Celebrated Catalan poet Josep Piera has died, leaving a significant legacy in Catalan literature. Piera received the prestigious Premi d’Honor de les Lletres Catalanes in Barcelona in 2023. He was known for his evocative writing rooted in the Valencian landscape.

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The news of his passing emerged in April, though the exact date was not specified. Piera’s home in La Drova, near Gandia in the Valencian Community, served as a renowned literary refuge for decades. He described his residence as “a Greece without temples,” a hub for poets, artists, and intellectuals.

The author of the source article visited Piera twice in 2023. The second visit on 5 June 2023 occurred shortly before Piera travelled to Barcelona. He accepted the Premi d’Honor de les Lletres Catalanes there. Piera expressed his appreciation for the award. He stated it was beneficial “especially for his spirits, because environmentally and politically, the situation was not one to celebrate.” This remark referenced the political climate in the Valencian Parliament. Right-wing and far-right parties had recently secured a majority there.

Josep Piera’s literary career spanned decades. It marked him as a pivotal voice in contemporary Catalan poetry. His work often explored the natural world, particularly the landscapes surrounding his home. He famously described the mountain sounds during storms as “Wagnerian storms.” He said “the thunder resonated like stereophonic drums due to the echo.”

A Literary Refuge in La Drova

Piera’s home, designed by poet Gaspar Jaén, featured high ceilings and a labyrinthine layout. Windows framed views of the valley between Mondúver and Buixcarró mountains. It was a lived-in space, filled with books, photographs, and memories. He shared it with his wife, Marifé Arroyo, a respected teacher. Arroyo, recovering from a fall, could not attend the Premi d’Honor ceremony in Barcelona. Piera often likened himself to “the kite, of course, always flying, always with his head and thoughts free, always a poet.” He called his wife “the string, who every now and then brought him back down to earth.”

Piera’s residence in La Drova became a legendary gathering place for literary figures. It attracted a diverse array of writers, politicians, and artists. All were drawn to the poet’s unique vision and the inspiring surroundings. The house, painted a striking yellow, reflected Piera’s vibrant personality and his deep connection to his environment. He once wrote of the journey to La Drova. He described it as “connected to Gandia by a road that crosses a mountain pass, a valley transformed into an infinite orange grove.” This imagery underscored his profound bond with the Valencian landscape.

The Premi d’Honor de les Lletres Catalanes

The Premi d’Honor de les Lletres Catalanes, awarded by Òmnium Cultural, stands as one of the most significant recognitions in Catalan literature. The ceremony, held at the Palau de la Música Catalana in Barcelona, celebrates individuals who have made outstanding contributions to Catalan culture. Piera’s receipt of this award in 2023 highlighted his enduring influence. It also showed the widespread appreciation for his poetic oeuvre across the Catalan-speaking territories. Young poets, whom Piera affectionately called “the young ones,” regarded him as a guiding light and a mentor. They planned celebrations in his honour following the award announcement.

Piera’s Published Works

Piera continued to publish extensively throughout his life. At the time of the author’s second visit, he had recently released Canvi de rumb. Els fantàstics setanta, 1975-1979 (Change of Course. The Fantastic Seventies, 1975-1979). This memoir followed an earlier volume titled Els fantàstics setanta (The Fantastic Seventies). Another notable work, Ací s’acaba tot (Here Everything Ends), originally published in 1993, saw a revised reissue by the Cap de Brot publishing house in 2025. These works collectively showcase Piera’s versatility and his commitment to documenting his life and times through literature.

Josep Piera’s passing marks the end of an era for Catalan letters, but his extensive body of work will continue to inspire future generations. His legacy, deeply intertwined with the landscapes of La Drova and celebrated in cultural centres like Barcelona, ensures his place as a cherished voice in the literary canon.

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Originally published by VilaWeb Feed. Read original article.