Famous People from Honduras

Honduras is a republic of Central America that has had several living legends shine for it on the international front. Some of the best writers, painters, poets, etc., hail from this nation.

Honduras, a republic of Central America, is located in the center of Central America, with its territorial area expanding to over 112, 492 km². It is surrounded by the Caribbean sea to the north and Pacific Ocean to its south.

To its west is Guatemala and to its southwest is El Salvador, while to its east lies Nicaragua. The country is home to people from different ancestries such as from the Mayan Indians, Garifuna communities, etc. Almost 90% of the Honduran population is Mestizo. Small minorities of African, Asian, Arab, European, and indigenous Indian descent are also a part of the Honduran population. 97% of the population is Roman Catholic, with the rest being Protestant minority.

There have been several famous people from Honduras who have etched their names in history. Let’s find out who they are!

José Cecilio del Valle (1780 – 1834)
Philosopher, Politician, Lawyer, and Journalist

Nicknamed as ‘The Wise’, Valle was one of the most renown and important Central American figures during the transition from colonial government to independence. His expertise and knowledge helped the nation to a great extent. Once he retired from politics he delved into writing, and then left for his heavenly abode in 1834.

Froylán Turcios (1875 – 1943)
Novelist and Writer

This famous Honduran writer is considered to be one of the most important Honduran intellectuals belonging to the early twentieth century. He also was a famous journalist and leading politician of those times. Since he opposed the American involvement in Honduras, most of this literary works are violent stories with strong plots.

Roberto Sosa (1930 – 2011)
Poet and Author

Considered to be the national poet of Honduras and one of the best poets in Central America, Roberto Sosa was born on April 18, 1930 in Yoro, Honduras. Roberto published his first book when he was almost 30 years old. His book ‘Los Pobres’ that was published in 1969 won the Adonais Prize in Spain. His book ‘Un Mundo Para Todos Dividido’ won the Casa de las Americas Prize.

Rafael Leonardo Callejas Romero
President

Born on November 14, 1943 in Tegucigalpa in Honduras, Rafael Leonardo Callejas Romero held the presidential position from 27 January 1990 to 27 January 1994. He studied and became an expert in financial and economic issues connected to agronomy. He got a Bachelor of Science degree in the year 1965 and a Masters in Science in 1966 at the Mississippi State University.

Sir Salvador Moncada
Pharmacologist and Professor

This great personality was born on 3rd December 1944. The topics of his research include vascular biology, inflammation, and regulation of cell proliferation. He is famous for his inventions which included the function and metabolism of the compound nitric oxide.

Steve Van Buren (1920 – 2012)
Football Player

Born on December 28, 1920 in La Ceiba, Honduras, Steve Van Buren is a former professional American football halfback. He played for the Philadelphia Eagles of the National Football League from 1944 – 1951 and retired after a knee injury before the 1952 season. Today, this famous football player resides in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.

José Trinidad Reyes y Sevilla (1797 – 1855)
Founder National University

He is the proud founder of the Autonomous National University of Honduras. This university is now been addressed to as ‘La Sociedad del Genio emprendedor y del buen gusto’. He was a great person who worked for the cause of eradicating poverty and helping the poor. He has earned Bachelor degrees in Theology, Canon Law, and Philosophy.

List of Some More Famous Honduran People

The land of Honduras has had many more eminent personalities who have and are continuing to raise the name of this Republic even higher!