Elías Valiña award 2024
Xunta of Galicia has just jointly awarded the XXIV edition of the Elías Valiña Prizeto the Breton Association of Friends of Santiago Compostelle Bretagne and the Fundación San Antón, recognizing their contributions to the revitalization and promotion of the Camino de Santiago. The official announcement was published today (December 2, 2024) in the Diário Oficial da Galiza highlighting these two organizations as the top-ranked candidates. The award, promoted by the Consellería de Cultura, Lingua e Xuventude of the Xunta de Galicia, comes with a prize of €15,000 and is aimed at nonprofit organizations dedicated to preserving and developing the Jacobean Route.
This year, the jury emphasized the “multifaceted and diverse” nature of the Breton Association, acknowledging the scope of its projects and initiatives, including the promotion of 1,500 kilometers of pilgrimage trails connecting Brittany to Galicia. Meanwhile, the Fundación San Antón was praised for its work in the field of hospitality, which embodies the Jacobean traditions of austerity and solidarity. This foundation focuses on restoring and valorizing the ruins of the Castrojeriz convent in Burgos, turning it into a significant landmark for Camino pilgrims.
In addition to the main awards, the jury granted special mentions to two individuals for their dedication to the values of the Camino. Mario Clavell Blanch, a retired teacher from Catalonia who has lived in Santiago for decades, was recognized for his work “Los Caracoles también llegan a Santiago” (The Snails also reach Santiago), where he shares his experience as a pilgrim. Paulo Sá Machado, a distinguished scholar of the Jacobean route in Portugal, also received a special mention for his contributions to research and promotion of the Camino.
The Elías Valiña awards, created to honor entities and individuals who work in support of the Camino de Santiago, mark an important milestone with this 25th edition. Last year, the honors were awarded to the Asociación de Amigos del Camino de Santiago of Santa Cruz de Cuenca and the Asociación de Amigos del Camino de Santiago of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, with a special mention granted to Professor Paolo Caucci for his contributions. This year’s celebration highlights the diversity of efforts and initiatives that keep the essence of the Camino alive.
Source: Cultura de Galicia
