Mexican author Fernando del Paso wins Spain’s Cervantes top literary prize

MADRID – Mexican author Fernando del Paso has won the 2015 Cervantes Prize, the Spanish-speaking world’s highest literary honour.

Education Minister Inigo Mendez de Vigo announced the prize Thursday, highlighting del Paso’s mix of tradition with modernity, and his recreation of episodes that are fundamental to Mexico’s history in his novels.

Del Paso’s works include his highly popular “News from the Empire” and “Palinuro of Mexico.”

The 125,000 euros ($133,950) prize generally alternates between Spanish and Latin American writers. Last year’s winner was Spanish author Juan Goytisolo.

The prizes are presented each April 23, the anniversary of the death of Miguel de Cervantes, author of “Don Quixote.”