Three Latin American writers debate about “Death, identity and acculturation” in Barcelona

In an event coorganised by Casa Amèrica Catalunya, Diplocat, Transeúnte and Editorial Candaya

Within the framework of the Mexican Day of the Dead festivity, Latin American writers Eduardo Ruiz Sosa (Mexico), Cristina Falcón Maldonado (Venezuela) and Sergio Galarza (Peru) have debated on the mechanisms of reception and adaptation to a different culture in an event that took place this evening at the headquarters of Casa Amèrica Catalunya in Barcelona. Journalist María Laura Padrón moderated the literary evening, organised jointly by Diplocat, Casa Amèrica Catalunya, Transeúnte and Editorial Candaya.

The three authors explained to which extent they experienced a process of acculturation and loss of identity during the creation of their works. They also talked about the role of the diaspora as a contemporary phenomenon, the abandonment of old customs and traditions, and the influence of the dominant cultures in creative processes. In general, all three agreed that adapting to another culture implies personal enrichment and does not imply the death of a previous identity, which evolves independently of the migratory fact.

During the evening, Ruiz, Falcón and Galarza read fragments of their works and the public tasted typical Mexican drinks to celebrate the Day of the Dead.

The three writers have works published by Editorial Candaya linked to themes such as death, mourning, loss, absences and uprooting: How many on your side are dead (Cuántos de los tuyos han muerto), by Eduardo Ruiz Sosa; Erase the landscape (Borrar el paisaje), by Cristina Falcón Maldonado, and A song by Bob Dylan on my mother's agenda (Una canción de Bob Dylan en la agenda de mi madre), by Sergio Galarza.