- Annual celebration every May 17th that pays tribute to the French language and literature.
- The 2026 edition is dedicated to the journalist and writer Begoña Caamaño.
- The origin of the date commemorates the publication of the Galician Songs of Rosalía de Castro.
- The Royal Galician Academy selects authors based on their relevance and the time elapsed since their death.
Every May 17th, Galicia celebrates one of its deepest and most cherished traditions. It's the perfect time for all Galicians to come together and pay tribute to their language and literature , honoring the memory of those who have left an indelible mark on the written word and the soul of this people.
This anniversary is not just an academic reminder, but an opportunity to connect with cultural identity and appreciate the richness of a language that continues to live and evolve. Over the years, the celebration has served to bring to light key figures who might otherwise have been forgotten.
Begoña Caamaño: The protagonist of 2026
For its 63rd edition, the Royal Galician Academy (RAG) has chosen to focus on Begoña Caamaño , a multifaceted woman who excelled in both narrative and journalism. Her selection is not accidental; it comes at a time when there is a felt need to recover a critical and citizen-centered journalism , one that is loyal to the truth and that defends the use of Galician in the media.
Begoña was born in the Calvario neighborhood of Vigo and studied at the IES Alexandre Bóveada. After graduating with a teaching degree, she entered the world of journalism in 1986, working for stations such as Radio Noroeste and Radio Popular, before joining Radio Galega in 1989. There, she not only worked in news but also directed emblematic programs such as Club Cultura and Expreso de Medianoite.
Her social commitment was absolute; she was a staunch defender of human rights and pacifism. Her work extended beyond radio, as she also contributed to publications such as A Nosa Terra and El Sol, and spearheaded the Galician Women in Communication Association, demonstrating that her voice was always at the service of justice and equality.
A feminist perspective on literature
What's curious about Begoña is that she ventured into fiction later in life, specifically at the age of 45. Her first work, Circe ou o pracer do azul (2009), was the beginning of a fascinating project: rewriting classical myths from a feminist perspective, giving prominence to characters who usually remained in the shadows, such as Penelope and Circe.
She later published Morgana en Esmelle (2012), a novel that earned her prestigious awards such as the Ánxel Casal Prize and the Critics' Prize . In this book, she used the figure of Scheherazade and elements from the work of Álvaro Cunqueiro to reflect on ethics and power. Sadly, the author passed away shortly afterward, at the age of 50, leaving unfinished projects about her great-grandmother and new mythological interpretations.
Roots and curiosities of a unique celebration
Many people wonder why it is celebrated on May 17th. The answer lies in 1863, when Rosalía de Castro's work, Cantares Gallegos , was published . This book sparked the Rexurdimento, the Galician cultural revival, and for this reason, Rosalía was the first person honored a century later, in 1963.
For an author to be chosen by the Royal Galician Academy (RAG), there are two basic conditions: they must have created a significant work in Galician , and at least ten years must have passed since their death. However, not all the award winners were born in Galicia; examples include King Alfonso X the Wise and María Victoria Moreno, who was born in Cáceres.
Over these six decades, recognition has been varied. Only twice has a group been awarded: in 1998 to medieval poets and in 2025 to oral folk poetry or cantareiras , recognizing the voices of women like Adolfina and Rosa Casás Rama. Furthermore, since 1991, this day has been an official holiday throughout Galicia.
A look at recent honorees
- 2024: Luisa Villalta, teacher and writer committed to music and poetry.
- 2023: Francisco Fernández del Riego, intellectual and founder of Editorial Galaxia, a key figure in 20th century culture.
- 2022: Florencio Delgado Gurriarán, who brought Galician culture to Mexico after his exile.
- 2021: Xela Arias, poet and translator whose life was captured in a documentary series.
The main event is usually the extraordinary plenary session of the Royal Galician Academy (RAG), generally held in A Coruña, although sometimes it takes place in the composer's hometown. It is common for concerts, recitals, and exhibitions to be organized in various locations to bring the honoree's work closer to the general public.
