The recent Cervantes Prize Luis Mateo Díaz is already an Adopted Son of Madrid for his “unique look at the portrait of the capital”, a recognition approved unanimously in the last Cibeles Plenary Session and which was formalized this Wednesday by the mayor, José Luis Martínez-Almeida, coinciding with the celebration of the patron saint of the capital, San Isidro.
The distinction has been awarded for his “irreplaceable contribution to the greatness of Spanish letters” and his “attachment to the city”, and his work as an official of the capital Consistory for years has been highlighted.
“I can assure you that I am a grateful son, may God repay you and take it into account. Madrid is the capital of glory. “I’m sure I will be a good son, one of those who doesn’t cause trouble,” the winner claimed during his speech.
In his speech, he recalled what it meant for him to arrive in Madrid in the early 60s, “with his soul in suspense”, but “without worry” and “to stay”. “He came because he was orphaned by urban love and knew that Madrid could adopt me before anyone else,” he noted.
Likewise, he has evoked his role as an official in the capital and has praised the officials “who help so much to manage reality and services.” “No matter how much my head was full of unrealities,” he added.
“I don’t think anyone can doubt the literary and academic merits that adorn Luis Mateo to make him worthy of this honor,” praised the Culture delegate, Marta Rivera de la Cruz, in the plenary session.
The last title of Adoptive Son of Madrid approved by the City Council was last November, when the Cibeles Plenary Session approved this recognition, posthumously, for the painter Joaquín Sorolla.