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1914–1953 · Carolina · Poetry • Literature

Born February 17, 1914 in Carolina. Died July 6, 1953 in New York City, at age 39. One of Puerto Rico's most celebrated poets, Julia de Burgos is recognized internationally for her passionate poetry exploring identity, love, feminism, and social justice. Her literary legacy continues to inspire readers around the world.

Considered one of Puerto Rico's leading 20th-century poets, influenced by Luis Llorens Torres, Clair Lair, Rafael Alberti and Pablo Neruda, she was a prominent member of the literary Vanguard movement in San Juan in the late 1930s. She was also an advocate for the independance of Puerto Rico. She graduated from the University of Puerto Rico with a teaching degree. Her literary work placed her among the greatest poets of Hispanic-America. Her best-known poem is "El Río Grande de Loiza". Other well-known poems are "Canción Desnuda," "Te Quiero," "A Julia de Burgos," "Yo Misma fui mi Ruta," and "Tres Caminos." She published several books among which are; "Poemas exactos de mi misma," "Poemas en Veinte Zurcos," and "Cancién de la verdad sencilla."