Alicante’s provincial government marked a celebratory night as the Miguel Hernández Alicante Cultural Awards honored nearly twenty creators across disciplines during a gala organized at ADDA for the event’s third edition, themed To give back some of what you gave us. The ceremony, led by the provincial president and hosted by Mª Carmen Puch, recognized photographer Cristina de Middel with the title of cultural ambassador of the province, a distinction announced by Toni Pérez. The honored list also included historian Joaquín Santo Matas, remembered a year after his passing, with his brother José Luis receiving a special mention on his behalf.
Reflecting on past MARQ visits that drew 215,000 visitors for Warriors of Xian, the current Dalí exhibition at Mubag, and the ADDA Simfònica orchestra earning Grammy nominations, the state president praised the awardees as true ambassadors of the region. He described their everyday impact as the strongest proof of culture’s vitality and urged them to continue pursuing a profession that elevates society, entertains, stirs thought, and enriches people as individuals and as a community.
The president then posed a bold question about life without culture, underscoring that culture sustains energy and meaning, especially after the pandemic. He highlighted the power of artistic imagination—from a detective novel crafted in a Cervantes-like voice to a reggaeton anthem sung by a modern icon—emphasizing the need for talent, dedication, and sensitivity. The message was clear: authentic culture moves people and helps keep life beautiful.
The gala featured host Luis Larrodera and performances by a circus troupe as well as artists including Angeles Baez, José Espadero from the Professional Dance Conservatory, soprano Aida Gimeno, and pianist Carlos Sanchis, enriching the evening with a blend of spectacle and artistry.
Considered Worthy
Among those recognized for career achievements were Elia Barcelona, author from Eldense and recipient of the National Children’s and Youth Literature Award in 2020; the L’Alcúdia Classical Theater Festival; Teresa Lanceta, winner of the National Award for Plastic Arts in 2023; Adam Aliaga, a director noted for his Goya Award race work; and Javier Darias, a composer from Alcoy honored with the National Music Award in 2018. The New Creators and Entrepreneurs category celebrated Fernando Parr, who recently received the Valencian Critics’ Prize for his latest novel; the circus group Trocola; artist Perceval Graells; Helena Cortesina from the Short Film Festival; and a singer from Elche known as White Dove Turtle.
Innovation through technology was acknowledged with 80 Worlds Bookstore, the Marroch dance troupe, Valencia’s Performing Arts Prize for 2023, and the Mediterranean Foundation for digitizing works by Eusebio Sempere. Mubag was recognized for its innovative work within the Next Museum Project, and Father Vicalet, a director and professor of Music Technology, received honors alongside institutions such as the Cresol Scientific and Literary Athenaeum of Alicante, the Benidorm Festival, and the Alcoy Music Friends Association, with Cocentaina Tots Sants Fair contributing to the cultural landscape.
From Cocentaina to Concentraïna
During the presentation of an award to a recent recipient, a small error surfaced on the signage where the category was listed as The award for the promotion and dissemination of popular culture. In the case of the Fira de Tots Sants, the intended name was Concentaina, yet the engraved inscription read Concentaina. The gala host offered a playful correction, highlighting the ongoing evolution of cultural identity and the enduring affection for a culture that unfolds with enthusiasm and humor throughout the region.