Canary Islands Parliament to Honor Author Pepa Aurora

Pepa Aurora, a key figure in Canarian literature and oral tradition, will be honored this Wednesday, July 15, at the Parliament of the Canary Islands. The tribute ceremony begins at 5:00 p.m. in the Europa Hall, where the author will also present her latest book, Cuenteando con Pepa Aurora, published by the Center for Popular Canarian Culture (CCPC).

The event celebrates an educator who, since the 1970s, has championed the archipelago’s cultural identity in classrooms, even when local heritage was often overlooked in school curricula. With over fifty books to her name and a long career as a storyteller, Aurora has created a body of work that teaches new generations about the islands' unique flora, fauna, and language.

Her contributions have earned significant recognition, including her appointment as an honorary member of the Canarian Academy of the Language in 2019. By blending writing with oral storytelling, Aurora aims to connect local themes to universal values, a method she believes is vital for sparking curiosity and critical thinking in children.

In an age dominated by digital media and instant gratification, Aurora’s work serves as a form of cultural resistance. She emphasizes the importance of adapting how stories are told to keep young readers engaged, noting that children still respond to traditional narratives when they are shared with warmth and sincerity. Her collaborations with illustrators like Víctor Jaubert, Nareme Melián, and Clara B. further help make her stories accessible and engaging through visual art.

Beyond her writing, Aurora is a dedicated advocate for the spoken word. Her belief that storytelling helps shape personality and encourages tolerance has left a lasting impact on the islands. This parliamentary tribute not only honors her prolific career but also highlights the importance of literature that preserves collective memory and shapes how future generations understand the world.