Canary Islands Names Domingo López Torres and Lola Suárez for 2027 Literary Honors
The Canary Islands government has named surrealist poet Domingo López Torres and children's author Lola Suárez as the honorees for the 2027 Day of Canarian Letters and Day of Canarian Women Writers, respectively.
The regional government has announced its selections for the 2027 literary anniversaries, marking a significant shift in how the Canary Islands honors its cultural history. Following a recent Governing Council meeting, the Ministry of Universities, Science, Innovation and Culture named poet Domingo López Torres as the focus for the Day of Canarian Letters and author Lola Suárez for the Day of Canarian Women Writers.
Domingo López Torres (1907–1937) was a key figure in the surrealist avant-garde movement and a contributor to the Gaceta de Arte. His life was tragically cut short during the Spanish Civil War due to his political beliefs. His work, particularly Lo imprevisto—written while he was imprisoned at Fyffes—serves as a powerful, raw account of the repression of that era. By honoring him in 2027, the government aims to bring his legacy out of obscurity and place him alongside other foundational figures of Canarian identity, such as Viera y Clavijo.
Lola Suárez (born in Arrecife, 1956) is being recognized for her significant contributions to children’s and young adult literature. While this genre is sometimes overlooked by academics, it is essential for fostering a love of reading. Through her teaching and books like Cleta y Domitila and Maresía, Suárez has successfully woven the unique heritage and character of the islands into stories for younger generations.
Minister Migdalia Machín stated that the selection process was overseen by a commission of experts to ensure historical accuracy and quality. The government plans to host events throughout the year rather than limiting the celebrations to single days, ensuring these authors have a lasting impact.
These annual celebrations—the Day of Canarian Letters in February and the Day of Women Writers in October—are now a staple of the regional calendar. Through these appointments, the government aims to use its cultural programming to educate the public and celebrate the voices that have defined the history and literature of the Archipelago.