On 9 October 2026, the Valencian Academy of the Language and historian Mateu Rodrigo Lizondo received the Valencian of the Year Awards from the Huguet Foundation during a ceremony at the Castellón City Hall, coinciding with the 9 October celebrations for the Valencian Community Day.
The event also featured the presentation of the Gaetà Huguet Award to the film L'invasió dels bàrbars, directed by Vicent Monsonís. Attendees included Castellón's mayor, Begoña Carrasco, president of the Huguet Foundation, Vicent Sales, and other municipal officials and award recipients.
During her speech, Carrasco expressed gratitude for the work of the Huguet Foundation, stating, "9 October is also an unmissable occasion to recognise those who contribute to our culture and language." She emphasised that the awards serve as a reminder of the cultural significance of Castellón de la Plana as a reference point in the Valencian Community.
Vicent Sales highlighted the importance of the awards, saying, "Today, on the day of all Valencians, we gather in this city hall to present the Gaetà Huguet Award and the Valencian of the Year Awards, which are the most visible expressions of the Huguet Foundation's commitment to Valencian culture and society."
Valencian academy's 25 years of contribution
The Valencian Academy of the Language was recognised for its 25 years of work in promoting the Valencian language through scientific rigor, dialogue, and normalisation efforts. Carrasco noted that Castellón de la Plana, where the Norms of 32 were signed, is an ideal setting to honour an institution that symbolises political consensus. "Valencian is the language of everyone and a key part of our identity," she remarked.
Rosa Agost, vice president of the Academy, pointed out that in its first 25 years, the Academy has established its normative authority, provided essential resources for the Valencian language, and significantly contributed to its preservation and cultural projection.
Mateu rodrigo lizondo's historical research recognised
Mateu Rodrigo Lizondo received the Valencian of the Year Award for his contributions to understanding medieval Valencian society. Carrasco highlighted the significance of his work, especially in a year marking the 750th anniversary of the death of Jaume I and the 775th anniversary of the Privilege of Transfer of Castellón. "Thanks to his rigorous work, we can understand our institutions and the origins of our people," she stated.
Lizondo expressed his gratitude to the Huguet Foundation, the City Council of Castellón, and his friends in the city, particularly thanking Elena Sánchez Almela, president of the Castellonense Society of Culture, for her support.
Film award for cultural promotion
The film L'invasió dels bàrbars received the Gaetà Huguet Award. Carrasco noted that being filmed in Valencian makes it a valuable tool for promoting the language, stating that efforts for the normalisation of Valencian in cinema deserve recognition. She described the film as a reminder of the tragedy of the civil war and a tribute to those who survived it.
Vicent Monsonís, the film's director, asserted the quality of Valencian cinema, stating, "We want to show that our culture and language have the same quality as any other, and we are committed to producing films that can compete at the same level as any Spanish, European, or American film."
In conclusion, Carrasco congratulated the award recipients and reaffirmed the commitment to continue supporting Valencian culture and language, stating, "Today, 9 October, from Castellón, alongside the Huguet Foundation, we renew our dedication to fostering a wiser, fairer, more united, and freer Valencian society."
