Fuenlabrada launches the Palabras de Otoño poetry competition with prizes of up to 500 euros

The Palabras de Otoño poetry competition is open for submissions until September 30. This year it pays tribute to poet Chantal Maillard and will award five cash prizes.

Fuenlabrada has launched the seventeenth edition of the poetry competition ‘Palabras de Otoño’, September 30. This initiative aims not only to give voice to new authors but also to highlight those who have remained in the background within the poetic sphere.

This year, the competition pays tribute to Chantal Maillard, a prominent Hispanic-Belgian poet and essayist, recognised for her contribution to contemporary poetry in Spanish. Maillard received the National Poetry Prize in 2004 for her work ‘Matar a Platón’, establishing herself as an influential figure in Hispanic literature.

Participants can submit unpublished poems on any theme. The competition is divided into two categories: Fuenlabrada and Community of Madrid, allowing for greater inclusion and participation. A total of five prizes will be awarded with cash amounts ranging from 500 to 100 euros, thereby encouraging poetic creation among local authors.

Works must be sent to the Centre for Equality ‘8 de Marzo’, where the competition rules can also be consulted. The official award ceremony is scheduled for November 11 at 17:30, coinciding with the founding anniversary of the Rosa Montero Association, which has tirelessly worked since its establishment in 2002 to promote female creativity in various cultural fields.

Over the years, this competition has evolved into a significant space for emerging poetic voices. In previous editions, hundreds of works have been received, reflecting a growing interest from the female public in poetic writing. This year, it is expected to surpass that number, given the positive impact this initiative has had on the community.

As the deadline for participation approaches, it is essential to remember that poems must be submitted before the end of next month. For those interested in participating or simply enjoying the event, it is recommended to visit the municipal website where updates about the competition and other related cultural events are published.