An International Recognition
Dry Stone Week has once again become a prominent event in Andorra, promoted by the collaboration of the Department of Cultural Heritage and the Cal Pal Cultural Space. This edition has acquired a new dimension, as the dry stone technique has recently been recognized by UNESCO as an intangible heritage of humanity. This recognition not only celebrates the skill of Andorran artisans, but also highlights the cultural importance of this tradition.
Awards and Photographic Creativity
The Week concluded with an emotional ceremony at Cal Pal, where the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, Mònica Bonell, presented the awards for the 5th ‘The Art of Dry Stone’ competition. An expert jury, made up of prominent figures such as photographer Àlex Tena and educational advisor Patrick Morlaes, selected five winning photographs from the 64 submitted on Instagram. The criteria included not only visual quality, but also the ability to express heritage values.
The Winners
The artists recognized in this edition were Maria Núria Moreno, Iris Grau, Jordi Castelar, Alan Manchado and Alexandra Capdevila, each of them contributing a unique vision of the art of dry stone through their images.
Promoting Young Talent
In addition to the photo contest, the event included special recognition for young participants in a dry stone drawing workshop led by Patrick Morlaes. This workshop, held in French schools across the country, offered students the opportunity to connect with this technique through outdoor drawing, thus fostering their appreciation and understanding.
Youth Awards
The two best drawings in each class were awarded books about dry stone and museum tickets, an initiative that seeks to stimulate the interest and knowledge of the youngest about this cultural heritage.
Reflections on Heritage
The Dry Stone Week has been a resounding success, consolidating the commitment of the Department of Cultural Heritage and Cal Pal to the preservation of this ancestral art. Through activities such as these, awareness is promoted about the importance of dry stone and the need to preserve and transmit this tradition to future generations. The positive assessment of participation in the event demonstrates the growing interest in this heritage, essential for the cultural identity of Andorra.