Regarding the importance of the contest, Ruben Rodriguez, first winner of the Celestino Award in 1999, told Prensa Latina that it convenes, promotes, stimulates, validates and inserts young creators, regardless of their membership in the Hermanos Saiz Association (AHS), into Cuba’s literary scene.

Rodriguez, who also won the 2019 Alejo Carpentier Award, stressed that this space has grown regarding its conception and call for participants.

‘It has become a national event, established among other popular ones and a sought-after and coveted prize, as a guarantee for a career as a storyteller.’

For its part, Ediciones La Luz, as the sponsor and publishing house in charge of printing the winners’ work, has consolidated its position among other national pusblishing houses, thanks to its organizational capacity, hard work and commitment, which has contributed to the success, prestige and national relevance of this event.

The 2021 Celestino Short Story Award will be announced on Friday afternoon, and the organizing committee will also announce the call for the 23rd edition of the contest, which promotes the discovery of young Cuban literary talents.

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