History scholars and a celebrated author from a Murcian town—the city council presented an award at the XXXVII City of Narrative Contest, a program supervised by the Ministry of Culture.
The winning story classifies as a moving reflection, titled “All my grandchildren are blond as wheat.” The jury, after reviewing nearly a hundred submissions from across Spain, reached a unanimous decision. The recognition speaks to a broad spectrum of voices gathered from diverse regions, all sharing a common passion for storytelling.
The participants found the moment of recognition particularly uplifting. A prominent librarian and reading advocate commented on the piece, noting its lyric cadence and emotional resonance. Local educators described the text as showcasing notable literary craftsmanship and sensitivity, praising the vivid imagery and evocative language that unfold in the narrative.
Women as heroes
The high quality of the entries compelled the jury to award a second prize to a writer from Cadiz. Although this recipient could not attend the ceremony, the acknowledgment was noted as a meaningful contribution to the evening’s program.
Across the works, a recurring thread centers on women as protagonists. The stories explore themes of loneliness, disconnection, and the inexorable passage of time, all rendered with a candid emotional charge that resonates with readers in contemporary life. The collection presents intimate portraits where female figures navigate momentary fractures and recoveries, inviting readers to reflect on shared human experiences.
Cultural Councilor Amado Navalón reflected on the contest’s long tradition, emphasizing that the event has sustained cultural investment for 37 years. He highlighted the municipality’s ongoing commitment to supporting literature and the arts, noting steady financial backing that helps nurture local talent.
Winner’s Path
The top prize went to a distinguished figure in the literary world, known for a prolific career as both poet and novelist. Throughout the years, the recipient has earned multiple honors, including recognitions named for Vicente Núñez, Miguel Hernández, and José Zorrilla in poetry, as well as awards from Unicaja, Lena de cuentos, José Nogales, Ciudad de Marbella, and Julio Cortázar in narrative prose.
In the realm of novels, the author has achieved notable acclaim with works that have been celebrated by readers and critics alike. Among these are accolades such as the Torrente Ballester prize for a novel translated as Something Happens in the World, and the Fray Luis de León prize for La tristeza del barrio. A recent title, Tiflos, translated as I Will Call You Sadness, received attention for its poignant portrayal and was recommended to readers by organizers and mentors during a post-award discussion.
It was announced that both winning stories will be archived in the municipal magazine Alborada, a traditional practice that began several years ago to preserve local literary history. The presentation is scheduled to take place in the coming days at the Teatro Castelar, with details confirmed by cultural staff and municipal organizers.