Galo Galarza Dávila - Ecuadorian Literature

Galo Galarza Dávila (Guaranda, 1956) is a renowned Ecuadorian diplomat and accomplished writer, whose career spans several decades of influential work in international relations and literature. Educated at the prestigious Pontificia Universidad Católica and Universidad Central del Ecuador, he holds degrees in Law and International Sciences. Galarza Dávila’s diplomatic journey is marked by his tenure as the Ecuadorian Ambassador to Mexico from 2006 to 2012 and pivotal roles in Ecuador’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, including Subsecretary positions. As a writer, he has contributed significantly to Ecuadorian literature with works such as “En la misma caja” and “La Dama es una trampa.” These publications not only showcase his narrative prowess but also reflect his deep insights into social and political issues. His literary excellence has been recognized with various accolades. Galarza Dávila’s distinguished service earned him international honors, including Mexico’s Order of the Aztec Eagle, the highest award for foreigners. His career encapsulates a blend of diplomatic finesse and literary acumen, making him a prominent figure in Ecuador’s cultural and political landscape.

Early Life and Education

Galo Galarza Dávila, born in 1956 in Guaranda, Ecuador, grew up in an environment enriched by intellectual and political influences. His father, Dr. Galo Galarza Paz, was a prominent jurist and a member of the Ecuadorian Supreme Court. In 1968, Galo moved to Quito with his family, where he completed his primary education at Simón Bolívar School and secondary education at San Gabriel School. He pursued higher education at the Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador, earning a degree in Juridical Sciences, followed by a Doctorate in International Sciences from the Universidad Central del Ecuador.

Career

Galarza Dávila’s career in the Ecuadorian diplomatic service began in 1976, leading to a series of prestigious assignments abroad, including positions in Nicaragua, Cuba, the United States, Canada, France, and Australia. His most notable tenure was as the Ecuadorian Ambassador to Mexico from 2006 to 2012. He also held significant roles within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, serving as the Subsecretary of the Foreign Service and for Latin America and the Caribbean. His diplomatic endeavors encompassed various international negotiations and cultural exchanges, contributing significantly to Ecuador’s global presence.

Writing

Parallel to his diplomatic career, Galarza Dávila cultivated a passion for writing. His literary works, including “En la misma caja,” “La Dama es una trampa,” and “El turno de Anacle,” explore diverse themes ranging from migration to international politics. His style, often reflective and critical, has garnered attention and respect in Ecuadorian literary circles. His contributions to literature have been acknowledged through multiple publications and translations, enhancing the understanding of Ecuador’s socio-political landscape.

Personal Life

Galarza Dávila’s personal life reflects his commitment to family and education. He is married to Cecilia Suárez and is a father to two children, Sebastián and Lucía. His personal experiences, particularly his upbringing and family life, have influenced his writings and diplomatic perspectives.

Awards and Recognitions

Galo Galarza Dávila’s illustrious career in diplomacy and literature has been marked by a series of prestigious awards and recognitions, reflecting his significant contributions to the cultural and political spheres. These honors highlight his impact not only in Ecuador but also internationally. The list of his accolades includes:

Order of the Aztec Eagle (Orden del Águila Azteca): On December 11, 2014, Galarza Dávila received this highest distinction awarded by the Mexican government to foreign citizens. This honor recognized his contributions to fostering relations between Ecuador and Mexico.
Honorary Member of the National Academy of History of Ecuador (Miembro Honorario de la Academia Nacional de Historia del Ecuador): This recognition underscores his contributions to the historical scholarship in Ecuador and his efforts to preserve and promote the nation’s history.
Honorary Member of the Casa de la Cultura Ecuatoriana Benjamín Carrión, Bolívar Chapter (Miembro Honorario de la Casa de la Cultura Ecuatoriana Benjamín Carrión, Núcleo Bolívar): Galarza Dávila’s contributions to Ecuadorian culture and literature have been acknowledged by one of the most prestigious cultural institutions in the country.
Member of the Book Legion (Miembro de la Legión del Libro): Awarded by the Book Chamber of the Oriental Republic of Uruguay, this recognition celebrates his role in the diffusion of culture and literature in Uruguay.
Key to the Museum of Pre-Columbian and Indigenous Art in Montevideo (Llave del Museo de Arte Precolombino e Indígena de Montevideo): This accolade was given in recognition of his continuous efforts to promote cultural understanding and exchange in Uruguay.

These recognitions not only honor Galarza Dávila’s personal achievements but also signify his broader impact on cultural diplomacy and international relations. His efforts to bridge the gap between nations through literature and diplomatic service have left an indelible mark on the literary and diplomatic landscapes of Latin America.

Works

Books by Galo Galarza Dávila

“En la misma caja” (short stories). Populibros Collection, Editorial Universitaria, Quito, 1980.
“La Dama es una trampa” (testimonial short stories). Editorial Eskeletra, Quito, 1989.
“El turno de Anacle” (short stories). Editorial Eskeletra, Quito, 2002.
“Breviarios” (diaries, memoirs, books). Editorial Eskeletra, Quito, 2022.

As a Co-author or Contributor in Anthologies

“Libro de posta. La narrativa actual del Ecuador.” Selection and prologue by Miguel Donoso Pareja, Editorial El Conejo, Quito, 1983.
“Índice de la narrativa ecuatoriana.” Coordination and compilation by Gladys Jaramillo, Raúl Pérez, and Simón Zavala, Editorial Nacional, Quito, 1992.
“En busca del cuento perdido.” Editorial Eskeletra, Quito, 1996. Prologue by Abdón Ubidia.
“Panorama del relato bolivarense.” Casa de la Cultura Ecuatoriana Benjamín Carrión, Quito, 1999. Prologue and selection by Teresa León.
“Cuentos migratorios. 14 latinoamericanos en París.” Editorial Linajes, México D.F., 2000. Selection and prologue by Fernando Ainza.
“Siete latinoamericanos en París.” Editorial Popular-UNESCO, París, 2001.
“Frontiéres-Anthologie de nouvelles hispano-américaines.” Selection and prologue by Philippe Dessommes, Presses Universitaires, Lyon, France, 2003.
“Antología básica e historia del cuento ecuatoriano.” Selection and notes by Alicia Viteri, Editorial Casa de la Cultura Ecuatoriana Benjamín Carrión, Quito, 2003.
“Antología esencial de la narrativa ecuatoriana.” Selection and prologue by Jorge Enrique Adoum, Editorial Eskeletra, Quito, 2004.
“Puro cuento,” part of the National Campaign Eugenio Espejo for Books and Reading, Cuarto Creciente Collection, Quito, 2004.
“Ecuador en el mundo-1830-2006.” Imprenta Mariscal, Quito, 2006. Work included: “Eloy Alfaro y el liberalismo.”
“Te cuento Quito” (compiled and commented stories by Alicia Ortega). Editorial El Conejo, “Letters, Memory and Heritage” Collection, Quito, 2012.
“Rodó, más allá de toda muerte.” Organized by Yamandú Acosta and Hebert Benítez Pezzolano, Faculty of Humanities and Educational Sciences of the University of the Oriental Republic of Uruguay, Montevideo, 2017. Work included: “Rodó/Montalvo, paradigmas intelectuales del siglo XIX.”
“Muros colindantes/migrantes latinoamericanos más allá de la frontera norte.” Coordination by Carlos Bejar Pérez-Rubio, Center for Research on Latin America and the Caribbean, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Mexico, 2019. Work included: “Escenas neoyorkinas.”

In addition to these books, Galo Galarza Dávila has published numerous articles on foreign policy and literature in various magazines and newspapers in Ecuador and other Latin American countries.