The Cervantes Prize ceremony is an annual highlight in the literary calendar, taking place every year on April 23, coinciding with Book Day, which commemorates the death of the famed author Miguel de Cervantes. This year, the prestigious award will be presented to Álvaro Pombo, an 85-year-old writer from Santander, who has made significant contributions to Spanish literature over more than five decades.
However, Pombo's attendance at the ceremony in Alcalá de Henares remains uncertain due to his frail health. On April 22, just a day before the event, he expressed that he was "feeling somewhat better" but acknowledged his fragility, stating, "I feel well, but I am very fragile." Despite these concerns, he has committed to attending the ceremony, although he will not read his acceptance speech himself.
Instead, his assistant, Mario Crespo, a specialist in Pombo’s work, will deliver the speech on his behalf. Crespo has confirmed that the speech, titled "Cervantes, a Theory of Fragility," will explore the notion of fragility in Cervantes’ works. Pombo had chosen a morning coat and a black tie for the occasion, reflecting the mourning period for Pope Francis, who recently passed away.
The ceremony is expected to be more subdued than in previous years, with the traditional military celebration and festive performances canceled due to the official three-day mourning period. This adds a somber tone to the event, which will be presided over by King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia, alongside the Minister of Culture, Ernest Urtasun.
In past years, the ceremony has seen similar delegations due to health issues. For instance, in 2021, the winner Cristina Peri Rossi sent actress Cecilia Roth to read her speech when she was unable to attend. Pombo's situation mirrors this trend, as he also missed the traditional lunch with the King and Queen, which was held at the Royal Palace the day before the ceremony.
The Cervantes Prize is one of the most prestigious literary awards in the Spanish language, endowed with 125,000 euros. It recognizes authors whose works have made significant contributions to the Hispanic literary heritage. The jury praised Pombo for his "extraordinary creative personality, singular lyricism, and original narration," emphasizing his ability to create a "literary world of his own that moves and condoles." This recognition marks a significant milestone in Pombo's literary journey, which includes numerous accolades.
Pombo’s literary career began with his debut poetry collection, Protocolos, in 1973. Over the years, he has authored several notable novels, including El héroe de las mansardas de Mansard, which won the Herralde Prize in 1983, and La fortuna de Matilda Turpin, which earned him the Planeta Prize in 2006. His most recent novel, El exclaustrado, explores themes of revenge and narcissism, showcasing his continued relevance in contemporary literature.
In addition to his literary achievements, Pombo has had a brief political career, having been linked to the Unión Progreso y Democracia party, where he ran for a Senate seat in the 2011 elections. His works often reflect a deep philosophical inquiry into identity, sexuality, and human connections, contributing significantly to the renewal of contemporary narrative.
After the award ceremony, Pombo is scheduled to inaugurate the continuous reading of Don Quijote at the Círculo de Bellas Artes in Madrid, which will commence at 6:00 PM. This annual event is a celebration of Cervantes' legacy and is a central part of the Book Day festivities in Spain.
The Cervantes Prize, established in 1976, has honored around 50 authors, including literary giants such as Jorge Luis Borges, Octavio Paz, and Mario Vargas Llosa. This year’s ceremony not only celebrates Pombo’s achievements but also serves as a poignant reminder of the literary contributions of those who have passed, including the recently deceased Vargas Llosa, who won the Cervantes Prize in 1994.
Pombo's reflections on Cervantes reveal a deep admiration for the author, whom he describes as a "deep and serious" writer who produced "comic stories." He humorously notes that Cervantes, despite his talent, never received a significant award during his lifetime, stating, "The funny thing is that Cervantes did not win any prize. He was plagiarized, imprisoned, and yet he had talent and grace." This perspective showcases Pombo's characteristic blend of humor and depth, which resonates throughout his own literary work.
As the literary community gathers to honor Pombo and the legacy of Cervantes, the event promises to be both a celebration of literary excellence and a moment of reflection on the fragility of life and art. Whether or not Pombo ultimately attends, his influence on Spanish literature will undoubtedly be felt during this significant occasion.
