Carmen María López Wins the Adonáis Prize with 'Prayer of the Rain

Published on January 05, 2026 | Translated from Spanish
Photograph of the poet Carmen María López, winner of the Adonáis Prize, posing with a copy of her poetry book 'Prayer of the Rain'.

Carmen María López Wins the Adonáis Prize with 'Prayer of the Rain'

The Adonáis Prize for poetry, in its 79th edition, already has a winner. The distinction went to the author Carmen María López for her work Prayer of the Rain. This historic recognition in Spain highlights a new literary voice that is already resonating strongly. 📜

A Unanimous Jury for an Emotional Poetry Book

The prize's minutes, announced in Madrid, reveal that the decision was made unanimously. The jury members emphasized how the book builds an emotion that intensifies with each page. This quality allows the text to dialogue with past eras and the poetic tradition that precedes it. The work competed with a total of 672 original entries submitted to the call.

Key Points from the Jury's Verdict:
  • The emotional unity that grows throughout the poetry book is valued.
  • Its ability to traverse time and connect generations is highlighted.
  • A deep and luminous lyricism is praised at the same time.
"...for the emotion that grows and traverses time, generations, and literary heritages." - Minutes of the Adonáis Prize.

A Decisive Boost for the Author's Career

For Carmen María López, born in Algeciras in 1993, this prize marks a milestone in her literary career. The poet had previously published the poetry book The Caiman's Siesta. The Adonáis Prize not only brings prestigious recognition but also very concrete aspects for disseminating her work.

Practical Details of the Award:
  • A cash prize of 7000 euros.
  • The publication of the winning work in the Adonáis collection by the publisher Rialp.
  • The distribution of the poetry book in bookstores in the coming weeks.

The Meaning of the Prize Beyond the Umbrella

Although the title Prayer of the Rain might suggest it, the prize does not include an umbrella. Its true value lies in guaranteeing visibility. This award ensures that Carmen María López's voice will no longer be unknown to a large number of readers, consolidating her place in the current poetic landscape. The prize, with its long tradition, continues to function as a beacon for discovering talent. ✨