9 d’Octubre Prize Winners – Meridià Zero Association and Sant Sebastià Commission

As part of the town’s celebrations for October 9th, Valencia Day, the town hall in Xàbia presents special awards to individuals, groups or associations which have made significant contributions to the local community. Previous winners have included renowned local authors Juan Bautista Cardona Bas and Pepa Guardiola, the ISVH Balcón al Mar association, Cine Jayan, the Brotherhood of Jesús Nazareno, the Spanish Cancer Association, the Fiesta Commission Mare de Déu de Loreto and the musical group Romàntica del Saladar.

For 2024, the winners of the 9 d’Octubre Vila de Xàbia Awards are two local groups which have stood out for their contribution to the community, the Asociación Meridià Zero, known for its tireless work in scientific dissemination, and the Comisión de Fiestas de Sant Sebastià, recognized for its dedication to the organization and recovery of this most traditional fiesta which honours the town’s patron saint.

The Asociación Meridià Zero is a non-profit organisation which was founded in 2009 and has been a driving force in the promotion of scientific knowledge in the town and across the Marina Alta as a whole. Through its activities, conferences and other projects, this association has managed to bring science closer to citizens, promoting interest in topics as diverse as astronomy, mathematics, etc. In addition, it edits the local magazine ‘Daualdeu’, the oldest in the town, which has already reached its 25th edition, becoming a reference for scientific dissemination in the Valencian language.

The Comisión de Fiestas de Sant Sebastià has played a crucial role in the preservation and promotion of local traditions. This commission, formed by a group of residents, has organized the festivities in honor of Sant Sebastià, patron saint of Xàbia, doing everything possible so that the roots and traditions are not lost and that the figure of Sant Sebastià as patron saint of Xàbia has prominence in the local fiesta calendar. In the past, fiestas were celebrated around Sant Sebastià, and the recovery of this devotion has been one of the main goals of the association.

The granting of these awards is a recognition of the selfless work and positive impact that both groups have made in Xàbia and will be presented in a formal ceremony on at 6.30pm in the church square on Wednesday 9th October, the Día de la Comunitat Valenciana.