by Steve Tope

To say that Rubén Darío is the poet laureate of Nicaragua is certainly true, but it is also an understatement. He is a national icon; a symbol of independence and a spokesman for the national soul and conscience. He is also the acknowledged founder of the modernist poetry movement in all of Latin America, leaving behind the European Spanish tradition and starting a uniquely new world style.

For Nicaraguans, poetry is the foremost means of creative expression, be it for political, social or purely artistic purposes. Cab drivers might entertain you with their verse and newspapers feature pieces submitted by readers weekly. Rubén Darío was the founder of this tradition, the first name among a continuing list of Nicaraguan poets.

All schoolchildren study his work; many Nicaraguans can recite at least one piece of his verse.  His name graces countless places around the country including the National Theater in Managua.  Where other nations might put generals or politicians, it is Darío’s portrait that is featured on the 100 cordoba bill. His birthplace, Metapa was renamed Cuidad Darío in his honor.