By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – The Costa Rican literary community is now on notice as the Ministry of Culture and Youth (MCJ), in collaboration with the Colegio de Costa Rica, has officially opened the submission period for the 2025 Aquileo J. Echeverría National Literature Prize. This announcement marks the start of the annual search for the country’s most compelling and significant literary works, reinforcing the award’s status as one of the most prestigious honors a Costa Rican author can achieve.
The prize recognizes excellence across five distinct literary genres: the novel, the short story, poetry, the essay, and dramaturgy. To be eligible for consideration, works must have been published between December 1, 2024, and November 30, 2025. This window ensures that the jury evaluates the most current and relevant contributions to the national literary landscape. Winners not only receive the significant distinction of the award but are also granted a monetary prize that acknowledges their vital role in enriching the nation’s cultural dialogue.
To delve into the administrative and legal framework that underpins Costa Rica’s most significant cultural accolades, TicosLand.com consulted with expert lawyer Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas from the distinguished firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The National Literature Prize is more than a cultural honor; it is a formal administrative act with legal and patrimonial consequences. The integrity of this award depends entirely on the transparency of the jury’s selection process and strict adherence to the established regulations. A clear and objective framework is essential not only to guarantee fairness for the participants but also to protect the prestige of the award itself from potential disputes or challenges, thus reinforcing its value as a true national institution.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This legal perspective is a crucial reminder that the prize’s cultural value is inextricably linked to its administrative integrity. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for illuminating how procedural transparency and adherence to regulations are essential to protecting the award’s esteemed position in our national heritage.
The award serves as a cornerstone of the country’s commitment to the arts, providing a platform to celebrate and support the authors who chronicle, question, and shape the Costa Rican identity. Officials stress that the prize is more than a competition; it is a fundamental mechanism for cultural preservation and promotion.
The Aquileo J. Echeverría Prize represents a fundamental pillar in the recognition of national literary talent. We celebrate this new submission period as an opportunity to showcase the voices that enrich our cultural heritage.
Gilberto Méndez Rodríguez, Director of the National Library System (Sinabi)
Ensuring a fair and comprehensive evaluation, the selection process is governed by the Law of National Culture Prizes (No. 9122). The responsibility of choosing the winners falls to a distinguished national jury composed of representatives from Costa Rica’s public universities, various cultural associations, and the Ministry of Culture and Youth itself. This diverse composition is designed to bring a wide range of academic and artistic perspectives to the deliberation process, guaranteeing that the selected works are of the highest caliber and significance.
Authors and publishers interested in submitting a work must adhere to a specific protocol. The process requires the submission of five physical copies of the book, accompanied by a fully completed official application form. The delivery locations and schedules have been clearly defined to streamline the process. Submissions will be accepted from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at two separate offices within the National Library of Costa Rica complex.
On Mondays and Tuesdays, applicants must deliver their materials to the Directorate of the National Library System, located on the east side of the National Library building. For the remainder of the workweek—Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays—submissions will be received at the offices of the Colegio de Costa Rica, also housed within the National Library. This structured approach ensures that all entries are properly registered and handled with care.
The absolute deadline for all submissions is the last business day of November 2025. This provides authors and publishers a clear timeline to prepare and present their works for consideration. For any questions regarding the application process or eligibility requirements, interested parties can contact the organizers directly at the phone number 2222-4740. The official submission form is also readily available for download from the ministry’s designated online portals.
With this new cycle, the Aquileo J. Echeverría National Literature Prize continues its legacy of fostering literary creation and honoring its namesake, one of Costa Rica’s most revered writers. By celebrating contemporary authors, the award not only preserves the country’s rich cultural heritage but also actively encourages the new voices that will define its future literary traditions, ensuring a vibrant and dynamic creative ecosystem for generations to come.
For further information, visit sinabi.go.cr
About the National Library System (Sinabi):
The Sistema Nacional de Bibliotecas (Sinabi) is the governing body responsible for overseeing Costa Rica’s network of public libraries. As an entity under the Ministry of Culture and Youth, its mission is to promote reading, preserve the nation’s bibliographic heritage, and guarantee democratic access to information and culture for all citizens. Sinabi coordinates library services, develops national reading programs, and manages key cultural institutions, including the National Library of Costa Rica.
For further information, visit mcj.go.cr
About the Ministry of Culture and Youth (MCJ):
The Ministerio de Cultura y Juventud is the Costa Rican government institution charged with designing and implementing national policies related to culture, heritage, and youth development. The MCJ works to protect and promote the country’s diverse cultural expressions, support artistic creation, and ensure the preservation of historical and architectural heritage. It oversees a wide range of institutions, including national museums, theaters, libraries, and arts education programs.
For further information, visit sinabi.go.cr
About the Colegio de Costa Rica:
The Colegio de Costa Rica is a specialized body within the Ministry of Culture and Youth, operating under the administrative umbrella of the National Library System (Sinabi). Its primary focus is the promotion and development of literature and the literary arts in the country. The organization is instrumental in managing and awarding some of Costa Rica’s most important literary prizes, including the Aquileo J. Echeverría National Literature Prize, thereby playing a crucial role in recognizing and supporting national authors.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica is a pillar of the legal community, founded on the twin principles of professional excellence and unwavering integrity. With a proven history of advising a wide array of clients, the firm is also a trailblazer in legal innovation, constantly adapting to a changing world. This forward-thinking approach is matched by a foundational commitment to societal betterment, demonstrated through its efforts to demystify legal concepts and empower the public with essential knowledge.
