GALICIAN LITERATURE DAY IN VIGO

On May 17, 1863, the printing press of Juan Compañel, located in the heart of the historic district of Vigo, printed the manuscript of Cantares Gallegos, a work by Rosalía de Castro. This beautiful book of poems—which you cannot miss—written in Galicia’s own language, marks the beginning of the “Rexurdimento” or cultural renaissance of Galician, after many centuries away from writing and formal record, although it had been the language of kings and troubadours in the Middle Ages.

In memory and honor of this literary milestone, every May 17, at the proposal of the Royal Galician Academy of Language, Galicia pays tribute to the person who stands out for their contribution to our language, which today is co-official with Spanish. The promoter of this initiative was a Vigo-born (by adoption) writer: Francisco Fernández del Riego, connected to the Galaxia group, one of the most significant cultural industries in Vigo at the end of the last century.

This year is dedicated to Begoña Caamaño Rascado from Vigo. Begoña worked at Radio Galega, where she hosted cultural programs and championed ethical and committed journalism. As a writer, she left us unforgettable works such as Circe ou o pracer do azul (2009) and Morgana en Esmelle (2012), awarded prizes like the Ánxel Casal and the Galician Narrative Critics’ Award.

Although she left unfinished projects, her literary and cultural legacy continues to be a reference in Galician literature and an inspiration for new generations.

Choose your book and Happy Day!