Family members, authorities and friends gathered to recognise a lifetime of more than half a century dedicated to history, archaeology and the defence of cultural heritage in the Baixo Miño region.
Oia, 12 September 2025 – The Monastery of Oia hosted an emotional private ceremony recognising Xoán Martínez Tamuxe, a tireless researcher and key reference in the study of the history, archaeology and heritage of the Baixo Miño.
During the event, held in the Monastery’s Plaza de Armas, family members, institutional representatives and friends of the honouree highlighted his life and intellectual trajectory. Tamuxe, aged 94, has dedicated more than fifty years to historical research and cultural dissemination, making fundamental contributions to the promotion and recognition of Galician heritage.
The ceremony began at 12:00 with the reception of guests and a musical performance by singer-songwriter Su Garrido Pombo. This was followed by a welcome speech from Sarah Barbará, coordinator of the Monastery of Oia restoration project, who then gave the floor to the Mayor of Oia, Cristina Correa. The Director of the Monastery, Xoán Martínez, underlined Tamuxe’s role as a “living voice of the memory of Baixo Miño” before presenting the commemorative gift. Tamuxe received a long standing ovation as a gesture of gratitude and affection.
A life dedicated to research and culture
Born in O Rosal in 1930, Tamuxe developed an extensive career as a writer, researcher and cultural disseminator. He was co-founder of the Tudense Institute of Studies and also served as curator of the Archaeological Museum of Monte de Santa Trega, while collaborating regularly with numerous newspapers and academic publications. Author of more than thirty books and hundreds of articles, Tamuxe has made a decisive contribution to the documentation and protection of the historical, archaeological and ethnographic heritage of the region.
With this tribute, the Monastery of Oia publicly recognises his career and his key contribution to the knowledge of history and cultural identity in southern Galicia.
About the Monastery of Oia Recognition Cycle
Each year, the Monastery of Oia organises an event to honour individuals who, through their work, have contributed to preserving or promoting its history. In this seventh edition, Xoán Martínez Tamuxe joins a list of distinguished figures linked to the heritage and collective memory of the region. Some of the previous awardees also accompanied Tamuxe on the day.
