Reinaldo García Ramos, a renowned Cuban writer and poet, and a member of the so-called "Generation of Mariel," passed away on Monday in Miami at the age of 80.
Born on May 26, 1944, in Cienfuegos, García Ramos was a prominent figure in Cuban literature, recognized for his profound and evocative poetry that captured the essence of his generation's experiences and challenges. He was an integral part of two significant literary movements: El Puente in Cuba and the Mariel magazine in Miami.
His first book, "Acta," was published under the pseudonym Reinaldo Felipe in 1962, marking the beginning of a career that included several volumes of poetry and narrative. Among his most notable works are "El buen peligro" (1987), "Caverna fiel" (1993), and "Únicas ofrendas" (2004).
After emigrating from Cuba during the Mariel exodus in 1980, he settled in New York, where he worked for The Associated Press and later as a translator for the United Nations. He retired in 2001 and moved to Miami Beach.
Recently, García Ramos published "Una amiga en París" (Ediciones Furtivas, 2024), an epistolary book that offers a vital testimony to understanding Cuba in the 1960s and 1970s, noted for its historical and emotional value.
His cousin, Mikos D. Sosa, announced the news of his passing on social media, mentioning that García Ramos spoke of his books until his last days, hoping to continue writing. His final wish was for his literary legacy to be remembered and celebrated. He requested no funeral services, and his remains will be cremated and his ashes scattered in the Hudson River in New York, fulfilling his personal wishes.
Legacy and Impact on Cuban Literature
The Cuban literary and academic community has expressed deep sorrow over the loss of a poet whose work has left an indelible mark on the Cuban literary landscape. Cuban writer and academic Mabel Cuesta stated, "Reinaldo belonged to the so-called 'Generation of Mariel.' He was a tremendous poet and a good man," she said.
Ediciones Furtiva declared itself "in mourning" after learning of García Ramos' death. The publisher stated in a communiqué that the poet "leaves a difficult-to-fill void in Cuban literature and culture," and that "having the honor of publishing his last book, Una amiga en París (Letters, 1968-1972), is a true privilege." The statement on Facebook reads, "With his absence, a bit of the flame of a generation that knew how to keep its roots high despite distances and exiles is extinguished. That is his legacy, which will live in me as a precious treasure that must be perpetuated, and at Ediciones Furtivas, we will always know how to honor him."
In 2020, García Ramos wrote an article for CiberCuba where he expressed, "The story of the Mariel exodus is the story of great hope." He said that hope was what "in 1980, thousands of Cubans forged to escape an oppressed existence to try to regain the joy of living, faith in the future, and the conviction that individual work bears tangible and legitimate fruits. The 125,000 refugees who left their homeland during the five months of the maritime bridge knew almost nothing about the country or the social situation that would receive them; they only had the certainty of an animal escaping a deadly trap."
"Now, after 30 years of the exodus, I can also affirm that the story of the Mariel magazine, published in New York between 1983 and 1985, is also a story of great hope: The hope that we, the hundreds of artists and writers who managed to leave Cuba in 1980, had to finally express ourselves with absolute freedom."
Reinaldo García Ramos and the Mariel Generation
Here are some frequently asked questions about Reinaldo García Ramos and the Mariel Generation, providing insights into their historical and cultural significance.
Who was Reinaldo García Ramos?
Reinaldo García Ramos was a renowned Cuban poet and writer, a prominent figure of the "Generation of Mariel," known for his profound and evocative poetry.
What were some of García Ramos' notable works?
Some of his notable works include "El buen peligro" (1987), "Caverna fiel" (1993), and "Únicas ofrendas" (2004).
What was the Mariel exodus?
The Mariel exodus was a mass emigration of Cubans who left Cuba for the United States in 1980, seeking to escape the oppressive regime and regain their freedom and future prospects.
How did Reinaldo García Ramos contribute to Cuban literature?
García Ramos significantly contributed to Cuban literature through his poetry, involvement in literary movements like El Puente and Mariel magazine, and his publications that captured the essence of Cuban experiences and challenges.