Famous Uruguayan Poets

Horacio Quiroga was a Uruguayan poet, playwright, and short story writer. He is best remembered for depicting jungles and characters with mental illnesses in his stories. Horacio Quiroga is credited with influencing the works of Gabriel García Márquez and Julio Cortázar.

Mario Benedetti was a Uruguayan novelist, journalist, and poet. Widely regarded as one of the 20th century's most important writers in the Spanish-speaking world, Benedetti was a key member of the Generation '45. Benedetti's works were published in 20 languages and he also contributed to the weekly newspaper, Marcha, where he served as the literary director from 1954 to 1973.  

Mauricio Rosencof is a Uruguayan poet, playwright, and journalist. He is best known for his book El regreso del Gran Tuleque, which inspired a 1999 film titled El chevrolé. Mauricio Rosencof's life and career, including his 12-year tenure in prison, were the basis for the 2018 drama film A Twelve-Year Night.

Juana de Ibarbourou was a Uruguayan poet whose literary work earned her four nominations for the prestigious Nobel Prize in Literature. An early Latin American feminist, Ibarbourou is also regarded as one of the most famous poets of Spanish America. Throughout her life, Juana de Ibarbourou was honored with prestigious awards including the National Academy of Letters.

Cristina Peri Rossi is a Uruguayan poet, novelist, short story writer, and translator. Peri Rossi has also contributed immensely to several media agencies and newspapers such as Diario 16, Agencia EFE, and El Periódico. In 2021, she was honored with the prestigious Miguel de Cervantes Prize for her contributions to literature.

Delmira Agustini was a Uruguayan poet who popularized the topic of female sexuality at a time when men dominated the literary world. Eros, the Greek god of love, served as an inspiration to many of Delmira Agustini's poems about carnal pleasures. Her works have been translated into English and Nepali.

Alfredo Zitarrosa was a Uruguayan poet, singer-songwriter, and journalist. Counted among the most influential and popular singer-songwriters of Latin America, Alfredo Zitarrosa specialized in Argentinean and Uruguayan folk genres such as milonga and zamba.

One of Uruguay’s best-known poets, Idea Vilariño was initially a professor of literature. Starting her journey with poetry as a teenager, she later came to be known as a member of the Generation of ’45 and gained acclaim for poems such as Ya No. She was also a fine essayist, critic, and translator.

Uruguayan poet Juan Zorrilla de San Martín is mostly remembered for his 6-canto epic poem Tabaré. He also launched the Catholic periodical El bien público. Regarded as the National Poet of Uruguay, he also penned Hymn to the Tree, a Spanish poem that became popular as a song in various Latin American nations.

Part of the Generation of ’45, Uruguayan poet Ida Vitale was the fifth woman to receive the prestigious Miguel de Cervantes Prize, one of the greatest awards in Spanish literature. She was named to BBC’s list of the 100 most influential women of 2019 and has also been a translator, critic, and lecturer.

Horacio Ferrer was a Uruguayan-Argentine poet, reciter, broadcaster, and tango lyricist. He is best remembered for his collaboration with tango composer Astor Piazzolla; Ferrer contributed by composing the lyrics for many of Piazzolla's tangos, such as Chiquilín de Bachín and Balada para un loco.

One of the most significant Spanish literary figures of the early 20th century, Uruguayan poet Julio Herrera y Reissig was noted for his experiments with form and language. Known for his volumes such as Twilight Pianos and Violet Poems, he influenced Spanish Modernism. Unfortunately, ill health marred his literary career.

Uruguayan poet Francisco Acuña de Figueroa is remembered for his iconic poems such as Salve Multiforme. He also penned the national anthems of both Uruguay and Paraguay. He had succeeded his father as the state treasurer and had headed the Public Library and Museum as its director.

Alcira Soust Scaffo was a Uruguayan poet and teacher who lived in Mexico for over 20 years. She is best remembered for her plight during the Mexican Army's occupation of a public research university called National Autonomous University of Mexico in 1968; Alcira Soust Scaffo was stationed at the university and remained hidden in a bathroom for 15 days!

A prominent Uruguayan poet of the 20th century, Marosa di Giorgio wrote a total of 14 books of poetry, 3 collections of short stories and one novel. She published her first book of poetry Poemas in 1953 at the age of 22. Also an actress, she was associated with a professional theatre company (1950s-1960s) and appeared in almost thirty productions.

Considered the most militant among the Afro-Uruguayan writers, Virginia Brindis de Salas was also amongst the first published black woman writers of Uruguay. Her prominent works are two collections of poetry Pregón de Marimoren and Cien Cárceles de Amor. She was a regular contributor to the black artistic journal Nuestra Raza and also co-founded the political party Partido Autoctono Negro.

Circe Maia is a Uruguayan essayist, poet, translator, and teacher. She achieved prominence as a poet despite facing difficulties brought on by the civil-military dictatorship of Uruguay. Although her career was affected by the political unrest in her country, Circe Maia managed to receive several prestigious awards such as the Premio Nacional de Poesía de Uruguay. 

Selva Casal was a Uruguayan poet who published several important works. Her poetry won her numerous prizes, such as the National Culture Awards and Premio del Ministerio de Instrucción Pública. Selva Casal is perhaps best remembered for her debut collection Arpa, which was published in 1958.