Summary
- Valeria Cano of Orihuela wins the 5th edition of the ’Descubre tu comarca’ contest.
- Her project, ‘Palabras que nos unen’, highlights local dialect words.
- A total of 150 students participated from across the Vega Baja region.
- Multiple awards were given, promoting local culture adn creativity.
Valeria Cano Wins 5th Edition of ‘Descubre tu comarca’ contest
In an inspiring display of creativity and local pride, Valeria Cano, a second-year student at the Colegio Diocesano Oratorio festivo de San Miguel in Orihuela, has emerged victorious in the fifth edition of the ‘Descubre tu comarca, la Vega Baja del Segura’ school contest. Her winning project, titled ‘Palabras que nos unen’, not only captivated the judges but also provided a unique glimpse into the rich dialect and cultural heritage of the Vega Baja area.
A Glimpse into the Project
Valeria’s project features a “dictionary” of more than twenty words from the region’s popular speech. These words are beautifully mapped out across the 27 municipalities of the Vega baja del Segura, each represented with its coat of arms. Key terms highlighted in her work include:
- Escullar - relating to local produce
- alcasil – a regional term
- Lisones – a beloved local dish
- Bleas – traditional local foods
- Camarojas – another popular term
Other expressions explored in her project, such as ‘a casico hecho’, ‘abocar’, and ‘asogue’, reflect the cultural nuances of the area, showing a deep appreciation for the linguistic ties that bind the community together. Valeria expressed her intention, stating, “I wanted to present something original that the judges hadn’t seen before. From a young age, I listened to my family use these words, and I became very interested in them.”
Recognition and Awards
As a reward for her remarkable contribution, Valeria was awarded a laptop. The director of her school, Mabel Berna, proudly emphasized the enriching nature of this initiative, noting that it encourages students to explore and understand the Vega Baja del Segura in depth.
Winners from Other Schools
The contest saw several other talented participants receive accolades:
- 2nd Place: Naiara Talento from IES Antonio Sequeros, Almoradí with ‘Encantos de la Vega Baja del Segura’.
- 3rd Place: Sofía Gutiérrez,IES Antonio Serna,Albatera with ‘Las maravillas de la Vega Baja’.
- 4th place: Mariela Fuentes, IES Thiar, Pilar de la Horadada.
- Honorable Mentions: Five additional participants from various schools received recognition with tablets for their creative works.
Promoting Local Culture
The contest aimed to highlight and promote the cultural, past, and natural wealth of the Vega Baja region. Approximately 150 students from nine localities, including Almoradí, Albatera, and Torrevieja, participated, demonstrating the widespread enthusiasm for cultural education. Additionally, 160 students benefited from informative sessions on local resources and tourism, facilitated by CONVEGA and supported by the Alicante Provincial Council.
Vice President of CONVEGA and Orihuela’s Councillor for Employment and Rural Development, Víctor Valverde, underscored the importance of such initiatives.He stated that these contests not only showcase the richness of the local area but also foster a sense of identity and pride among the youth. Rosa Fernández, director of CONVEGA, also praised the unmatched talent and artistic quality demonstrated by all participants in this year’s contest.
For more details on this enriching cultural initiative, check the full article at Info Vega Baja.