The Deputy Minister of Culture, Andoni Iturbe, along with the Director of Cultural Promotion, Ana López, and the awardees themselves, revealed the names. Iturbe emphasized that these awards aim to recognize the talent of Basque writers, promote their works, and foster critical thinking among readers.
The award for Literature in Basque was given to Ixiar Rozas (Lasarte-Oria, 1972) for her work Narrugorrik. The jury highlighted her literary exploration, search for new forms of expression, and her ability to blend Basque tradition with innovative proposals.
Yolanda Arrieta Malaxetxebarria (Etxebarri, 1963) received the award for Children's and Young Adult Literature in Basque for Zurtz. The jury praised the sensitive approach to themes of orphancy, identity, and loneliness, as well as the narrative richness and careful use of language.
The Illustration of Literary Work award went to Kike Ibáñez Fernández (Donostia, 1980) for El diablo sobre ruedas. The jury commended the artistic and narrative quality of the illustrations, noting how they enrich the text's message and encourage imaginative engagement with waiting times.
The next press conference, announcing winners in Spanish Literature, Literary Translation into Basque, Essay in Basque, and Essay in Spanish, will be held on October 21 at the Montehermoso cultural center in Vitoria-Gasteiz. The award ceremony is scheduled for November 20 at the Basque Museum in Bilbao.
The Euskadi Literature Awards, presented by the Department of Culture and Linguistic Policy of the Basque Government, recognize quality and contribution to literary creation. Each winner receives 18,000 euros, with an additional 4,000 euros if the awarded work is published in another language.
