Controversy surrounds the Enric Valor prize event in Valencia’s linguistic circles
Ondara’s Jovi Lozano-Seser, recognized for the Valencian-language novel After the morning, before the summer, faced a highly unusual sequence of events at the latest prize ceremony. The Alicante County Council, which administers the Enric Valor award, announced a postponement that disrupted expectations and drew sharp responses from regional literary figures. The ceremony, originally slated for a formal delivery, was described by Lozano-Seser as a pantomime by those organizing it, prompting questions about process and ceremony format. A spokesperson from the County Council said the plan involved a staged moment of recognition, accompanied by a photo session in the deputy chairman’s office and the office of the culture deputy, Julia Parra, before a public moment elsewhere. The arrangement was presented as a ten-minute reception, an official photo, and a street-level public moment.
The prize recipient decided not to attend the planned ceremony. The sense of pride associated with receiving one of the province’s most prestigious literary honors, valued at €20,000, was tempered by the perception of a bureaucratic procedure that overshadowed the achievement. Lozano-Seser indicated that the experience felt more like a resignation to a procedural pantomime than a celebration worthy of the award, which is widely regarded as a premier literary prize in the province and a significant recognition within Valencian-language writings.
Lozano-Seser, who also describes himself as a Valencian speaker, spoke out about feeling outraged by the treatment. He contends that avoiding participation in the ceremonial spectacle amounts to protesting what he sees as marginalization and constraints on the cultural and linguistic heritage associated with Enric Valor. He cautions that the underlying issues reflect a broader pattern of limited transparency and restricted access within provincial cultural institutions. Lozano-Seser pointed to a lack of clear, timely information about the delivery date and questioned whether a more straightforward celebration could have occurred in Ondara or Castalla without sacrificing ceremony or visibility.
There was criticism directed at claims that the morning slot would have better suited the schedule because council staff were occupied. Lozano-Seser characterized such explanations as distractions from a substantive discussion about the integrity of the selection and awarding process. He noted a history of recognition for his work, including appearances beyond the Valencian region and acknowledgments from institutions in the Balearic Islands and Catalonia. In his view, the ongoing discourse around the prize exposes a discrepancy between public pomp and genuine recognition for Valencian-language authors. The discussion includes remarks about the timing and venue, with some observers arguing that a formal gala could have occurred in Ondara or another town in the province while still providing a high-profile public presence, a symphony or equivalent cultural display, and media coverage.
Lozano-Seser criticized the provincial body for what he described as discriminatory conduct tied to linguistic and cultural representation. He asserted that the prize should reflect equal standing for Valencian writers and that the governance of the award has, at times, produced confusion and perceived unfairness. The tension extends to comparisons with other national literary awards, where prize money and publicity have differed significantly, underscoring concerns about equity in how regional honors are administered and publicized. Observers note that the Alicante State Assembly also plays a role in organizing related cultural initiatives, which has prompted discussions about consistency in how awards are presented and celebrated across municipalities and autonomous communities. The debate includes reports of a higher amount offered by a competing program, with some observers pointing to more elaborate ceremonies and broader media exposure, while Enric Valor remains the province’s defining honor with its own distinct value.
In statements from Lozano-Seser and supporters, the criticism centers on transparency and the perceived performative nature of the event. He emphasizes that, as a writer and a native Valencian, the experience has been deeply disappointing and indicative of broader structural challenges facing cultural governance. The sentiment expressed is that the Enric Valor award should crystallize the cultural vitality of Valencian-language literature without becoming entangled in procedural theatrics. The dialogue continues as regional cultural authorities consider how to strengthen the credibility and visibility of their most esteemed literary prizes, ensuring that future ceremonies reflect both the dignity of the authors and the importance of linguistic heritage.