This is the maximum distinction in the field of literature in the Castilian language, and is awarded to Spanish and Spanish American writers whose work has made an outstanding contribution to the literary heritage in the Spanish tongue.
Granted by the Ministry of Culture and endowed with €125,000, the list of laureates since 1975 bears witness to the importance of this award. It includes such eminent names as Jorge Luis Borges, Rafael Alberti, Miguel Delibes, Mario Vargas Llosa and Camilo José Cela.
The prize is awarded on 23 April –the date of the death of Miguel de Cervantes– by their Majesties the King and Queen of Spain, and represents the public recognition of the writer's career.