The award is presented by the Xunta de Galicia to honour the people and institutions that have created exceptional works in the arts, culture, literature, science, or in any other field that is worthy of distinction.

The medal was created and named in honour of writer and politician Alfonso Daniel Rodríguez Castelao.

The date coincides with the return of the remains of writer and politician Alfonso Daniel Rodríguez Castelao from Argentina to Galicia in 1984, which were buried in the Panteón de Galegos Ilustres (Panthenon of Distinguished Galicians), in Santiago de Compostela.

[3] On the front is a cross designed by Castelao, which is inspired by the monumental stone crucifixes found in Galicia.

On a blue background, the motto reads Deus fratresque Gallaeciae (English: God, Brothers and Galicia).