A Gala Surrounding Catalan
This year’s gala was a vibrant reflection of the richness and vitality of the Catalan language. With the opening by Alba Armengol and Alba Careta, music merged with poetry, thanks to the recitation by Mireia Calafell, who brought to life a poem by the 2023 laureate Carles Riba. This introduction set the tone for an event dedicated to celebrating the existence and impact of Catalan in today’s culture.
Literary Awards: A Reflection of Creativity
The 27th Mercè Rodoreda Award has been awarded to Toni Güell Ayza for his work ‘Elefants’, a collection that fuses realism and fantasy. Güell expressed that his work explores the idea of confidence in the possibility of making the most ambitious dreams come true, a message of hope and overcoming that resonates in the times we live in.
Youth Narrative in the Spotlight
Mariona Bessa Jové has been recognized with the 51st Joaquim Ruyra Award for ‘L’ascens dels rebels’, a work that highlights the importance of youth literature as a tool to foster young thinkers and independent people. Bessa Jové emphasized the transformative potential of this literature.
Poetry as a Vehicle for Reflection
Blanca Llum Vidal has won the 66th Carles Riba Award with ‘Tan bonica i tirana’, a work that delves into universal themes such as love and desire. Vidal vindicated literature as an instrument of social change, highlighting its ability to inspire and provoke reflection on the human condition.
Awards and Claims: A Cry for Help
The culminating moment of the gala was marked by the 65th Sant Jordi Award, which went to Roc Casagran for ‘Somiàvem una illa’. Casagran described his work as an exploration of human connections and life experiences, as well as a call to action to defend the Catalan language and culture.
The impact of Culture and Books
Xavier Antich, president of Òmnium, made a passionate appeal on the importance of the book as a pillar of civilization, lamenting the destruction of books around the world. His speech was a reminder of the need to preserve culture and language in difficult times.
A Moment of Record
The gala was not only a space for celebration, but also a moment to remember the voices we have lost this year. The tribute included significant cultural figures who have left a lasting mark on society.
A Final Message of Hope
The evening closed with the reading of a text by Carles Capdevila, which resonated strongly with the attendees. His reflection on language as a tool of commitment and defense of identity was a reminder of the power we have to preserve what is ours.
