The winner of the poetry book competition will be awarded a prize of 7,000 euros and will see their work published by Pre-Textos. The announcement of the winner will take place on May 8 during an event that will include a performance by the renowned artist Martirio, accompanied by musician Raúl Rodríguez. The International Poetry Prize ‘City of Estepona’, organized by the City Council, has set a new record with 2,321 works submitted in its fifth edition, surpassing last year’s entries by about 300. The overwhelming response underscores the growing importance of the competition, which has quickly become one of the most prestigious on the national stage. The award continues to attract significant interest from both local and international poets, with submissions received from across Spain, Latin America, and Europe. Established in 2021, the literary contest stands out for its generous prize money and partnership with renowned Spanish-language publisher Pre-Textos. In addition to the cash prize, the winning work will be published by Pre-Textos, a publishing house known for its association with acclaimed authors such as Francisco Brines, Anne Carson, and Louise Glück. Mayor José María García Urbano emphasizes the City Council’s dedication to promoting cultural initiatives and positioning the city as a hub for significant artistic projects. He also highlights the importance of fostering literary creation through various awards and competitions. Contest director, poet, and writer Alejandro Simón Partal, notes that the Estepona poetry prize has quickly become a coveted award among Spanish-language authors worldwide. The international recognition of the prize is further enhanced by the diverse range of educational activities and public events organized around it, aimed at promoting literature and enriching the city’s cultural fabric. Following the submission deadline, the jury will now begin the review process. The winner will be announced on May 8 during a ceremony at the Felipe VI Auditorium, featuring the concert ‘La Travesía’, with Martirio and Raúl Rodríguez. Free invitations for the event can be obtained from April 21 at the Mirador del Carmen Cultural Center.