The awards for the latest edition of the Imanol Elías Photography Contest were presented at the Betharram hall in Azpeitia, an event organized by Azpeitiko Argazki Elkartea. The first prize was awarded to Ander Uria for his photograph titled El ruido del silencio, which is currently on display in the exhibition open to the public at the same venue.
The exhibition will be open until April 26. Visitors can attend from Monday to Friday, between 6:00 PM and 8:00 PM, and on weekends and holidays, from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM. The exhibition also features other award-winning photographs from the contest, captured during the past Carnival festivities.
A total of 20 photographers responded to the call from Azpeitiko Argazki Elkartea. Each submitted seven photographs: five in black and white, related to the sokamuturras that took place during the carnivals, and two focused on the unique festive atmosphere in Azpeitia, especially during the Elegante Eguna, when hundreds of people dressed in their finest attire parade through the town's streets.
The jury, composed of Gorka Arregi, Juan Mari Otola, and Santi Elías, all members of Azpeitiko Argazki Elkartea, was responsible for selecting the winning entries. Ander Uria secured the first prize, which included 365 euros and a trophy, for his work El ruido del silencio.
Iñigo Olarte received the second prize, consisting of 235 euros and a trophy, for his photograph Zain naukazu. Meanwhile, Alberto Beloki was awarded 200 euros and a trophy for Zezenaren aurrean. The list of winners in this category was completed with recognitions for Iñaki Etxenagusia for Pase bikoitza (120 euros) and Josu Altzelai for Sokamuturra 5 (80 euros).
Another category in the contest is the Iñaki Joaristi “Altzarte” award, reserved for the photograph that best captures the festive spirit of the Azpeitia Carnival. This year, the honor went to Adiel Zabala for his photograph titled Ate handitik, earning him a plaque and a cash prize of 150 euros.
These competitions are just one example of the intense activity carried out by Azpeitiko Argazki Elkartea throughout the year. In fact, last week also saw the announcement of the winners of the internal 12x12 contest for March. This time, the theme for photography was “Detail of an old building,” and the most voted proposal was submitted by Iñigo Olarte. Second place went to a photograph by Juan Mari Ibarzabal, while Javier Bastida secured third place.
