A.M. Pires Cabral Wins António Ramos Rosa Grand Poetry Prize
On June 30, 2025, at noon, the jury of the António Ramos Rosa Grand Poetry Prize — organized by the Portuguese Writers’ Association (APE) in partnership with the Municipality of Faro — convened under the coordination of José Manuel Mendes.
The panel, composed of Helena Buescu, José Cândido Oliveira Martins, and Ana Isabel Soares, met to deliberate over the submissions. Following a discussion on their respective reading approaches and initial impressions, the jury reached a unanimous decision in the first round of voting.
The winning work was Na morte de Erato by A.M. Pires Cabral, published by Tinta-da-China. According to the jury, the book stood out for its bold revival of a contemplative poetic tradition — free from nostalgic melancholy—and for its refined and dignified language, exemplified in the line: “Pousar, é tudo” (“To rest, that is all,” p. 6).
The jury praised the dialogue the poet establishes with the dying muse, Erato, describing it as a conversation between two equally skilled artisans of the poetic word. The resulting elegy is marked by a notable absence of grief or longing, skillfully blending colloquial tones with the elevated diction of classical poetry.
Established by the Portuguese Writers’ Association and the Municipality of Faro — and sponsored by the Millennium BCP Foundation — the António Ramos Rosa Grand Poetry Prize annually honors an original book of poetry published in Portuguese. The current edition accepted books released in 2024.
The prize carries a monetary award of €12,500 for the winner. The date of the official award ceremony, to be held in Faro, will be announced in due course.
