The piece reflects on the evolution of literary awards in Catalonia, specifically the Sant Jordi award previously given by Òmnium during the Santa Llúcia night. Historically, this award honored writers for their considerable artistic merit, without regards to their political affiliations. However, the article argues that recent years have witnessed a transformation where the focus has shifted significantly towards a celebration and affirmation of Catalan nationalism, overshadowing purely literary accomplishments.

The author invokes the thoughts of literary figure Gabriel Ferrater, who noted the constraints imposed by Catalan nationalism on post-war Catalan literature. This ideological anchoring has seemingly altered the landscape of literary recognition, where works that may embody merit in artistic expression are now invariably linked to political narratives and nationalistic undertones. The awards, which have expanded to include various categories, are thus viewed as platforms for a broader nationalistic narrative rather than pure literary excellence.

Overall, the author raises concerns about the implications of such a shift, questioning whether this dual focus on literature and nationalism dilutes the integrity of literary awards. It poses an essential discourse on the intersection of art, culture, and political identity within Catalonia’s literary scene and investigates how this shaping influences both the creators and the audience of Catalan literature.