Secretary of the Guayas Governorate and the Municipal Syndic of Guayaquil. Additionally, he represented Ecuador internationally as its Chargé d’Affaires in Chile. His impactful work in both the literary and political spheres has left an enduring imprint on Ecuador’s cultural and political history.

Lauro Dávila Echeverría

Lauro Dávila Echeverría (Pasaje, El Oro, August 18, 1885 – Guayaquil, December 23, 1968) was an Ecuadorian writer, poet, songwriter, and teacher. He wrote the music and lyrics for 23 songs, including the beloved “Guayaquil de mis amores,” an anthem that encapsulates the pride and love for the city of Guayaquil. His significant contribution to music was acknowledged when he became a founding member and the first secretary general of the National Union of Musicians. Dávila’s legacy also extends to literature, having penned several poem collections and comedies. Throughout his life, he was recognized with various awards for his contributions to music and literature. He passed away at the age of 83 in Guayaquil, the city that inspired his most famous song.

Carlos Calderón Chico

Carlos Calderón Chico (Guayaquil, June 14, 1953 – January 4, 2013) was an influential Ecuadorian historian, writer, journalist, cultural manager, and bibliophile. He pursued a degree in Literature and Spanish from the University of Guayaquil. He emerged as an acclaimed educator, teaching History and Ecuadorian Literature in various Guayaquil schools. Calderón Chico’s contributions extended beyond academia, as he became a crucial figure in Ecuador’s cultural and literary scene. He participated in the management of cultural supplements and magazines, facilitated cultural debates, and engaged with prominent writers, painters, and politicians. As a testament to his dedication, he received the First Class Cultural Merit Decoration from the National Government and was declared Journalist of the Year by the Guayaquil Association of Journalists. His career also spanned overseeing the Ecuadorian Society of Writers, coordinating for Revista Diners, and conducting important research for the Historical Archive of Guayas. Calderón Chico’s writing portfolio boasts numerous publications, interviews, and critical analyses, which have played an integral role in shaping Ecuadorian literature and cultural history.

Raquel Rodas Morales

Raquel Rodas Morales (Paute, Azuay, June 1940-Quito, November 1, 2018) was an Ecuadorian writer, historian, and feminist. She dedicated her life to teaching, studying philosophy, and conducting research from a feminist perspective on the contributions of influential women in the history of Ecuador, such as Tránsito Amaguaña, Dolores Cacuango, and María Luisa Gómez de la Torre. Raquel Rodas authored numerous books dedicated to women’s history and the feminist movement. Her extensive research and writings have significantly contributed to the understanding of women’s experiences, the impact of patriarchy, and the struggles faced by women throughout history. The Metropolitan Council of Quito awarded her the Mention of Honor for Relevant Services to the City.

Jorge Coronel Pincay

Jorge Coronel Pincay (Guayaquil, April 23, 1920 – February 19, 1992) was an Ecuadorian lawyer, university professor, and noted poet renowned for his ability to convey profound emotions through short and impactful verses. He was honored with the title of “Romancero Guayaquileño” by the Municipality of Guayaquil. His notable published works include “Junquillo” (1935), “Romances a sol y lágrimas” (1940), “Dos Recitales” (1952), “Promesa de don Francisco” (1972), “Más allá de las palabras” (1977), and “Artefactos” (1979). His poems evoke intense feelings, showcasing his ability to capture complex emotions with brevity and evocativeness. The law firm he founded in 1952, today named Pincay Morla & Cia, is one of the oldest in Guayaquil and is still run by his descendants.

León Hi-Fong

León Hi-Fong (February 20, 1941 – Unknown) was an Ecuadorian writer and poet born in Guayaquil. In 1967, he co-founded a cultural group called CIMA along with linguist Carlos Rojas González, painters Juan Villafuerte and José Carreño, and narrators Alvarado, Salas, and Agustín Vulgarín. This group hosted a weekly hour-long radio program featuring Eduardo Salas Rodas and Hipólito Alvarado. León Hi-Fong also established the Buhardilla theatre group and co-founded the magazine “El pez que fuma” (The Smoking Fish) with poet Agustín Vulgarín. In 1975, he published a book of poems titled “El funeral de los pájaros” (The Funeral of the Birds) through the Casa de la Cultura Ecuatoriana. During the same year, he was reported to be living in the United States. Later, in 1996, the Casa de la Cultura Ecuatoriana published his poetry collection “Vuelo del pez que fuma: poemas.”

Eulalia Barrera B.

Eulalia Barrera B., born Eulalia Beatriz Barrera Barrera (Quito, 1918 – Unknown) was an Ecuadorian writer and journalist who, along with her sister Inés, made a significant contribution to Ecuadorian literature. The Barrera sisters not only penned numerous “tradiciones” and short stories but also compiled important anthologies showcasing the works of other Ecuadorian writers. Notable among these are “Tradiciones y leyendas del Ecuador” (El Comercio, 1947) and “Los mejores cuentos ecuatorianos” (El Comercio, 1948). Eulalia Barrera’s distinctive approach to the “tradiciones” genre, integrating a gender analysis, set her work apart. Her stories, particularly “Flor de amor” and “La Capilla del Consuelo,” scrutinize the subordinate roles of women in society, shedding light on themes of oppression, loyalty, and solitude. Many of her works remain uncollected.

Francisco Delgado

Francisco Delgado Santos (Cuenca, June 9, 1950) is an Ecuadorian writer, poet, and editor. Delgado Santos has made a significant contribution to Ecuadorian literature for children and young people with his extensive collection of over 50 published titles. With a deep passion for reading and writing, Delgado Santos believes in the transformative power of books, especially in shaping the imaginations and intellectual development of young readers. His works span across various genres and have garnered recognition and prestigious awards. Beyond his literary achievements, Delgado Santos has played a pivotal role in establishing the National Library System of Ecuador, expanding access to books and fostering a culture of reading throughout the country.

Fernando Naranjo Espinoza

Fernando Naranjo Espinoza (Guayaquil, 1954) is an Ecuadorian writer, architect, watercolorist, and illustrator. He has made significant contributions to the realm of science fiction, a genre relatively unexplored in Ecuadorian literature. With his boundless imagination and captivating storytelling abilities, Naranjo Espinoza takes readers on extraordinary journeys through time, space, and alternate realities. In recognition of his talent, he received an Honorable Mention in the prestigious National Contest “José de la Cuadra” in 1979. Among his notable works is “La era del asombro” (1994), which garnered acclaim and recognition in the National Contest “Ismael Pérez Pazmiño.” Another noteworthy publication is “Cuídate de los coriolis de agosto” (2006). While primarily known for his science fiction stories, Naranjo Espinoza also ventured into the realm of the social novel with his book “Guasmo sur” (2013), which earned him the Second National Novel Prize in 2010. His most recent work, “Los custodios de la piedra” (2018), is a captivating collection of science fiction stories that delve into themes of time travel, memory, and the manipulation of reality. Since August 2017, Fernando Naranjo Espinoza has been serving as the Director of the Guayas Branch of the House of Ecuadorian Culture.

Honorato Vázquez Ochoa

Honorato Vázquez Ochoa (Cuenca, October 21, 1855 – January 26, 1933) was an Ecuadorian diplomat, lawyer, educator, painter, grammarian, writer, and poet considered one of the most prominent figures of Cuencan lyricism in the 19th century. Vázquez’s literary works spanned different genres, including poetry, essays, and historical accounts. Notable among his works is the poetry book “Los sábados de mayo,” co-written with Miguel Moreno, which exemplified the tendencies of national romanticism in Ecuador. Vázquez’s poems, such as “Morenica del Rosario,” demonstrated his sentimentality and mastery of language, including the use of archaic Spanish. Furthermore, his contributions to the field of linguistics were notable, with regular essays on the Spanish language, Quechua, neologisms, and other language-related topics. In 1886, at the age of 31, he delivered his induction speech to the Ecuadorian Academy of Language, making him one of the youngest members to ever join.