Cuban Writer María de Jesús Chávez Wins 2026 Premio Calendario for Science Fiction on Her Fourth Attempt

August 16, 2026

Cuban writer María de Jesús Chávez won the 2026 Premio Calendario in the Science Fiction and Fantasy category for her work "Panel de Alarmas" ("Alarm Panel"). She received the award on August 12, 2026, at Sala Nicolás Guillén, as part of the 34th Havana International Book Fair.

Chávez was one of nine young creators under 35 recognized this year across the Premio Calendario's categories, which also included poetry, children's and young adult literature, theater and essay. The author said it was her fourth attempt at winning the prize, and said receiving it "is always good news in a Cuban literary career before turning 35."

The Premio Calendario, marking its third decade this year, is organized by the Hermanos Saíz Association (AHS) with support from Cuba's Book Institute and Casa Editora Abril. A jury of writers, researchers and intellectuals reviewed roughly a hundred submissions before selecting the winners. Among the award's benefits is publication of the winning work with a print run of a thousand copies.

The call for entries for the 2027 edition of the contest is already open to interested young creators.