Uruguay XXI recently organized a cultural program in Montevideo for two international publishers, Santiago Tobón of Sexto Piso and Sandro Aloisio of Grupo Escala. The initiative, held from September 24 to 26, aimed to showcase Uruguay’s literary heritage by connecting the guests with local publishers, authors, illustrators, and key historical sites.
“We wanted them to experience not only today’s publishers, authors, and illustrators, but also the living history behind them—the places where our literature was shaped,” said Omaira Rodríguez, Creative Industries Promotion Specialist at Uruguay XXI.
The itinerary included visits to the National Academy of Letters—once home to poet Julio Herrera y Reissig—Casa de Susana Soca (now Ánima Espacio Cultural), the Zorrilla Museum, and the Mario Benedetti Foundation. These stops highlighted Uruguay’s longstanding literary tradition and its continued influence on contemporary publishing.
Reflecting on his experience, Tobón stated: “It has been a fascinating journey. It gave me a much more complete understanding of what cultural life in Uruguay means.” Aloisio described it as “a fundamental immersion,” adding: “I was moved by the way you care for your cultural memory so that current and future generations can enjoy and carry forward that legacy.”
During their time at the International Book Fair and through various meetings, both visitors noted the diversity within Uruguay’s current publishing scene. “I’m taking away a very positive impression of the sector; the effervescence that exists in Uruguay is not common in other countries,” said Tobón. He added: “In illustration, the quality of the dialogue between image and text caught my attention; in fiction, I’m leaving with a long reading list.”
Aloisio pointed out regional opportunities for greater collaboration: “There is a cultural debt among our peoples. We need to look more at those who are close to us and exchange more; otherwise, the industry drags us toward the immediate and we continue reproducing ‘more of the same’.”
At each location visited—including historic cafés like Café Brasilero—the guests learned about figures such as Susana Soca, Juan Zorrilla de San Martín, Mario Benedetti, Felisberto Hernández, Juan Carlos Onetti (Cervantes Prize), Eduardo Galeano, Delmira Agustini, Idea Vilariño, Marosa di Giorgio, Circe Maia and Ida Vitale (Cervantes Prize). These writers form part of an ongoing tradition characterized by innovation while remaining rooted in daily life.
Tobón commented after visiting Casa de Susana Soca: “The Soca house was a revelation—understanding the significance of an editor who served as a bridge between Paris and Montevideo in the middle of the war.” On his visit to Zorrilla Museum he added: “Understanding how national literature was produced in relation to other Latin American literatures but while standing in places where it was written gives it a completely different dimension.”
Both publishers left with new perspectives on Uruguayan literature’s evolution. Aloisio remarked: “I felt very clearly the respect with which Uruguay preserves the memory of its authors. It’s a lesson I’m taking back to Brazil…to work with Uruguayan illustrators and writers.” Tobón concluded: “These reverse missions are incredibly enriching. I leave with…the great task of reading…and finding bridges among our shared languages.”
“Uruguay is a peculiar even privileged place,” said Tobón.
Aloisio added: “I even feel a healthy envy—serenity commitment respect for craft. If we manage to reproduce a little of that results will be very good.”
