Mario Vargas Llosa’s unexpected passing has left an enormous void in the world of literature. The tragic news was confirmed over the weekend, by his children in a statement that revealed the Nobel laureate was in Lima at the time of his death. Within hours, a flood of moving tributes and farewells spread across social media, with messages pouring in not only from literary figures but also from celebrated personalities such as Antonio Banderas.
On April 14—just one day after the news broke—the Spanish actor took to his Instagram account to share his sorrow. “A dark day for literature. We have lost Mario Vargas Llosa, Nobel Prize winner and universal icon of Spanish-language literature,” he wrote, alongside a striking black-and-white portrait of the writer clutching a pen. “My heartfelt condolences to his family, close ones, and devoted readers. R.I.P.,” he added.
Banderas’s post resonated widely, with his followers mourning the loss of the man behind timeless works like The Feast of the Goat and The City and the Dogs. At 89, Vargas Llosa’s departure represents an irreplaceable loss—not only for Spanish literature but for the entire global cultural landscape.
In a statement released by his children—Álvaro, Gonzalo, and Morgana—they shared: “With profound sorrow, we announce that our father, Mario Vargas Llosa passed away today in Lima, surrounded by his family and at peace. His departure will sadden his relatives, friends, and readers around the world.
We hope, however, that they may find comfort in knowing he lived a long, multifaceted, and fruitful life, leaving behind a legacy that will continue to inspire generations.” They also confirmed that, in accordance with his wishes, there will be no public funerals. “Our mother, our children, and we have chosen to have the space and privacy to say our goodbyes within the intimate circle of family and close friends.”
The Spanish Royal Family reacted to his loss
Through their official social media account, they posted a moving tribute featuring King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia alongside the late writer with a caption that read, “The pantheon of universal letters has welcomed Mario Vargas Llosa. We remain eternally grateful for his immense contribution to our shared Hispano-Peruvian heritage. Our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends”.
Beyond his literary achievements, Mario Vargas Llosa also ventured into the world of politics. In the late 1980s, he launched a presidential campaign in Peru. One that left a lasting impression on the national conversation despite its setbacks amid governmental threats. This led the Peruvian writer to move to spain in search of safety and a new start in the early 1990s. A few years later, in 1993, Spain granted him citizenship, and it was the beginning of the deep bond he forged with his adopted ‘motherland’, which reaffirmed his multifaceted legacy.
Adding another layer of personal reflection, Genoveva Casanova—a former romantic partner of Gonzalo Vargas Llosa—shared her nostalgic farewell. Posting a sentimental photograph that also featured Patricia Llosa, the writer’s former wife, she wrote: “You left this world surrounded by the love of your family, with the tenderness and timeless elegance that defined you. Now, may you soar with those magnificent wings of your soul. Have a safe journey, Mario...”
Mario Vargas Llosa’s extraordinary life and legacy will continue to inspire countless readers and creatives around the globe, marking an indelible chapter in the annals of world literature.