In Benidorm, the 2022 Easter Photography Award organized under the Frax Foundation umbrella saw a notable shift in how prizes were allocated. The jury decided to forgo awarding the first prize this year, choosing instead to honor three runners-up and to recognize a broader set of works as worthy of distinction. This decision reflected a deliberate emphasis on the expressive power of the photographs, the emotions they evoke, and the skill demonstrated by the participants. The outcome underscored a belief that a compelling Easter cycle can be captured through a range of approaches rather than a single top prize, inviting a broader conversation about what makes a photograph truly stand out during Holy Week celebrations in Benidorm. A selection of photographs from the competition demonstrated varied interpretations of light, shadow, and moment, each offering a glimpse into the city during a time of deep cultural and religious significance. These works collectively highlighted the importance of emotion, commitment, and artistry in contemporary photography, as viewed through the eyes of a city that hosts both tradition and a modern audience.
Among the pieces that drew particular praise were contributions from photographers who explored nuance in light and composition, revealing how personal vision can transform a simple scene into something resonant. The jury noted that the most impactful entries combined technical precision with a genuine emotional charge, creating images that invite viewers to linger and reflect. The award narrative for these pieces emphasized not just their aesthetic quality but also the storytelling and documentary value they conveyed—a reminder that Easter once again provided a fertile backdrop for visual storytelling that resonates with observers across different backgrounds. The selection process acknowledged that a range of techniques, from subtler tonal gradations to bold contrasts, can convey the mood of Holy Week and the festive yet reflective atmosphere of Benidorm during Easter 2022. The overarching message from the jury was clear: photography that captures authentic moments, conveys sincere emotion, and demonstrates artistic integrity deserves recognition, even if it does not culminate in a single first prize this year. The emphasis on emotion, commitment, and art served as a throughline for the works celebrated in this edition, underscoring the jury’s intent to honor quality and impact above every other criterion.
The judging panel for this edition featured respected figures from the local and national photography scene. Rafa Arjones, who oversees photography coverage for Daily Information, brought a practical eye for narrative and reportage. Luis Boyer, the president of the Mediterranean Foundation, contributed a perspective grounded in cultural heritage and regional significance. Matías Pérez Such represented the Frax Foundation itself, ensuring alignment with the foundation’s mission to support artistic endeavors and community engagement through photography. The panel also included a representative from the San Jaime Church parish in Benidorm, serving as president of Benidorm Fraternities, and a member of the Cultural Council of Benidorm City Council, along with a councilor involved in the Fiestas. The mix of professionals from media, cultural institutions, and religious and municipal institutions provided a broad lens on what makes Easter in Benidorm a meaningful subject for documentary and artistic exploration. Their combined insights helped shape a reception that valued both historical imagery and contemporary interpretation, recognizing photographs that speak to shared experiences of holidays, processions, and city life during Holy Week.
This edition marks the first official run of the Easter Photography Award in Benidorm, following a cancellation in the previous year due to the pandemic. The competition welcomed participation from both professional and amateur photographers, inviting a diverse pool of entrants to submit up to five unpublished photographs. The entries could be created using free technique, with options for color or black-and-white presentation, and must have been captured in Benidorm during Easter 2022. The theme centered on Holy Week processions and events, offering a visual chronicle of the city’s religious observances alongside its status as a popular tourist destination. By opening the competition to a wide range of photographers and styles, the organizers aimed to reflect the community’s vibrancy and to document how Benidorm’s Easter celebrations unfold across different neighborhoods and perspectives. This inaugural run established a baseline for future editions, setting expectations for quality, storytelling, and the kind of imagery that best conveys the atmosphere of Easter in this coastal city.