Beijing, Apr. 28 — The sound and authenticity of Cuban poet Nicolás Guillén's poetry focused today here on the presentation of the Mandarin edition of the anthology "Todas las flores de abril" (All the Flowers of April), by this Caribbean poet.
The Yilin Press publisher drove this initiative together with Professor Zhao Zenjiang from Beijing University, a renowned translator in charge of the compilation and translation of the texts.
In statements to Prensa Latina, Geober Guibert Pardo, Director of International Relations of Cuba's Ministry of Culture, highlighted Zhao's ability to transmit "that living source that is Cuban culture, so that its essence and musicality reach the Chinese reader intact."
During the presentation, the director of the Cuban Poetry Cultural Center, Alex Pausides, stated that publishing Guillén in Mandarin constitutes "the most powerful and exact way to proclaim the universal dimension" of the poet.
He noted that Guillén is part of a generation born in 1902 alongside figures such as Nazim Hikmet and Langston Hughes, considered essential in 20th-century poetry.
The executive underscored that the work of Cuba's National Poet occupies a relevant place in the literary tradition alongside authors such as José Martí and José Lezama Lima.
He highlighted that Guillén integrated the Spanish-language poetic tradition with Afro-Caribbean elements, which endowed his creation with deep humanism and an expression representative of mixed culture.
For his part, the deputy editor of this publishing house, Li Ruihua, assured that this book allows Chinese readers to approach the justice, sensitivity, and strength present in his work.
He emphasized the will to expand literary cooperation between both countries through new translation and cultural exchange projects.
Also on this day, the book "Cantar de Alejandro" was presented in the context of the centenary of the birth of historical leader Fidel Castro.
"Todas las flores de abril" was presented last week at the Second Poetic Days of Daliang Mountain, China.
In parallel, a bronze sculpture of Nicolás Guillén was inaugurated at the Poet's House, in Baimiao Village, in Xichang.
According to specialized sources, this is not the first Mandarin translation of Nicolás Guillén's work.
In 1959, the People's Literature Publishing House published two anthologies titled "Selected Poems" and "Sweat and Whip; Thirteen Poems."
Guillén visited and got to know the People's Republic of China, proclaimed by Mao Zedong in 1952 and in 1959.
