Juan Villoro receives Carlos Fuentes International Literary Prize

Mexican writer Juan Villoro has been awarded the 2026 Carlos Fuentes International Prize for Literary Creation in the Spanish Language. The ceremony took place at the Palacio de Bellas Artes in Mexico City, organized by the Mexican Secretariat of Culture and the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM).

During his acceptance speech, titled ‘El espejo de obsidiana’, Villoro discussed the enduring influence of Carlos Fuentes, noting that while it is impossible to imitate him, his voice invites new responses. Villoro also addressed social and political themes, stating that any government claiming to be progressive must provide the necessary conditions for criticism to flourish. He emphasized the need for increased investment in culture, science, education, and health to address social inequality, violence, and organized crime.