Wadía Antón Lauando Vélez (Portoviejo, 1940) is an Ecuadorian poet and novelist renowned for his works that explore rural life, nature, and mythology, with a focus on the cultural heritage of Ecuador’s coastal Montubio region. His notable publications, such as Corazón de colibrí (2006) and Laberinto de los sueños (2011), showcase his lyrical style and deep connection to the Manabí region. In 1994, he founded the Provincial Poetry Contest “El Poeta y Su Voz” while serving as President of the Casa de la Cultura in Manabí and later served as Director of its Literature Section, actively promoting Ecuadorian literature.
Literary Career
Wadía Antón Lauando Vélez, born in 1940, is an Ecuadorian poet and novelist known for his contributions to contemporary Ecuadorian literature, particularly in the coastal region of Manabí. His works often reflect themes related to the rural lifestyle and the cultural richness of Ecuador’s Montubio (coastal) heritage.
Lauando Vélez has written several notable works, including “Corazón de colibrí” (2006), a semi-autobiographical novel, and “Laberinto de los sueños” (2011), which draws on mythological references to explore human emotion and fantasy. His earlier poetry collections, such as “Ternuras de la soledad” (2000), “Al final del viento” (2003), and “El vuelo y los sueños” (1990), focus on themes of isolation, love, and nature. Many of these works were published by the Casa de la Cultura Ecuatoriana Núcleo de Manabí, reflecting his deep ties to the region.
In addition to his literary contributions, Lauando Vélez was listed among the poets participating in cultural events, such as the April 16, 2024, memorial in Portoviejo, held to commemorate the eighth anniversary of the 2016 earthquake that devastated Manabí. His inclusion in the “Antología de la literatura Montubia” highlights his importance in contributing to and being recognized as part of the cultural heritage of Ecuador’s coastal region.
Lauando Vélez remains a prominent figure in Ecuadorian literary circles, known for blending personal reflection with broader social and cultural themes. In 1994, while serving as President of the Casa de la Cultura in Manabí, he founded the Provincial Poetry Contest “El Poeta y Su Voz” to promote literary production in the province. After his presidency, he continued to coordinate the contest and took on the role of Director of the Literature Section at the Casa de la Cultura in Manabí, where he remained active in promoting literary initiatives.
Videos
Damia presents Wadía Lauando, Director of Literature at CCE
Video Interview with Wadía Lauando
Selected Works
- El vuelo y los sueños (Casa de la Cultura Ecuatoriana – Núcleo de Manabí, 1990)
- Ternuras de la soledad (Casa de la Cultura Ecuatoriana – Núcleo de Manabí, 2000)
- Al final del viento (Casa de la Cultura Ecuatoriana – Núcleo de Manabí, 2003)
- Corazón de colibrí (CCE Manabí, 2006)
- Laberinto de los sueños (Casa de la Cultura Ecuatoriana – Núcleo de Manabí, 2011)
References
- ManabiNoticias, “ATENCIÓN | Este 16 de abril en Portoviejo se hará un Memorial por los 8 años del terremoto.” Retrieved on October 15, 2024. Click to view
- Goodreads, “Corazón de Colibrí by Wadía Antón Lauando Vélez.” Retrieved on October 15, 2024. Click to view
- Universidad Técnica de Manabí, “Lauando Vélez, Wadía: Corazón de colibrí and Laberinto de los sueños.” Retrieved on October 15, 2024. Click to view
- Expreso, “Lanzan una segunda edición, revisada y aumentada de una antología ‘montubia’.” Retrieved on October 15, 2024. Click to view
- Universidad de las Artes Ecuador, “Laberinto de los sueños: Wadía Lauando Vélez.” Retrieved on October 15, 2024. Click to view
- Koha Library Catalog, “Lauando, Wadía: Books list.” Retrieved on October 15, 2024. Click to view
- Escritores.org, “Concurso Provincial de Poesía El Poeta y Su Voz 2015 (Ecuador).” Retrieved on October 15, 2024. Click to view.
- El Diario, “Y sonará la voz del poeta.” Retrieved on October 15, 2024. Click to view.
- La Hora, “El poeta y su voz tiene ganadores.” Retrieved on October 15, 2024. Click to view.
- Yumpu, “Políticas culturales – Dr. Dumar Iglesias Mata – Casa de la Cultura.” Retrieved on October 15, 2024. Click to view.