The City Council of Barbastro has announced the titles of the finalist works for the Barbastro City Literary Contest, setting a participation record with over 1,400 original submissions. This 26% increase compared to the previous edition underscores the international character of the event, which attracts works from various countries.
Participation and Finalist Works
In the novel category, 650 manuscripts were received, of which seven have been selected as finalists: Now That Things Are Going Well for You, The Saint, A Half-Truth, The Darkest Part of the Night, The Noisy Flight of the Dragonfly, Eleanora, and The Right to Remain Still. On the other hand, in poetry, 700 poetry collections competed, resulting in six finalists: Iverness, Junk Mail, Private Darkness, Everything Moving, The Choir of the Dark Shipwrecked, and As Long As I Have a Voice to Call Your Name.
Awards and Publications
The Novel Award is endowed with 20,000 euros and the publication of the winning work by the Galaxia Gutenberg publishing house. Regarding the Poetry Award, the prize amounts to 10,000 euros, with publication by Visor Poesía. These awards not only provide a financial incentive but also a prestigious platform for the selected authors.
Jury and Related Events
The novel jury is chaired by Ignacio Martínez de Pisón and includes figures such as Lara Moreno and Juan Manuel de Prada, among others. In poetry, Aurora Luque leads a group that includes Antonio Lucas and Gioconda Belli. The verdicts will be announced on Friday, May 15, along with other local literary awards.
Additionally, from May 14 to 17, Barbastro will host the fifth edition of the Barbitania festival, which will feature more than 43 participants and 40 activities, including debates, exhibitions, and recitals. This event complements the literary contest, enriching the city’s cultural offering.
Councilor for Culture, Pilar Abad, emphasizes that the growth of the contest reaffirms Barbastro’s prestige in the literary sphere, consolidating its projection both nationally and internationally.
