The mayor of Santander, Gema Igual, will preside over the Gala de las Letras 2026 on Thursday, 19 November, starting at 19:30 at the Teatro CASYC. The event aims to honour literary creation and the contributions of authors.
Residents wishing to attend can confirm their participation by calling 942 200 639 or emailing cultura@ayto-santander.es.
During the gala, awards will be presented for the municipal literary competitions, which this year have a total prize fund of €28,000. Notably, writer Enrique Álvarez will receive the XII Premio de las Letras Ciudad de Santander 2026, recognising his extensive literary career, the uniqueness of his narrative work, and his cultural contributions to the city. The jury unanimously agreed to award him the prize based on a nomination from the Arcadia Association.
This recognition highlights Álvarez's creative journey spanning over five decades, characterised by a distinctive literary voice independent of trends and editorial conventions, as well as a critical and reflective perspective on contemporary society.
Additionally, Adrián Villar Navarro will be awarded for his poetry collection 'Poemas de futuro', while María Isabel Coz Salceda will receive recognition for her story 'Siempre Charlotte' as part of the 45th edition of the José Hierro Awards for poetry and narrative aimed at young people. Accésits will also be awarded to Isabela Madueño Jones in poetry and Diego Bolea Payo in narrative.
Established in 1982 to honour poet José Hierro and promote literary creation among young Cantabrians, these awards have become a significant platform for emerging authors in the region.
Granada poet Nieves Chillón Gázquez will be honoured with the XXX Premio Internacional de Poesía Alegría for her work 'Arqueología del territorio', which explores themes of tradition, memory, and contemporary transformations. Francisco C. Ayudarte, a writer from Motril, will receive the XIX Premio Internacional 'Tristana' for his novel 'El legado ámbar', which delves into family memory through a narrative that combines classic ghost story elements with a socially resonant plot.
For the second consecutive year, awards will also be presented to the winners of the X municipal competition 'Dilo en buen español': Naia Pardo Sañudo and the Sagrado Corazón-Esclavas School. This contest aims to promote the correct and careful use of Spanish among young people, with this edition inviting participants to write an original story themed around 'El Palacio de la Magdalena de Santander'.
