The Casa África Purorrelato Micro-story Competition 2026 is an international literary contest designed to encourage creative storytelling inspired by Africa. Organized by Casa África, the competition invites writers from around the world to share powerful stories that explore African realities, cultures, and experiences.
Now in its 12th edition, the Purorrelato contest continues its mission of promoting literature that encourages readers to reflect, feel, and think about Africa. Through short but impactful narratives, participants are encouraged to challenge stereotypes and present diverse perspectives about the continent.
The competition offers cash prizes and international recognition for talented writers who can express meaningful ideas within a very short storytelling format.
About the Purorrelato Micro-story Competition
The Purorrelato competition focuses on micro-stories, a literary form that requires writers to tell a complete story in a very limited space. This format encourages creativity, precision, and originality.
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Casa África created this contest to promote literary creation that helps readers better understand Africa beyond common misconceptions. Over the years, the competition has attracted writers from many countries who share stories about African history, culture, people, and everyday life.
By encouraging narratives connected to Africa, the competition aims to strengthen cultural dialogue and expand global understanding of the continent.
Who Can Participate?
The Casa África Purorrelato Micro-story Competition 2026 is open to any person aged 18 years or older. Writers from any country can participate as long as they meet the eligibility requirements.
However, the following individuals are not allowed to participate:
- Staff members of Casa África
- Winners of previous editions of the Purorrelato competition
Each participant is allowed to submit a maximum of three micro-stories.
This open format gives both emerging and experienced writers the opportunity to share their creativity on an international platform.
Theme and Story Requirements
One of the unique features of the Purorrelato competition is that the theme is open, giving writers creative freedom. However, every story must have some connection to Africa.
The relationship with Africa can appear in different ways, such as:
- The story takes place in an African country
- African characters or cultural elements appearing in the narrative
- References to African traditions, landscapes, or history
- A subtle detail linked to the continent
The connection can be minor or central to the plot, but it must be present in the story.
Language and Length Guidelines
Participants may submit their micro-stories in one of the following languages:
- Spanish
- English
- French
- Portuguese
Each story must follow the micro-story format, meaning it should be extremely concise yet meaningful.
The maximum length allowed is:
1,500 characters (including spaces)
The title is not included in this character limit.
Because of this restriction, writers must focus on clarity, creativity, and impactful storytelling.
Originality Requirements
All submissions must meet strict originality standards.
The micro-stories must be:
- Original works created by the participant
- Previously unpublished
- Not submitted to other competitions, awaiting results
- Not winners of any previous contest
Participants must also confirm that their work does not violate third-party rights, such as copyright. Authors are responsible for any legal claims related to their submissions.
These requirements help maintain the integrity and fairness of the competition.
Prize Awards
The Casa África Purorrelato Micro-story Competition offers financial rewards for the top three entries.
Prize structure:
- First Prize: €750
- Second Prize: €375
- Third Prize: €225
In addition to the main prizes, Casa África may also award honorable mentions or runners-up prizes to stories ranked between fourth and sixth place.
Winning this contest not only provides financial rewards but also offers international recognition in the literary community.
Evaluation Process
All submitted stories will be reviewed by a professional jury composed of respected experts in African literature from Africa and Spain.
The jury will evaluate entries based on:
- Creativity and originality
- Literary quality
- Narrative impact
- Relevance to Africa
Their decision will determine the final winners of the competition.
How to Participate
The submission process for the Purorrelato competition involves several steps.
Step 1: Complete the Application Form
Participants must download, fill out, sign, and scan the official application form.
Step 2: Prepare Required Documents
Applicants should prepare the following documents:
- Their micro-stories (maximum three)
- A scanned copy of their ID card or passport
- The completed application form
Step 3: Submit Through the Platform
All submissions must be uploaded through the Mundo Arti platform. Participants who do not already have an account must create one before submitting their work.
If any issues arise during submission, applicants can contact the support team via email.
Submission Deadline
The final deadline for submitting entries is:
April 16, 2026, at 14:00 (GMT+0)
Participants are encouraged to submit their stories well before the deadline to avoid technical issues.
After submission, participants simply need to wait for the jury’s final decision.
Why This Competition Matters
The Purorrelato Micro-story Competition is more than just a writing contest. It serves as an important platform for sharing stories about Africa from different perspectives.
Through short literary works, writers can help reshape narratives about the continent and highlight the rich diversity of African experiences.
For many participants, the competition provides a chance to gain international exposure, connect with other writers, and contribute to meaningful cultural dialogue.
Whether you are an aspiring writer or an experienced storyteller, the Casa África Purorrelato Micro-story Competition 2026 offers an exciting opportunity to showcase your talent and creativity.
For more information, visit the Casa África Purorrelato Micro-story Competition.
