On December 11th and 12th, Vigo, Spain, became the center of the natural stone industry, hosting the event “Stone and Light: A Journey into the Present and Future of Natural Stone.” The event was organized by Stonegal, in collaboration with Xunta de Galicia and Clúster de la Piedra. For two days, architects, designers, educators, industry professionals, and experts from Spain and abroad exchanged ideas, learned, and laid the foundations for cooperation and the development of the industry.
The Precious Heritage of Galicia
The first day was dedicated to visits to quarries and production units in Galicia, a region known for its rich natural stone deposits. Participants toured the Blokdegal and FLGRANITES quarries, visited the LEMMAR GRANITE facilities in Salceda de Caselas, and concluded their day at Granitos de Atios S.A.
The evening closed with a dinner at the historic Palacio de la Oliva, under the glittering lights of the city of Vigo. It was a celebration moment, honoring the art and tradition of processing natural stone.
Discussions on Innovation and Sustainability
The second day took place at the MARCO Museum, where more than 60 participants gathered to exchange ideas and discuss the future of the industry.
The speeches and panels focused on the unique value of granite, marble, and slate from Galicia, both as materials for architecture and design and as part of the cultural heritage. Special emphasis was placed on the sustainability of natural stone, which stands out for its authenticity and ecological advantages over synthetic materials.
Among the speakers were Marisa Carrio (Focus Piedra), Pascualino Pietropaolo (Confindustria Marmomacchine), Yiannis Galanis (Stonenews.eu), and architect and influencer Lydia González. A key point in the discussions was the role of communication in promoting natural stone, with a focus on creating a strong narrative identity that highlights its uniqueness and significance in modern design.
Stonenews.eu was present, participating in this exciting journey that has just begun.
Countdown to Stonegal 2025
The event marked the starting point for the upcoming Stonegal 2025 exhibition, scheduled for June 3-5, 2025. It was not only an opportunity to review the challenges and opportunities of the industry but also a celebration of the resilience, creativity, and prospects of natural stone.
