In this essay I propose that the Girardian distinction between “mensonge romantique” and “vérité romanesque” may engender a new interpretation of the Latin American culture. In order to unfold this possibility, I will begin with a discussion of the Girardian concepts of “mensonge romantique”, “vérité romanesque” and “interdividuality”. I will then propose the concept of “poetics of emulation” as a strategy of Latin American cultural history.