On April 22, 1991 CE, a powerful earthquake, estimated at magnitude 7.6, struck the Limón region of Costa Rica. The quake caused widespread destruction and loss of life. This was one of the most powerful earthquakes in Costa Rican history and had a significant impact on the country.

The 1991 Limón earthquake inspired a wave of Costa Rican poetry and literature that explored the trauma and resilience of the people. The event is a significant theme in Costa Rican literature, where it is used to reflect on the country's vulnerability to natural disasters and its cultural identity. The earthquake is a key event in the history of Central American literature, often used as a symbol of suffering and hope.