Today in Latin American History
Guatemalan Writer Miguel Ángel Asturias Who Won the Nobel Prize was Born in 1899
Photo: Miguel Ángel Asturias
Today in Latin American history, Guatemalan writer Miguel Ángel Asturias who won the Nobel Prize was born in 1899.
Asturias helped establish Latin American literature’s contribution to mainstream Western culture, and at the same time drew attention to the importance of indigenous cultures, especially those of his native Guatemala.
One of Asturias’ most famous novels, El Señor Presidente, describes life under a ruthless dictator. Asturias’ very public opposition to dictatorial rule led to him spending much of his later life in exile, both in South America and in Europe.
In 1967 he was awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature, only the second Latin American to receive this honor.
Other events that occurred on this day:
- Today in LatAm history, Brazilian poet & songwriter Vinicius de Moraes whose nickname is “O Poetinha” was born in 1913
- Today in LatAm history, Argentine naval officer Emilio Eduardo Massera who was key in the 1976 coup was born in 1925
- Today in LatAm history, former President of Mexico Plutarco Elías Calles who was in office 1924-28 died in 1945
- Today in LatAm history, Bolivian footballer Erwin Sánchez who played & managed the National team was born in 1969
- Today in LatAm history, former President of Mexico Lázaro Cárdenas who was in office 1934-40 died in 1970
- Today in LatAm history, Dominican baseball player José Bautista who plays for the Toronto Blue Jays was born in 1980