Xosé Neira Vilas


Category: Writer
Birth Place: Gres, Vila de Cruces (Pontevedra)

Opinión
 Curriculum

In 1949, at the age of twenty, he emigrated to Buenos Aires, where he carried out several works. He studied Trade, Music, Journalism and Literature. He discovered Galicia and carried out an intense Galician cultural activity. He got in touch with all the intellectuals in exile: Seoane, Dieste, L. Varela, Valenzuela... He was general secretary of the association 'Mocidades Galeguistas' and co-editor of the newspaper 'Adiante'. He participated in the organization of the first conference 'Emigration Galega'. In 1957, he married the Cuban girl Anisia Miranda. That same year he founded the publishing house called 'Follas Novas' to distribute Galician books. In 1960, he published the poetry book Dende Lonxe and one year later, in 1961, Memorias dun neno labrego. In 1961, Neira and Anisia moved to Cuba. He worked in the Administration and made literary journalism. In 1969, he founded the Galician section of the Institute of Literature and Linguistics, which he directed for twenty-two years. From 1983 to 1989 (it was in that year that he retired), he was editor in chief of 'Zunzún', a magazine for children. During the period he spent in Cuba (31 years), he wrote most of his books. In 1992, he established himself with Anisia in Galicia, where he presides 'Xosé Neira Vilas' Foundation.

 Work & Activities

These are some of his most important books: Memorias dun neno labrego, Cartas a Lelo, O cabaliño de buxo, De cando Suso fue carteiro, Historias de emigrantes, Tempo novo, Aqueles anos do Moncho, Querido Tomás, Galegos no golfo, Camiño bretemoso, A muller de ferro, Crónicas galegas de América, O home de pau, Lar, Nai, Pan Guerrilleiros, Galegos que loitaron pola independencia de Cuba, A lingua galega de Cuba, A prensa galega de Cuba, Castelao en Cuba, Rosalía de Castro en Cuba, Manuel Murguía e os galegos da Habana, etc...

 Other Interesting Aspects

He was conferred the title of 'Doctor Honoris Causa' at A Coruña University. He got the following prizes: Spanish Critic Prize, Essay Prize of the Galician Critic, 'Pedrón de Honor', 'Celanova Casa dos poetas' Medal, 'Vieira de plata de Montevideo', gold badge awarded by the Galician Centre in Barcelona, 'Irmandade do Libro' Prize, etc. In 2004, he was awarded 'Trasalba' Prize, organised by 'Otero Pedrayo' Foundation.