First Prize for a Spanish-Language Novel in the United States

Argentine author Julieta Vitullo has received the First Prize for a Spanish-Language Novel Written in the United States for her work La huella de tu nombre (The Trace of Your Name), which explores the complex realities of migration.

The award, presented by UNAM’s San Antonio campus in collaboration with the University’s Department of Literature and Reading Promotion and the nonprofit organization Letras en la Frontera (Letters at the Border), highlights the importance of preserving Spanish-language literature in a predominantly English-speaking environment.

The ceremony was a key event during the Third Spanish Language Book Fair (III Feria del Libro en Español), held from November 7–9 at UNAM’s San Antonio campus, coinciding with the institution’s 80th anniversary. Event coordinator Alfredo Ávalos praised the fair’s role in fostering connections between young readers and Spanish-language literature.

“Writing in Spanish in the United States is an act of cultural resistance,” Vitullo remarked, emphasizing the language’s richness as a vehicle for universal stories in a predominantly English-speaking society.

Having lived in the United States since childhood, Vitullo highlighted the significance of such literary events for Spanish speakers, especially bilingual children, as they affirm Spanish as a language of cultural heritage and artistic expression. She underscored the importance of language as a foundation for identity and creative self-expression.

Upon receiving the award, Vitullo expressed gratitude for the increased visibility her novel has gained and the potential for new opportunities, including translations and future projects. This recognition not only strengthens the presence of Spanish-language literature in the United States but also enriches the cultural landscape for readers across North and Latin America.