A Literary Taste of Peruvian Culture; A Night of Peruvian Literature

NOCHE LITERARIA PERUANA

What happened? 

On the 30th of November, 2023, at the Maison Francaise in the University of Ghana, the Peruvian Embassy and the Center for Latin American Studies, UG, hosted "Noche Literaria Peruana". The "Peruvian Literary Night" hosted the Peruvian Ambassador to Ghana, H.E Liliana Gomez de Weston, members of the diplomatic corps, lecturers and students of the University of Ghana. The event lasted over an hour and celebrated icons in the Peruvian literature space who have left decades of indelible marks in the academia of Peruvian literature. The readings, recitals and enactment of some of the most celebrated Peruvian writers made the evening eventful and educational. 

What are people saying?

The immersed participation and excitement of students who attended the event were a testament to the success of the Peruvian Literary Night. This was different from the usual lecture hall experience; Noche Literia Peruana was a practical session to experience and be closer to the Peruvian culture. 

The excitement of the Peruvian Ambassador, guests, and the members of the Diplomatic Corps was a clear indication of the successful work the Embassy and school have done over the years in spreading and teaching students the Peruvian culture through Spanish language studies. 

The Talkative:

Experiencing over an hour of Peruvian literary work reading may at first sound like a daunting experience, especially for anyone who needs help understanding the Spanish language. However, even without an understanding of the Spanish language, the organizers of the Noche Literaria Peruana made an effort to create a memorable experience by turning the cold words of literary icons Mario Vargas Llosa, José Santos Chocano, César Vallejo and Blanca Varela into an emotional display that thoroughly captivated the poignant and strong emotion each word of their piece embodies. 

Bringing to life the words of Mario Vargas Llosa, José Santos Chocano, César Vallejo and Blanca Varela, H.E Liliana Gomez de Weston, Matilda Kyei, Ms Francoise Sanchez, Dr Donne Setor Novieto and some students from the Spanish class gave a beautiful touch to Peruvian classics like Nostalgia, Lituma en los Andes, Dana de Blanco, Curriculum Vitae, Trilce and Los Heraldos Negro. Significantly:

1. Giving Students an out-of-class experience and practice for students

2. Bringing the Embassy and its leadership closer to the students 

3. Boosting the Peruvian culture's learning experience and a feel through its creative works.

4. Gaining Certification and extra points for those who participated in the recital. 

Guests and students also tasted some of the delicious dishes peculiar to the region; the finger-licking Empanadas gave a literal taste of the Peruvian culture. 

Written By

Matilda Mensah Marfo (Tilly Akua Nipaa)