The quality of Basque literature and translations are essential for Latin American readers.

In recent years, the presence of Basque literature in Mexico and Latin America has increased, thanks to the quality and vibrancy of the works and their translation into Spanish, explained Etxepare Basque Institute director Irene Larraza.

‘It’s the quality of our authors’ work. Exoticism alone is insufficient; while novelty can initially attract readers and generate interest, it does not maintain attention over time –neither for the works nor the authors – without strong literary quality to support it. And that is what Basque literature offers today,´ said Larraza.

This year the Etxepare Basque Institute is collaborating with Basque language writers and professionals at the International Book Fair (FIL) in Guadalajara, Mexico.

At a meeting in celebration of the International Day of the Basque Language, held every 3 December for the past 75 years, Larraza Aizpurua emphasized the importance of the Mexican reading public becoming acquainted with the unique aspects of the literature from this region.

"We want to clarify that the works presented by these authors are originally written in Basque, as writing in a specific language offers a distinct interpretation of the world. We don’t mean they’re writing about local themes; their work is largely contemporary and universal,’ she said.

Basque authors Arantxa Urretabizkaia, Bernardo Atxaga, Karmele Jaio, Kirmen Uribe and Katixa Agirre shared their books, stories and experiences with the readers of Guadalajara.

Basque-language literature on the rise

The director also highlighted the growing interest in literature in Basque in Mexico, evident in the attendance at the activities held by the writers over the four days of the fair.

‘There is also a growing interest in Basque literature, which I think is a question of accessibility. The first challenge is to create literature in the Basque language. Our writers are increasingly discovering opportunities abroad to establish and strengthen their careers, she added.

Arantxa Urretabizkaia´s events in Guadalajara have been selling out quickly and her books, including her most recent, translated into Spanish as ‘La última casa’, sold out the within the fair´s first few days. This came as a surprise to Urretabizkaia, since the translations of her books only recently arrived in Mexico.

‘For 400 years our books were not translated. We´re experiencing things that we hadn´t before–translations and active participation across different generations. In a small way, we are comparable to the literatures around us,’ she said.

Writer Karmele Jaio – who attended several round tables at the FIL – underscored the universality of works written in Basque, which is crucial for connecting with Spanish-speaking audiences.

‘Despite the fact that I’m doing the actual writing in an environment that is my own country and city, what I write about directly affects people who live far away; in other words, the themes are universal, about human relationships above all, which affect us all equally,’ he concluded.

The 38th edition of the fair runs from 30 November to 8 December and welcomes 850 authors from 43 countries writing in 19 different languages.