Monday, 25 May 2026
Bridging cultures through words: Celebrating the 3rd Mexican literature translation contest in Egypt
In a vibrant celebration of literature and cross-cultural connection, the Embassy of Mexico in Egypt, in partnership with the National Center for Translation of the Egyptian Ministry of Culture, hosted the award ceremony for the Third Mexican Literature Translation Contest into Arabic. Held in Cairo, this annual initiative shines a spotlight on Egyptian translators, promotes the richness of Mexican literature, and strengthens the cultural ties between Mexico and Egypt through the universal language of storytelling.
The ceremony, presided over by H.E. Leonora Rueda, Ambassador of Mexico, and Dr. Karma Sami, Director of the National Center for Translation, was a testament to the power of literature in fostering mutual understanding. At its heart was Canek by Emilio Abreu Gómez, a seminal work of Mexican literature that weaves together poetic narrative and historical insight to chronicle the life and rebellion of the Mayan leader Jacinto Canek. This evocative text served as the contest’s translation challenge, inviting participants to bring its beauty and depth to Arabic-speaking audiences.
Launched in January 2024 during the Cairo International Book Fair, the contest drew an impressive pool of talent, with 16 finalist translations showcasing the skill and dedication of Egypt’s emerging translators.
After a rigorous evaluation by a distinguished jury—comprising Dr. Nadia Gamal El-Din (Ain Shams University), Dr. Khaled Mohamed Abdel-Moneim (Al-Azhar University), and Dr. Khaled Ibrahim Awad Salem (Academy of Arts)—Mohamed Gomaa Tawfik Fadel emerged as the first-prize winner. A translator and researcher specializing in Spanish and Latin American studies, Fadel received USD 1,000 for his exceptional translation, a prize made possible by the generous support of CEMEX Egypt, a company committed to nurturing young talent and cultural exchange.
In addition to Fadel’s victory, the ceremony honored three outstanding translators with honorable mentions: Noha El-Hag Hassan Abdo (First), Mohamed Ahmed Mohamed (Second), and Roqaya Mohamed El-Tohami (Third). Special recognition was also given to Abdelrahman Essam Abdelgawad as a promising young participant, highlighting the contest’s role in inspiring the next generation of literary talent.
This event is more than a competition—it’s a celebration of cultural dialogue. By translating Mexican literature into Arabic, these translators are building bridges between two vibrant cultures, allowing readers in Egypt and beyond to experience the profound narratives of Mexico’s literary heritage. The choice of Canek, with its themes of resistance and identity, resonates deeply in a world where stories of resilience and cultural pride are universally relevant.
Supported by CEMEX Egypt’s commitment to social responsibility, the Third Mexican Literature Translation Contest underscores the transformative power of literature to connect people across borders. As Mexico and Egypt continue to deepen their cultural ties, events like this remind us that translation is not just about words—it’s about carrying a culture across continents, breathing life into stories, and fostering a shared appreciation for the human experience.