On April 24, 2024, the Consulate General of Mexico in New York hosted an enlightening evening of Nahuatl poetry and discussion at the Octavio Paz Gallery, situated at 27 East, 39th Street. Entitled "La Canción de las Flores," the event showcased Mardonio Carballo, a renowned Nahua poet and activist, who not only imparted his insights but also recited several of his poems. Accompanied by Adam W. Coon, a distinguished researcher and translator, the evening served as a tribute to the profound depths of Nahuatl poetry, seamlessly blending its rich traditions with contemporary relevance.
Introduced by Consul General of Mexico in New York, Jorge Islas López, and enriched with commentary from David Desrimais, director of JBE Books, the gathering provided a platform for a deeper understanding and appreciation of the historical and literary significance of the Nahuatl language. This event presented literary enthusiasts, scholars, and the wider public with a unique opportunity to engage with Mexico’s vibrant intellectual and cultural heritage, fostering a dialogue that connects ancient roots with modern perspectives.
mardonio carballo
Mardonio Carballo is a Mexican poet, actor, and journalist who speaks Nahuatl. He was born in Chicontepec, Veracruz, on January 24, 1974. Currently, he contributes weekly to the radio news program "Aristegui en Vivo" (Grupo Radio Centro) with the section "Las Plumas de la Serpiente" and hosts the television program "La Raíz Doble" for Canal 22 (Mexico), as well as the radio show "Xochikozkatl. Collar de Flores" for Radio UNAM. He is a poet, journalist, editor, actor, broadcaster, producer, translator, and Nahua activist. He has promoted programs in national media featuring indigenous authors, musicians, and poets. He has been recognized twice by the National Institute of Indigenous Languages (INALI) as a pioneer in the dissemination of native languages and their respective cultures in the mass media. Since 2019, he has been the director of Culturas Populares.
In 2018, he received the Medal of Merit from the Universidad Veracruzana during the 25th International University Book Fair (FILU). He has contributed to the news programs "Hoy x Hoy con Carmen Aristegui" on W Radio and "Ventana 22" with his section "Las Plumas de la Serpiente" and "Nosotros tenemos la palabra".
He is the author of a dozen books. His poems have been anthologized by the Pen Club International Great Britain. He hosts "La Raíz Doble," a program on Canal 22 dedicated to showcasing the vitality of indigenous peoples in Mexico. He also hosts the radio program "Xochikozkatl (Collar de Flores)" for Radio UNAM and the internet radio program "Ombligo de Tierra" for Código cdmx.
Where: Consulado General de Mexico en Nueva York
27 E 39th St, New York, NY 10016