Where Stars and Stories Collide in La Palma
In a unique fusion of art and science, the Hispanic American Festival of Writers (FHE) joined forces with the Instituto de Astrofísica de Canarias (IAC) for a special event. This past Thursday, a group of invited authors embarked on a guided tour of the Roque de los Muchachos Observatory on the island of La Palma. There, they experienced a close-up view of the Gran Telescopio Canarias (GRANTECAN), the largest optical-infrared telescope in the world.
A Dialogue Between Cosmos and Creativity
Following the visit, a panel discussion took place featuring poet Acerina Cruz, novelists Javier Hernández Velázquez and Irene Gracia, and writer and essayist Miguel Ángel Hernández. They were joined by Dr. Juan Carlos Pérez Arencibia, a Doctor of Physical Sciences and former administrator of the observatory, who moderated the conversation. The authors’ profound experience at the observatory became the central theme of the talk, held in the Plaza de España in Los Llanos de Aridane.
The writers reflected on the deep connection between literature and astronomy, contemplating how both disciplines share a fundamental capacity to generate awe, provoke essential questions, and craft narratives about humanity’s place in the vast universe.
Celebrating a Singular Literary Festival
The fourth day of the festival concluded with an event focused on publishing, featuring editor and poet Elsa López (Ediciones La Palma), editor and critic Valerie Miles (Granta en Español), and editor Joan Tarrida (Galaxia Gutenberg). Through activities like these, the FHE reaffirms its unique character as a literary festival that fosters a dialogue transcending genres and seamlessly connecting artistic creation with scientific research.
The seventh edition of the Hispanic American Festival of Writers is promoted by the Los Llanos de Aridane City Council, the Island Council of La Palma, the Government of the Canary Islands, the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID), and the Instituto Cervantes, among others. The festival is managed by the Orden Galdosiana de La Palma.
