A work written by Susy Delgado (76) invites readers into a world where Spanish and Guaraní exist side by side, reflecting the identity of millions of Paraguayans. Born in the city of San Lorenzo, the award-winning poet, writer and translator dedicates her career to celebrating bilingual literature while exploring culture, memory, language and everyday life. Her work reaches readers across Paraguay and beyond, demonstrating how language can preserve the voices of a nation.
On Paraguayan Poet Day (Día del Poeta Paraguayo), celebrated annually on 11 October, we learn more about the woman who continues to make Guaraní poetry more visible in a global literary context.
Growing up between two languages
Susy Delgado grew up surrounded by Spanish and Guaraní, experiencing first-hand the cultural richness that defines Paraguay. This bilingual environment became the foundation of her literary voice, shaping her sensitivity toward language and expression.
As she developped as a writer, Delgado discovers that poetry offers a space where both languages can coexist naturally. She begins publishing work that explores human relationships, nature and culture, often moving between Spanish and Guaraní with equal artistic intention. Her writing establishes bilingualism as an expressive space.
Giving Guaraní a literary voice
Throughout her career, Delgado placed Guaraní at the centre of her creative work, strengthening its presence in contemporary Paraguayan literature. She writes poetry, translates literary texts and participates in bilingual publications that reach diverse audiences across the country.
Her approach reflects the lived reality of Paraguay, where both languages shape daily communication. In her poetry, Guaraní is an equally expressive literary language capable of carrying imagery, emotion and rhythm.
Literary works and bilingual craft
One of the most distinctive aspects of Susy Delgado’s work is her ability to create poetry that exists fully in Spanish and Guaraní. She re-creates the texts, preserving their poetic intensity and imagery. This makes her one of the most important figures in contemporary bilingual literature in Paraguay.
Her bibliography spans several decades and includes poetry collections and bilingual editions such as Tesarái Mboyve – Antes del olvido (Before Forgetting) and Tataypýpe – Junto al fuego (By the Fire). Additionally, it includes Ayvu membyre – Hijo de aquel verbo (Child of That Word), Ñe’ẽ jovái – Palabra en dúo (Words in Duo), and Ogüe jave takuapu – Cuando se apaga el takuá (When the Takuá Falls Silent).
Across these works, her writing is often described through literary criticism as stylistically consistent, carefully structured, and deeply attentive to lyrical language and meaning. Her poetry is about sensitivity with intellectual clarity, while maintaining a strong connection to her Paraguayan roots.
A career dedicated to literature
Beyond her poetry, Susy Delgado has worked extensively in cultural journalism, literary translation and editorial projects. She has also been involved in the creation and promotion of bilingual literary spaces, most notably the literary magazine TAKUAPU, which she helped establish to support and circulate contemporary writing in both national languages.
Her work as a translator is considered central to her literary contribution, especially in poetry, where she recreates meaning across languages. This positions as a key cultural mediator between linguistic traditions.
Over the years, she has participated in numerous anthologies and cultural initiatives, helping bring Paraguayan literature into international circulation. Her work has contributed to making Guaraní poetry more visible in global literary contexts through translation into other languages.
Susy Delgado lasting contribution to Paraguay
Susy Delgado continues enriching Paraguay’s literature through her writing and cultural work. Her career demonstrates how literature can preserve an artist’s roots and culture while also expanding artistic possibilities across languages.
As her poetry continues to circulate, Delgado remains a central figure in contemporary Paraguayan literature, ensuring that Spanish and Guaraní continue to live as fully developed literary voices.
Also read: From Greene To Franzen: Five Great Books Set In Paraguay, In English.
