Cintio Vitier facts for kids

Cintio Vitier (born September 25, 1921 – died October 1, 2009) was an important Cuban writer. He was known for his poetry, essays, and novels. An award jury once called him "one of the most important writers of his generation." This was when they chose him for the Juan Rulfo Prize.

Early Life and Education

Cintio Vitier was born in Key West, Florida, USA, on September 25, 1921. His parents were Medardo and María Cristina Bolaños Vitier. Even though he was born in the U.S., he had Cuban citizenship.

Vitier went to a school in Matanzas, Cuba, that his father had started. He later said that the school's library helped him find his love for writing. When he was fifteen, Vitier and his family moved to Havana. There, he attended a private school called La Luz. After that, he went to a public high school. In 1947, he finished his studies at the University of Havana and became a lawyer.

First Steps in Writing

Vitier started a magazine called Luz. This magazine gave him a way to share his own writings. When he was just 17, he published his first book of poems, called Poemas. A famous poet named Juan Ramón Jiménez, who was living in exile at the time, wrote the introduction for Vitier's book. He also helped choose which poems to include.

Writing Career and Style

Cintio Vitier began his career writing a type of poetry called hermetic poetry. This style often uses symbols and hidden meanings. His poems also explored ideas like what poetry is, how memory works, and the role of language in creating art.

After Fidel Castro's revolution in Cuba, critics said that Vitier's writing truly captured the spirit of the changes happening. He did this without writing simple messages that were just for show.

Key Works and Contributions

Vitier helped to start an important Cuban poetry magazine called Orígenes. He wrote many books of poetry, including:

• Extrañeza de estar (meaning "The wonder of being", published in 1944)
• Vísperas (meaning "Vespers", published in 1953)
• Canto llano (meaning "Plain song", published in 1956)
• Testimonios (1968), which was a collection of his works from 1953 to 1968
• La fecha al pie (1981), which included his works from 1969 to 1975
• Antología poética (1981), another collection of his poems
• Poemas de mayo a junio (1990)

He also wrote important books about Cuban poetry. These include Cincuenta años de poesía cubana, 1902–1952 ("Fifty years of Cuban poetry, 1902–1952"). Another famous work was Lo cubano en la poesía ("The Cuban element in poetry", 1958). Vitier also wrote a novel called Peña Pobre.

Awards and Recognition

Cintio Vitier received many important awards for his writing. These include:

• The National Prize for Literature in 1988
• The Order of José Marti, which is a high honor given by the Cuban Council of State
• The Juan Rulfo Prize in 2002
• A medal from the Cuban Academy of Sciences

He was also given the title of Official of Arts and Letters by France. This shows his importance in the world of art and literature.

Family and Later Life

Cintio Vitier had two sons who became well-known musicians. His son Sergio Vitier became one of the most important composers in Latin America. His other son, Jose Maria Vitier, is also a famous composer.

To celebrate his last birthday, a special display of his books and writings was opened. This exhibition was held at the Cuban National Library.

Vitier passed away on October 1, 2009, in Havana, at the age of 88. Just a week before, he had appeared in public with his wife, who was also a poet, Fina García Marruz. News of his death was first shared by local television stations. Important Cuban leaders, Fidel and Raul Castro, sent flowers to honor Vitier.

Works in English

In June 2013, a book called José Martí, Cuban Apostle: A Dialogue was published in London. In this book, Cintio Vitier and Japanese writer Daisaku Ikeda talk about the life and influence of José Martí. Martí (1853–1895) was a Cuban hero who fought for Cuba's independence. Vitier and Ikeda also discussed what it means to make sacrifices for a great cause.

Vitier and Ikeda met in Havana and in Tokyo, Japan. Their conversations were first published in parts in a Japanese magazine called Ushio. This happened between June 1999 and April 2000. The Japanese version of their discussions was put together as a book in August 2001. The Spanish version, Diálogo sobre José Martí, el Apóstol de Cuba, came out in Cuba in October 2001. It was also published in the Dominican Republic in May 2002.

See also

In Spanish: Cintio Vitier para niños