The Consell de Mallorca has held the ceremony for the 2024 Awards, Honours, and Distinctions, recognising 17 individuals and entities for their contributions to the island in an event that marks the culmination of the Diada de Mallorca celebrations. This year, the international artist Miquel Barceló has been named Favourite Son of Mallorca, while six Medals of Honour and Gratitude and ten Jaume II Awards have been awarded to individuals and organisations who have left a mark on the island’s culture, society, and history.

Honouring the heroes of Mallorca

The President of the Consell de Mallorca, Llorenç Galmés, led the ceremony held at the Teatre Principal de Palma, attended by over 600 people. In his speech, Galmés highlighted the importance of these individuals and organisations as “unsung heroes who make Mallorca a unique land”. The event was hosted by actress and comedian Llum Barrera and featured musical performances by Jaume Anglada, Carolina Cerezuela, and Maria Jaume.

2024 Medals of Honour and Gratitude

The Medals of Honour and Gratitude were awarded to individuals and organisations that have significantly contributed to the cultural and social development of the island:

  • Abdón Prats Bastidas: Footballer for Real Club Mallorca, a key player in the team’s success during the 2023-2024 season.
  • Ca Madò Bet dels Siurells: Family-run siurells workshop with over 100 years of tradition.
  • EAPN-Illes Balears: Network of NGOs fighting against poverty and social exclusion in the Balearic Islands.
  • Pollensa Music Festival: Internationally renowned since 1961, hosting world-class musical performers.
  • Remigia Caubet: Pioneer sculptor in Mallorcan contemporary art and the first woman to join the Royal Academy of Fine Arts of San Sebastian.
  • Aranzadi Science Society: For its work in the conservation of scientific and cultural heritage and its involvement in exhumation processes.

Miquel Barceló: Favourite Son of Mallorca

The prestigious Mallorcan artist Miquel Barceló has been named Favourite Son of Mallorca. Barceló, with an international artistic career, has brought the name of the island to the forefront of contemporary global art. His works can be enjoyed in iconic places on the island such as Es Baluard Museum, the Pilar and Joan Miró Foundation, and the Cathedral of Mallorca.

2024 Jaume II Awards

The Jaume II Awards recognise the promotion of Mallorca’s historical symbols and culture. This year’s winners are:

  • Anegats: Mallorcan music group celebrating 30 years of career.
  • Mallorca Industrialists’ Association (ASIMA): For its 60 years of contribution to the island’s business development.
  • ELA Balears Association: For raising awareness of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
  • Baltasar Bibiloni Llabrés: Composer and choir director noted for promoting choral singing in Mallorca.
  • Carmen Planas Palou: President of the Confederation of Business Associations of the Balearic Islands (CAEB), the first woman to hold this position.
  • Camp Mallorquí Cooperative: For its support of local agriculture and preservation of agricultural traditions.
  • Melicotó Company: A project that promotes island culture through creative products.
  • Gerhard Grenzing: Renowned European organist who has restored Mallorca’s organ heritage.
  • Gustavo Peñalver Vico: Painter who has made a lasting artistic impact on the island since his arrival in 1946.
  • Valentes Dones: Women from Sóller recognised for their historical role in defending the island in 1854.

In his speech, Llorenç Galmés emphasised the need to continue strengthening the Consell de Mallorca as “the true institution of self-government” on the island, calling for consensus on key issues such as the transformation of the tourism model and sustainable mobility. He also called for “urgent measures” to support unaccompanied migrant minors.