Friends and family say goodbye to poet, essayist and university professor Vicente Quirarte
Friends, family members, colleagues, and cultural figures paid tribute to poet, essayist, and university professor Vicente Quirarte at his funeral, held today after he passed away at 72 years old. The ceremony was attended by prominent figures such as the rector of the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), Leonardo Lomelí Vanegas, and members of the Mexican Academy of Language. Lomelí highlighted Quirarte’s contributions to academia and his role in bridging literature and history, emphasizing the need to preserve and promote his legacy among new generations. His brother, musician and journalist Xavier Quirarte, confirmed there were no unpublished works but noted pending editions coordinated by Quirarte. His remains will be cremated and placed in a church in central Mexico City, while his library will be donated to the Mexican Academy of Language. Gonzalo Celorio, director of the Academy, mentioned that Quirarte had been working on an edition of 'Santa' by Federico Gamboa, aiming to restore the original Mexican linguistic version.
Poets, essayists, and university professors paid tribute to Vicente Quirarte, a renowned writer and academic who passed away in Mexico City at the age of 72. Friends, family members, colleagues, and cultural figures gathered at the J. García López Pedregal funeral home on Monday afternoon to honor his life and legacy. The event was marked by a solemn guard of honor led by Leonardo Lomelí Vanegas, rector of the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), and members of the Mexican Academy of Language. These individuals stood silently before Quirarte’s coffin, reflecting on his contributions to literature and academia. Lomelí spoke to reporters, emphasizing that Quirarte's death represents more than just the loss of a great scholar. He described him as someone who bridged the fields of letters and history, and who played a crucial role within the university system. As director of the Institute of Bibliographic Research and a member of the Governing Board of UNAM, Quirarte was deeply committed to his institution. Lomelí noted that while the university mourns the loss of one of its most respected academics, it will continue to promote his work among new generations. Quirarte’s brother, Xavier Quirarte, confirmed that there were no unpublished works left behind. Instead, he mentioned that several editions of Quirarte’s writings were still pending completion. The poet had been overseeing these projects, ensuring they met high standards. According to Xavier, Quirarte’s personal effects, including clothing and accessories for his funeral, were meticulously organized. His ashes will be placed in a church located in the heart of Mexico City, and his library is set to be donated to the Mexican Academy of Language. Gonzalo Celorio, director of the Mexican Academy of Language, shared insights into Quirarte’s ongoing literary efforts. He revealed that Quirarte had been working extensively on the edition of Santa, a novel by Federico Gamboa. This book, considered the first novel of the 20th century, had been altered in Spain to fit Spanish linguistic norms. Quirarte aimed to restore the original Mexican version, preserving its unique characteristics. Celorio emphasized that this project was of immense importance to Mexican literary history and expressed hope that the academy could complete it in Quirarte’s memory. The funeral ceremony featured numerous floral arrangements from institutions such as El Colegio Nacional, the Governing Board of UNAM, the Faculty of Philosophy and Letters, and the Mexican Academy of Language. These tributes surrounded Quirarte’s coffin, symbolizing the widespread respect and admiration he commanded within the literary community. Among those present were notable figures such as Coral Bracho, Eduardo Langagne, Socorro Venegas, Fernando Fernández, and Jorge Comensal. Quirarte was born in Mexico City on July 19, 1954, and spent much of his life immersed in the study and practice of literature. He pursued studies in Hispanic Languages and Literature at the Faculty of Philosophy and Letters of UNAM, earning both a master’s degree and a doctorate in Mexican Literature. Throughout his career, he balanced his roles as a professor and researcher with his creative endeavors, producing over 60 books spanning poetry, essays, and dramatic works. His literary achievements include receiving prestigious awards such as the National Prize for Young Poetry Francisco González León, the National Essay Prize José Revueltas, the Xavier Villaurrutia Prize, and the Ibero-American Poetry Prize Ramón López Velarde. In 2024, he was awarded the National Arts and Literature Prize in the category of Linguistics and Literature. His works often explored themes related to Mexico City, vampire lore, and Gothic literature, drawing inspiration from authors such as Oscar Wilde and Herman Melville. In addition to his literary accomplishments, Quirarte held several administrative positions within UNAM, including director of Publications and head of the Institute of Bibliographic Research. He also taught at various universities, both in Mexico and abroad, including the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and the University of Seville. His recent projects included editing facsimile editions of Santa by Federico Gamboa and Memorias de mis tiempos by Guillermo Prieto for the Mexican Academy of Language. Friends and colleagues have expressed deep sorrow over Quirarte’s passing. Gonzalo Celorio described him as a highly productive creator whose work spanned multiple genres. He highlighted Quirarte’s dual commitment to literary creation and institutional service, noting his impact on both the academic world and the broader literary landscape. Other writers, such as Roberto Abad and Martín Solares, praised Quirarte’s generosity and imaginative vision, particularly his exploration of urban settings and fantastical elements in his work. Quirarte’s death has left a profound void in the Mexican literary scene. However, his extensive body of work continues to inspire future generations. Institutions such as the Mexican Academy of Language and El Colegio Nacional have pledged to carry forward his legacy through continued recognition and promotion of his contributions to literature and scholarship. His influence, though felt keenly in his absence, remains embedded in the countless works he authored and the students he mentored throughout his long and distinguished career.
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