History

Honoring the American intellectual of Hispanic origin who had the greatest impact in 19th Century America.  This national award is named after Felix Varela y Morales.  He was:

  • A Catholic priest of Cuban origin who lived in Philadelphia in 1824
  • Published that year one of the first Spanish-language newspapers in the U.S.
  • “El Habanero” saw the light in Philadelphia, in the craddle of our Democracy and the Free Press.
Contest

The best journalism produced during 2006, 2007 and 2008 in Spanish-language across the 50 states will be recognized, honored and awarded in a ceremony. The prestigious jury will be composed of: 

  • Jorge Castañeda, prestigious Latin American writer and a former Foreign Minister of Mexico
  • Albor Ruiz, Member of the NAHJ Hall of Fame and columnist of the New York Daily News
  • Zita Arocha, professor at University of Texas’ School of Journalism at El Paso
  • Emilio Sanchez, Bureau Chief of EFE News Service in the U.S.
  • The deadline for submissions of work was June 30th, 2008.
Categories
  • Print Journalism
    Any work of any length on any topic that has been published since January 1, 2006, that can be attributed to the journalist seeking the recognition. Submissions must be in Spanish.
  • Digital Journalism
    Any work of of any length on any topic that has been published since January 1, 2006, that can be attributed to the journalist seeking the recognition. Submissions must be in Spanish.
  • Hispanic Immigration Stories (English-language newspapers)
    Any work of any length that illuminates a unique aspect of the immigration debate on the local, regional and national level. All submissions must be in English and published by a newspaper.
Award

$30,000 dollars total.

($10,000 for Print Journalism, $10,000 for Digital Journalism & $10,000 for Hispanic Immigration Stories).
Each of the Winners will receive a Medal with the effigy of Father Felix Varela y Morales.

More Information
Write to AL DIA [FOUNDATION]
1500 JFK Boulevard, Suite 525, Philadelphia, PA 19102
Tel. 215 569 4666 x116
e-mail: felixvarela@aldiainc.com
Submission Form

To submit your work for consideration, please download this form and attach it to each entry you wish to submit.

All entry packages should be sent by U.S. mail and postmarked.

Download Form - 2.6 MB