The History of Mexican Poetry
Poetry in Mexico has a long history. Originally poems were passed down orally since it was easier than the written word. Today that tradition is still carried on to a degree. Back in the day, many priests would memorize poems and other literary works for their constituents and followers. Poetry in the country of Mexico basically started with Spanish missionaries that passed down poems through verbal presentation. Eventually, however, these were written down.
In Mexico there are several types of popular poetry. One of these is what is known as Lyric Poetry. This particular poetry talks about religion, philosophical ideas, and also about military battles and fights. Dramatic poetry, another form, is also very popular. This is poetry mixed with music and dance and is often used to lift up people’s spirits and energy. Then you have Epic Poetry, which is a form of poetry used to document the life of famous people; such as Pancho Villa, Zapata, Santa Ana, etc.
There have been many famous poets that were born in Mexico. One of these famous poets was Efrain Huerta. He was born on June 18, 1914. He attended the Escuela Preparatoria Nacional to become a great poet. He was very political and his ideas often showed up in his poems. The first poem he ever wrote was called “El Bajio” which was published in La Lucha, a local newspaper. In 1953 he wrote his first book Calle Absoluto Amor which translates to Absolute Love.
Manuel Maples Arce is another famous poet. He is also the founder of the Stridentism movement (an artistic, experimental movement). In 1921 he published his first book of poetry called Comprimido Estridentista. His other literary writings included Poemas interdictos, Mi vida por el mundo, and other works.
Octavio Paz made himself famous through his Mexican poetry. His grandfather had a library with a lot of classic Mexican literature. This influenced his writing later in life. In 1932 he published his first set of poems. One of these was entitled “Cabellera.” Then a couple of years later he published “Luna Silvestre” which translates into Silver Moon. He was only a teenager at the time of this publication.
Jaime Sabines was a contemporary poet born in 1926. He started his studies as a medical doctor and got three years into his education before deciding to switch his major to literature. In 1983 he was given the National Literature Award. Some of his poetry includes Horal, La Senal, and Maltiempo, which was published in 1972. He won an award called the Xavier Villaurrutia Award in 1973 for Maltiempo. He joined the Mexican Writers Centre in 1964 and was a member until 1965. Much of the press called him the greatest contemporary poet of his time. Jaime Sabines died on March 19, 1999. As you can see, Mexico has a long history of poetry that dates back to before the 16th century.
There are thousands of famous poets that have come from this great country. With its grand history, great culture, and talented people there will be many more. Due to the close borders with the United States and the migration of many Mexican citizens to the U.S., Mexico’s poets have been greatly influenced. The same applies to Mexican American poets residing in the United States as many are first generation, second generation and third generation and beyond. It is this great blend that has created much of the thoughtful and beautiful poetry we hear today coming from the Latin community.
