In Alicante, the autumn photography contest in the historic center brought together a vibrant mix of talent and tradition. The jury recognized the striking images that capture the soul of Santa Maria of the Antonia Pentinate and the broader Old Town through a lens that alternates between stark black-and-white and the nuanced tones of urban life. The event highlights the passions of local participants and the enduring appeal of documentary and artistic photography in a city where centuries of streets and façades tell a story at every turn.
Both sides announced the results this Wednesday, celebrating the LAB15 Awards as the three top images were revealed in a tied arrangement. The Housing Council Member, Jose Ramon Gonzalez, joined the occasion to underscore the contest’s long history—fifteen editions and counting—during which more than a thousand photographers contributed nearly twenty thousand images. The organizers emphasize how the contest invites the public to discover more deeply the streets, buildings, and landscapes that define this symbolic neighborhood and reflect the ongoing architectural and urban rehabilitation process that shapes its identity.
Saltoencienfuegos, one of the award-winning visuals, alongside the author’s name, stands as a testament to the careful observation of daily life amid historic settings. Lara Cardenas is noted for the photograph, demonstrating how personal perspective can illuminate the texture of a place without losing its historical character.
In this issue 241, the editors share black-and-white photographs from 125 contributors. Each image aims to convey the essence of the historical center through the medium’s stark contrasts, echoing a collective memory that many residents and visitors feel as they stroll through the neighborhood’s corners and vistas. The selection reflects a broad spectrum of scenes, from intimate street portraits to sweeping architectural studies, all united by a common thread of authenticity and emotional clarity.
Exhibition in the monastery
The autumn photography exhibition opens at the town hall monastery and remains accessible through Christmas until January 6. The display includes 27 photographs chosen for their technical excellence and narrative impact. The winners of this year’s competition, which traditionally begins with a concert by The Liverpool Band at El Claustro, are celebrated as runners-up alongside those selected for their strongest works. The display invites reflection on how light and composition reveal layers of history in the city’s most venerable spaces.
Antonia Pentinate contributes Santa Maria to the collection, showcasing how a single frame can merge cultural memory with contemporary interpretation. The image stands among several powerful works that explore the interplay of light, shadow, and material texture in sacred and secular settings alike.
Among the submissions, works titled Saltoencienfuegos, Santa María, Passions, Art on the Road, Reflections, Sunset in the Neighborhood, and Sustainable Mobility in the Old Town illustrate a wide range of subjects. Other pieces—Three by Three, Shadows, Inside, Inside and Outside, Different Paths, Street Self-Portrait, Street, We Turn, Malu and the Group from Paradise to Alicante XV—represent diverse photographic discourses and perspectives that together create a multifaceted portrait of the Old Town. The contest continues to attract varied interpretations that resonate with residents and visitors who seek to understand how urban spaces shape daily life.