Writers from Manabi - Ecuadorian Literature

Wadía Lauando Vélez

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.

Lady Párraga

Lady Párraga (Manabí), is an Ecuadorian poet and committed educator, acclaimed for her profound exploration of themes such as memory, loss, and the intricate dynamics of human emotion. Her significant contributions to literature are reflected in her compelling works, including “El vuelo de mi alma” (2005), “Flor de lis” (2012), “Cristales de esperanza” (2017), and her latest reflective collection, “Somos infinitos” (2023). Párraga’s insightful and evocative verses have secured her a prominent place in various national and international publications and anthologies, marking her as an influential and esteemed figure in Ecuador’s rich literary tradition.

María Belén Muñoz

María Belén Muñoz Menéndez (El Carmen, Ecuador) is an Ecuadorian poet, writer, cultural promoter, professor, and Agricultural Engineer with a Master’s degree in Environmental Development. She has held positions such as the Coordinator of the Culture Department at the Universidad Laica Eloy Alfaro de Manabí, Campus “El Carmen,” where she contributed her expertise as a university teacher. Her talents and accomplishments led to her participation as part of the delegation of Ecuadorian writers at the prestigious International Book Fair in Cuba in 2011. Furthermore, she was actively involved with the International Art Group “Plaza XXI,” serving as the National Coordinator for the Ecuador Chapter. María Belén also played a significant role as the president of the House of Culture in the canton of El Carmen.

Ingrid Bravo Ruiz

Ingrid Bravo Ruiz (Manabí) is an Ecuadorian poet and politician. Her debut poetry book, titled “El dolor de tu ausencia” (2014), is a remarkable testament to her poetic talent and introspective nature. Published when she was just 17 years old, this collection explores the depths of love, longing, and the profound impact of loss. Furthermore, Ingrid Bravo Ruiz holds the distinction of being the youngest poet featured in the poetry anthology titled “Antología poética de mujeres manabitas: voces de ternura al corazón del pueblo” (Poetic Anthology of Manabí Women: Voices of Tenderness to the Heart of the People), compiled by Vicenta Alarcón Castro in 2019.

Santos Miranda Rojas

Santos Miranda Rojas (Guayaquil, September 12, 1940) is an Ecuadorian novelist and short story writer. He has lived in the city of Manta in the province of Manabi for many years and mostly identifies as Mantanese or Manabite. He was president of the Manabi chapter of the House of Ecuadorian Culture, president of the Manabi chapter of the Latin American Union of Writers, first president of the cultural group Alfaro Camina, director of the Sunday supplement Séptimo Día of the newspaper El Mercurio of Manta. Among his many accolades are the following: First Prize of the Oswaldo Castro Intriago Biennial Novel Award, presented by the House of Ecuadorian Culture, Manabi; the Intercollegiate Read Book Competition, sponsored by the Municipality of Quito; In 2000, his short story “El Niño Pintor” won silver at an international competition hosted by the government of Argentina, the Buenos Aires Lions Club, the Organization of American States, and the Spanish Embassy. Among his best known works is the novel, “La Casa del Nené” (2009) and the narrative book “Criollismo Mágico” (2014).

Joselías Sánchez Ramos

Joselías Sánchez Ramos (Tarqui) is a distinguished Ecuadorian historian, writer, essayist, journalist, and esteemed university professor, renowned for his expertise in the local history of Manabi. As a respected member of the House of Ecuadorian Culture in Manabi, he contributes significantly to the preservation and promotion of cultural heritage. Sharing his vast knowledge, he teaches at the prestigious Universidad Laica Eloy Alfaro of Manabi. Notably, among his remarkable body of work stands the acclaimed publication titled “Manta, 1.500 años de vida histórica y la racionalidad de la identidad manabita,” [Manta, 1,500 Years of Historic Life and the Rationality of the Manabite Identity] a profound exploration of the historical tapestry and the profound essence of the Manabite identity.

Family.

With his wife Cecilia he has 4 children and 9 grandchildren.

Works

Manta, 1.500 años de vida histórica y la racionalidad de la identidad manabita

Lesther Macías Vera

Lesther Macías Vera de Carofilis (Portoviejo, August 12, 1951) is an Ecuadorian poet. She is currently the director of the academic literature section of the House of Ecuadorian Culture in Manabi. She is the recipient of various teaching awards (1979, 1981, 1990, 1995). For her active participation in the Ecuadorian Literature seminar in 1983, the Ministry of Education and Culture awarded her a Diploma of Honor. She won second place in a prestigious poetry contest in Quito in 1990, with her poems “Un Árbol que murió de tristeza” and “Fábricas de Asfalto”. She is a member of “The Cove/Rincón International”of Miami, FL, a cultural group for poetry and other arts.