Panamanian Cultural Specialist to Receive Top Ibero-American Award in Cuba
Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
TLDR
- José Augusto Broce, a specialist in Intangible Cultural Heritage at Panama's Ministry of Culture, will receive the Ibero-American Award "Indio Naborí" for Décima and Improvised Verse.
- The award ceremony will take place during the III Ibero-American Congress of Décima and Improvised Verse in Varadero, Cuba, from May 15-17, 2026.
- Broce is recognized for his significant contributions to preserving, developing, and disseminating the décima and improvised verse, highlighting Panama's cultural heritage on an international stage.
Panama's vibrant cultural landscape is set to receive international acclaim as José Augusto Broce, a distinguished specialist from the Ministry of Culture's Department of Intangible Cultural Heritage, has been selected to receive the prestigious Ibero-American Award "Indio Naborí" for Décima and Improvised Verse. This honor, one of the highest in its field globally, will be bestowed upon Broce during the III Ibero-American Congress of Décima and Improvised Verse, scheduled to convene in Varadero, Cuba, from May 15-17, 2026. The congress itself is a significant gathering, bringing together researchers, artists, and prominent figures dedicated to the rich tradition of oral verse from across Ibero-America.
El especialista del Departamento de Patrimonio Cultural Inmaterial del Ministerio de Cultura de Panamá, José Augusto Broce, ha sido seleccionado para recibir el Premio Iberoamericano “Indio Naborí” de Décima y Verso Improvisado, uno de los más importantes reconocimientos en este campo a nivel internacional.
At the Ministry of Culture, we are immensely proud of this recognition, which underscores Broce's profound dedication to safeguarding and promoting Panama's intangible cultural heritage. His extensive work in research, preservation, and dissemination of oral traditions, particularly the décima and improvised verse, has been instrumental in strengthening the national identity. This award not only celebrates Broce's individual achievements but also places Panama at the forefront of Ibero-American cultural dialogue, highlighting the value of its exponents in keeping alive the popular traditions and living culture of the region.
La distinción será entregada durante el III Congreso Iberoamericano de la Décima y el Verso Improvisado, que se celebrará del 15 al 17 de mayo de 2026 en Varadero, Matanzas, en la República de Cuba.
This award is particularly meaningful from a Panamanian perspective. The décima and improvised verse are more than just literary forms; they are living expressions of our history, our social commentary, and our collective spirit. Broce's tireless efforts ensure that these traditions are not lost to time but continue to evolve and inspire future generations. While international media might focus on broader cultural trends, this award shines a spotlight on a specific, deeply rooted art form that is central to our cultural identity. It is a powerful reminder of the importance of preserving and celebrating the unique cultural expressions that define us, both within Panama and on the wider Ibero-American stage.
El premio es otorgado por el Centro Iberoamericano de la Décima y el Verso Improvisado, y reconoce la trayectoria de personalidades que han contribuido de manera significativa a la preservación, desarrollo y difusión de la décima y el verso improvisado, tanto en su expresión oral como escrita.
Originally published by TVN Panamá in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.