Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz: Writer and Women's Rights Advocate
In the 17th century, Inés De Asbaje Y Ramirez de Santillana, later known as Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz, emerged as a significant writer whose works greatly impacted the literary, religious, and feminist realms of New Spain, now Mexico. Despite the restrictions placed on women's education at the time, Sor Juana joined a nunnery in her mid-teens in 1667 to pursue her passion for learning. Two years later, she entered Convento de San Jerónimo in Mexico City, where she remained cloistered until she died in 1695.
Despite the limitations of her cloistered life, Sor Juana wrote extensively on various topics, including poetry and philosophical treatises. Her works often challenged the status quo and advocated for women's rights, a bold stance for someone within patriarchal Catholicism. Sor Juana's writings were not only a pursuit of knowledge but also a rebellion against social norms and gender roles. Her legacy continues to inspire many today.
Sor Juana's Enduring Influence
Sor Juana is a celebrated Mexican figure whose influence and contributions are still felt today. Her significance is such that her face has been featured on Mexican banknotes since the 1970s. Additionally, a beautiful mosaic of her portrait can be seen in the Porrúa bookstore in the heart of Mexico City's historic center.
Porrúa Bookstore: A Legacy of Mexican Literature
The Porrúa bookstore was established in 1900 by three brothers who emigrated from Spain. The flagship store, which opened in 1910, is housed in a building dating back to the 18th century. The Porrúa brothers' 1914 Mexican poetry compilation is considered one of the country's first modern books printed and edited entirely in Mexico, showcasing their dedication to promoting Mexican literature.
The Sor Juana Book Mosaic
The mosaic in the Porrúa bookstore is an elegant tribute to Sor Juana's contributions and the cultural heritage of Spanish-Mexican literature. Unveiled on November 12, 2020, the mural is a stunning work made entirely from books and artists' charcoal. Standing tall at 4.8 meters and 3.6 meters wide, the mosaic is a breathtaking sight.
The unveiling date, November 12, was chosen to mark the 372nd anniversary of Sor Juana's birth. This date is also celebrated as Mexico's National Book Day, established in 1980 to honor Sor Juana's significant contributions to Mexican literature. The mosaic is a beautiful and meaningful tribute to a remarkable woman and her legacy.
Visiting Porrúa Matriz
Porrúa Matriz, the beloved bookstore, welcomes customers six days a week, from Monday to Saturday, operating between 9 a.m. and 8 p.m. daily. The bookstore closes on Sundays during school holidays to give employees some rest. On other days, it opens at 10 a.m. and stays open until 5 p.m., providing a peaceful environment for book lovers to browse through thousands of books in a relaxed atmosphere.
