Carlos Alejandro Ardila Ardila (Portoviejo, Ecuador, August 23, 1951), often referred to simply as Carlos Ardila, is an Ecuadorian poet and cultural promoter, widely known as “El Poeta del Pueblo” for his accessible and community-focused poetry. Ardila began writing in his teens, and his career now spans over five decades, with numerous published works, including Poesía Eterna (2002), Hablemos de Amor (2011), and A Mi Manera (2017), the latter archived in the prestigious Archivo de Indias in Seville, Spain. His poetry reflects themes of romance and social awareness, capturing the lives and struggles of his community in Manabí.
Early Life
Carlos Alejandro Ardila Ardila, known locally as “El Poeta del Pueblo” (“The People’s Poet”), was born on August 23, 1951, in Portoviejo, Manabí, Ecuador. He began writing poetry in his teens, with one of his early poems, Llueve, Llueve, written when he was 18. This poem marked his entry into the local poetry scene, capturing themes relevant to Portoviejo’s rainy season and endearing him to his community.
Literary Career
Ardila has authored multiple poetry collections, including Poesía Eterna (2002), Hablemos de Amor (2011), and A Mi Manera (2017). His poetry often reflects themes of love, social issues, and his observations of life in Manabí. In 2017, A Mi Manera was added to the Archivo de Indias in Seville, Spain, a repository for significant works related to Latin American culture and history. Ardila’s books are primarily self-distributed, sold directly to readers and through the Casa de la Cultura in Manabí.
In 2023, Ardila participated in the Primer Festival de Poesía Manabita, held at the Biblioteca Municipal de Portoviejo. His work within Manabí’s literary circles includes membership in the Asociación de Artistas Manabitas (ADAM) and involvement with the Grupo Cultural “Vicente Amador Flor.”
Civic Engagement and Roles
Over his career, Ardila has held various local roles, including secretary positions within Manabí’s Provincial Directorate of Education, the Program of Adult Education and Literacy, and the Liga Deportiva Universitaria of Portoviejo. He has also taught at the Colegio Particular “17 de Mayo” in Portoviejo and the Academia “Athala Avellán Martínez.”
Recognitions and Honors
Carlos Alejandro Ardila Ardila’s lifelong dedication to poetry and public service in Manabí has earned him numerous honors, reflecting his influence in both the cultural and educational sectors of his community. One of his notable accolades is the Mención de Honor at the Festival Internacional de Poesía “La Flor de Septiembre”, where his poetry was recognized for its strong connection to the cultural identity of Manabí. Ardila’s work in adult education also brought him recognition; he received the Mención al Mérito Educativo from the Centro de Educación de Adultos “24 de Julio” in Chone for his contributions to local literacy and adult education programs. In acknowledgment of his literary achievements, the Municipality of Portoviejo awarded him the Condecoración al Mérito Literario, celebrating his works such as Poesía Eterna (2002) and A Mi Manera (2017), which capture the essence of life in Manabí and explore themes of romance, social awareness, and local culture.
Ardila is also widely known as “El Poeta del Pueblo” (“The People’s Poet”), a title reflecting the community’s admiration for his accessible and relatable style, which speaks to the experiences of everyday life in Portoviejo and Manabí. His works are cherished for their sincerity and his commitment to addressing both personal and social themes, securing him an enduring place in Ecuadorian poetry.
Videos
Selected Works
- Poesía Eterna – 2002
- Hablemos de Amor – 2011
- La Poesía es mi Vida – 2010
- A Mi Manera – 2017
- Me Gustas – 2022
- Enamorado – First edition 2007, with a second edition
- Ayer y Hoy de mis versos – 2004
- Dolor Eterno
- La Nueva Poesía Manabita
- Poetas Manabitas cantan a la Patria
- Enamorada – Two editions
References
- San Gregorio University Library Catalog. Poemario: A mi manera by Carlos Alejandro Ardila Ardila. Published by Gráficas Ramírez, Portoviejo, 2017. Retrieved on October 28, 2024. Click to view.
- El Diario. El Poeta del Pueblo llega a los 53 años de labor y celebra. May 18, 2022. Retrieved on October 28, 2024. Click to view.
- El Diario. El poeta Carlos Ardila lanzará su libro número 18. December 13, 2022. Retrieved on October 28, 2024. Click to view.
- El Diario. Carlos Ardila celebra cuatro décadas de poesía con su libro. April 8, 2010. Retrieved on October 28, 2024. Click to view.
- La Hora. Manabita publicará poemario. May 11, 2004. Retrieved on October 28, 2024. Click to view.
- ManabiNoticias. Carlos Ardila el portovejense que celebrará 50 años escribiendo poemas. July 20, 2018. Retrieved on October 28, 2024. Click to view.