The BBVA Sant Joan Award, a testament to BBVA's commitment to Catalonia

The BBVA Sant Joan Award for Catalan Literature is a benchmark in the cultural sphere. Created in 1981 by the social work of Caixa Sabadell, it has continued with the support of BBVA. Furthermore, with the aim of promoting new generations of Catalan-language writers, the bank and the Fundació Antigues Caixes Catalanes have announced the creation of a specific category for writers up to 35 years of age for the 46th edition.

After learning that Aida Sunyol was the winner of this year's award for her debut novel, "Mercromina," the writer met with BBVA's country manager in Spain, Peio Belausteguigoitia, where they both agreed on the importance of promoting education and culture as drivers of social development. In this regard, Belausteguigoitia emphasized that "the BBVA Sant Joan Award for Catalan Literature reflects BBVA's commitment to regional balance and its involvement in Catalan society and culture." This closeness, she emphasized, "as the second-largest bank in Catalonia in terms of branches, allows us to meet the needs of families, institutions, and businesses and play an active role in society."

"Being the second largest bank in Catalonia allows us to serve families, institutions, and businesses, and to be an active part of society."

The financial institution's collaboration in this award is "one more expression of BBVA's strong support for the projects of the foundations of the former Catalan savings banks, not only in the fields of education and culture, as in this case, but also in social inclusion, sustainability, and entrepreneurship," he added.

Sunyol expressed pride in the recognition received among the 99 works presented in this 45th edition. "Winning this award is a great honor, considering the stature of the writers who make up the long list of winners." Some are established, others are new, and many of them have received other accolades. The award thus becomes a platform for visibility and international exposure, with nearly 2,500 works presented in its 45-year history.

Belausteguigoitia emphasized that the writer "is a clear example that there is, has been, and will be a great deal of talent in the world of Catalan literature."