A Space for Youth Creativity
The Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, Mònica Bonell, had the honour of presenting the awards for the 37th edition of the Christmas Story Competition, an event that has become a benchmark in the promotion of literature among young people.
The Essence of Christmas in Narrative
Bonell highlighted the importance of this event, stating that the deep connection of Christmas with local culture and traditions is a key factor in the success of this initiative. “Christmas is not only a festival, but a source of inspiration that unites us all,” he commented.
Thanks to the Educators
The minister expressed her gratitude to schools and teachers, who play a fundamental role in stimulating children’s literary creativity. “The writing process can be a challenge, especially for those who are just starting out, but it is an essential step to overcome the fear of the unknown,” added Bonell.
An Edition With More Participation Than Ever
The awards ceremony took place at the La Llacuna Cultural Center, where a total of nine stories were recognized, selected from 146 proposals submitted this year. The categories were well represented, with 78 stories for young children, 20 for children, 8 for young people and 40 for adults.
Winners and Finalists: A Recognized Talent
In the adult category, Mònica Fresno won first prize with ‘El meu Nord’, while ‘Llum a la Vall’ by Anna Carrera was recognized as a finalist. In the youth category, Aran Esquerré won with ‘Obre els ulls’ and Inés Lopes was a finalist with ‘Un Nadal inesperat’.
The little storytellers also shone: Abril Marquina won in the children’s category with ‘Una feina inesperada’, while Blanca Jover was a finalist with ‘La história del Nadal’. Finally, in the juvenile category, Quim López took first prize with ‘El Tió que no sabia cagar’.
Rewards for Everyone
The finalists received a 250 euro book voucher, with the ex-aequos receiving 125 euros each. The winners also received travel vouchers ranging from 250 to 1,000 euros, depending on the category. The jury, made up of professionals such as Vanessa Sanjurjo and Raquel López, assessed the creativity and originality of the works presented.
A Look at the Literary Future
With this edition, the competition reaffirms its commitment to promoting reading and writing, hoping to inspire a new generation of authors who will continue to enrich our culture with their unique voices.
