The Festival recognises Itxaro Borda (Bayonne, 1959) for her prolific career and her contribution to Basque literature. With an extensive body of work spanning nearly all literary genres – novel, short story, and poetry – she is credited with introducing diverse themes and fresh perspectives in her works, particularly as relates to the LGTBIQ+ community. She is also a key figure in the innovation of Basque-language prose. A cultural critic since 1980, she has likewise been involved in numerous literary translation projects.

This year, the Honorary Makila award goes to Argentine writer Leila Guerriero, one of the leading voices in Latin American narrative journalism. Through her intense yet precise prose, Guerriero uncovers subtle nuances, illuminating everyday reality with a sense of wonder and revealing what lies hidden within us.

Both will receive the traditional Basque makila, or walking stick, on Tuesday, 25 February during the opening ceremony of the festival. They will also have the honour of opening and closing the 18th edition of this event dedicated to artistic and literary creation. Leila Guerriero will kick off the auditorium discussions on Tuesday, 25 February in a conversation with Argentine writer, translator, and journalist Rodrigo Fresán. Meanwhile, Itxaro Borda will close the festival on the afternoon of Saturday, 1 March.

Honouring creativity

BBK and Azkuna Zentroa - Alhóndiga Bilbao established this honorary award in 2022 to recognise the creative contributions of key figures in Basque and international literature, which may honour an entire career, a specific work, or a significant cultural project.

The award winners receive an Honorary Makila, a traditional Basque walking stick, as a symbol of respect and recognition. The winners are also given “carte blanche”, which represents an opportunity to propose a project of their choice for the next edition.

Itxaro Borda and Leila Guerriero join the list of other literary figures who have received this award: Miren Agur Meabe  and Theodor Kallifatides (2022); Anjel Lertxundi and Cristina Rivera Garza (2023); and Mariasun Landa and Juan Mayorga (2024).