ASTURIAS CRITIC PRIZES, sponsored by the Culture, Social Communication and Tourism Commission of the Principality of Asturias and Cajastur, were born in Café Apolo, by the year 1999, thanks to Dª Eva Carballo, D. Javier Lasheras, D. Juan Carlos García Villa, D. Jaime Herrero and D. Helios Pandiella initiative, with the aim of recognizing and developing the literature carried out in Asturias.

The best books of born authors or residents in Asturias whose works have been published the year previous to the notice of the meeting are rewarded in each edition.

During the first two years the prize was summoned by Café Apolo. Afterwards, Asturias Writers Association added to this initiative. Finally, after Café Apolo´s closure, it was AEA who stayed in charge of its organization and summons. Besides, until year 2005 Café Apolo was the scenery for the different juries meetings as well as for the literary evenings where the winners where awarded with the sculpture Apolo, created exclusively by Jaime Herrero for this reward.