Search Famous Puerto Ricans
Browse by last name.
2 people
Julia de Burgos
Born February 17, 1914 in Carolina. Died July 6, 1953 in New York City, at age 39. One of Puerto Rico's most celebrated poets, Julia de Burgos is recognized internationally for her passionate poetry exploring identity, love, feminism, and social justice. Her literary legacy continues to inspire readers around the world.
Considered one of Puerto Rico's leading 20th-century poets, influenced by Luis Llorens Torres, Clair Lair, Rafael Alberti and Pablo Neruda, she was a prominent member of the literary Vanguard movement in San Juan in the late 1930s. She was also an advocate for the independance of Puerto Rico. She graduated from the University of Puerto Rico with a teaching degree. Her literary work placed her among the greatest poets of Hispanic-America. Her best-known poem is "El Río Grande de Loiza". Other well-known poems are "Canción Desnuda," "Te Quiero," "A Julia de Burgos," "Yo Misma fui mi Ruta," and "Tres Caminos." She published several books among which are; "Poemas exactos de mi misma," "Poemas en Veinte Zurcos," and "Cancién de la verdad sencilla."
Luis Lloréns Torres
Born May 14, 1876 in Juana Díaz. Died June 16, 1944 in Santurce. One of Puerto Rico's greatest poets and playwrights, Luis Lloréns Torres helped define Puerto Rican literary identity through his poetry, essays, and nationalist writings. San Juan's famous public housing community bears his name.
He was a lawyer by profession, having studied in Spain. His work is known for its "criollismo", a kind of nationalism, and usually writing about the idiosincracy of the island. His books include Al Pie de la Alhambre, Sonetos Sinfónicos, Voces de la Campana Mayor, and Alturas de America. His "decimas" are works not only of art but of love. Among his most famous poems are Valle de Collores and Canción de las Antillas.
