King Felipe VI of Spain personally presented the Joan Margarit Poetry Prize to Canadian author Margaret Atwood during a ceremony at the University of Victoria in Toronto on Thursday. The award, established by the Cervantes Institute in September 2024, honors the legacy of the late Catalan poet and architect Joan Margarit.
The event marked a continuation of Spain's recognition of Atwood's literary contributions, nearly two decades after she received the Princess of Asturias Award for Literature in 2007. The King, accompanied by First Deputy Prime Minister and Economy Minister Carlos Cuerpo, is concluding a three-day official visit to Canada that included stops in Ottawa and Toronto.
A Family Tribute to a Literary Bond
Mónica and Pol Lezcano Margarit, the daughter and grandson of Joan Margarit, read poems by both Atwood and their relative during the ceremony. The readings underscored the thematic and stylistic connections between the two writers, both known for their incisive explorations of human experience and societal critique.
In his speech, King Felipe VI addressed Atwood directly: “We would like you to receive this prize as a token of our gratitude for having taught us how to read better: how to read our times, how to read our societies and how to read ourselves.” The King's words highlighted the broader cultural significance of Atwood's work, which spans decades and includes the dystopian classic The Handmaid's Tale.
The Joan Margarit Prize is named after the Barcelona-born poet and professor of architecture, who died in 2021. Margarit's poetry, often written in Catalan and Spanish, is celebrated for its emotional depth and architectural precision. The prize aims to promote poetry and literary exchange between Spain and the international community.
Atwood, 85, is one of Canada's most acclaimed authors, with a career that includes novels, poetry, essays, and literary criticism. Her receipt of the Joan Margarit Prize adds to a long list of honors, including the Booker Prize, the Governor General's Award, and the Princess of Asturias Award. The award also reflects the growing recognition of Catalan literature and culture on the global stage.
The King's visit to Canada included business meetings and political engagements, including a reception with Prime Minister Mark Carney. The trip underscores Spain's economic and cultural ties with Canada, as well as the broader European Union's engagement with North America. For more on literary prizes with European connections, see our coverage of the International Booker Prize and the 2026 shortlist.
The Joan Margarit Prize is part of a wider trend of European cultural institutions honoring international writers. Similar initiatives include the Charlemagne Prize and the Loewe Craft Prize, which celebrate excellence across disciplines. The prize also highlights the role of the Cervantes Institute, which promotes Spanish language and culture worldwide.
Atwood's acceptance of the prize in Toronto, rather than in Spain, reflects the global nature of contemporary literary awards. The ceremony at the University of Victoria brought together Canadian and Spanish cultural figures, reinforcing the transatlantic dialogue that the prize seeks to foster.
The King's visit to Canada, which began on Tuesday, also focused on economic cooperation, with meetings between Spanish and Canadian business leaders. The trip is part of Spain's broader strategy to strengthen ties with North America, particularly in sectors such as technology, renewable energy, and cultural exchange.
