The first edition of Stonegal, the international natural stone fair held this week at the Vigo Exhibition Institute (IFEVI), reached one of its most memorable highlights with the celebration of the Stone Gala—an evening that publicly recognized the talent, commitment, and accomplishments of key figures in the industry.
The Stone Gala took place in a landmark quarry in the municipality of O Porriño and served as the setting for the Stonegal Awards, which honored excellence in architecture, business, public service, and regional engagement with the granite sector.
Antonio Palacios Architecture Award: Eduardo Souto de Moura
Renowned Portuguese architect and 2011 Pritzker Prize laureate Eduardo Souto de Moura received the Antonio Palacios Architecture Award, the most symbolic recognition of the evening. This award paid tribute to the famed Galician architect and celebrated natural stone as a language of architecture.
Souto de Moura had long embraced stone as a central expressive element in his work, known for its precision and strong connection to place. Projects such as the Monastery of Santa Maria do Bouro, the Casa das Histórias Paula Rego, and the Braga Stadium showcased his distinctive ability to blend history, material, and modernity.
The award was presented by Alejandro Lorenzo, Mayor of O Porriño.
Lifetime Business Achievement Award: Octavio Ramilo Portela
The late Octavio Ramilo Portela was posthumously honored for his lifelong dedication to the industry. A pioneer in incorporating industrial technology into granite processing, he founded the company Ramilo, which became a training ground for professionals and a cornerstone of Spain’s modern granite sector.
His heir received the award, which was presented by José Manuel Nogueira, Institutional Director of ABANCA.
Lifetime Commitment to Public Service Award: Luís García Florido
With more than 40 years of public service in mining administration, Luís García Florido was recognized for his deep commitment to advancing the industry through public policy. His work played a key role in the evolution of the Galician granite sector toward a modern, industrial, and export-oriented model.
The award was presented by José González, Regional Minister of Employment, Commerce, and Emigration of the Xunta de Galicia.
Territorial Recognition Award: Municipality of O Porriño
The Municipality of O Porriño received the Territorial Recognition Award for its historic role as the “cradle of the granite sector.” Its strong institutional involvement in the economic and industrial development of natural stone has established it as a strategic reference in Europe.
The award was accepted by Mayor Alejandro Lorenzo and presented by Alejandro Miras, Executive Director of Stonegal.
“The Stone Gala was a celebration and a tribute to those who made it possible for Galicia and its natural stone to gain international recognition. It also reflected the sector’s deep commitment to its history, its people, and its future,” said Alejandro Miras, Director of Stonegal.
