Pontevedra is set to host the 5th edition of the oral storytelling contest ‘Bótalle un conto’, aimed at promoting the Galician language. The registration period is open until November 5, with interested individuals encouraged to fill out the form available at apuntate.pontevedra.gal or contact via phone at 651 720 350 during business hours.
The preselected proposals will participate in a public final on December 12 at 7:30 PM, hosted by Atenea García. The top four storytellers will receive prizes, including dinners for two or vouchers for books and materials in Galician.
Demetrio Gómez, the city’s Councillor for Language Normalization, introduced the contest alongside Mar García Vendrell, the project coordinator. The initiative aims to celebrate and highlight the Galician-speaking community in Pontevedra, foster intergenerational participation, and showcase the richness of local dialects.
Gómez emphasized the unique nature of the contest, stating, “It is the most important storytelling contest we have in Pontevedra, and I would say in the entire country, due to the audience it attracts: not just those who listen, but those who tell the stories.” He called on residents to share the tales they grew up hearing.
Mar García Vendrell noted that last year saw 54 participants, predominantly women aged between 46 and 90, with an average age of 75. This year, efforts will be made to engage younger participants, particularly through outreach in schools and universities.
The contest will also include a second phase where stories will be recorded in various social centers across Pontevedra. Each story must be no longer than four minutes and told in Galician. A jury of professional storytellers will select the ten stories that will compete in the final.
For more information and to register, participants can visit apuntate.pontevedra.gal or call 651 720 350 during the specified hours.
